1108 West Shiawassee Street 

Lansing, 15, Michigan 

April 26, 1960 

Dear Clement Carney, William Larkins, Henry Steele, John Broxton, Angela Nance, Barbara Broxton, Priscilla and Patricia Stephens,

After reading Patricia's letter in the April Core-lator, I was moved to write you this letter because I know how important morale is at this troubled time. I want you to know that many people in all parts of the country and especially Lansing, Michigan are in sympathy with your courageous stand and wish that we could be down there with you, helping to fight on the real [battleground].

Back in 1950, I was fortunate to be in one of CORE's Interracial Workshops in Washington, D.C. At that time the restaurants in D.C. were not open to everyone and we chose that area as our focus. We tried negotiation and when that failed, and stand-in at a cafeteria, Sholl's, in the heart of downtown Washington. We were arrested, tried, and found guilty. At that time CORE felt that we should not serve a jail sentence and paid our fines, although many of us, especially we whites, felt that carrying out the jail sentence would be more profitable. Since that time, D.C. has changed its policy and its restaurants are open to all. The time will come when the same will be said of every city in the country, including Tallahassee.

The fight here in Lansing still continues, although on the more subtle levels of housing and isolated businesses. One of the latter which we are working on at present--don't laugh--a reducing salon. Since we have an FEPC here in Michigan, discrimination in employment us being uncovered and, backed by law, eradicated, although some areas like airlines pilots and stewardesses are still tough to crack. The real problem here is housing, and my husband and I are hoping to help if only to sell our home to Negroes when we move to Cambridge, Mass. in the fall.

There will come a time when people can just be people without color. We are raising our children in this tradition of brotherhood--not the bragging "Some of my best friends are--" kind of Brotherhood Week stuff but the real, often quiet, genuine friendliness and love between people that overrides superficial differences. And sometimes this starts with a sit-in or a picket line or a law. More power to you. We are boycotting up North but that is easy--you are waging a real battle and we are grateful. 

Sincerely, 

[Signature] Cynthia Kelley

(Mrs. Douglas) Cynthia Kelley