July 17, 1967

On July 13, 1967, the Youth Council of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People awarded an award for “most distinguished service in the fight for freedom” to the Milwaukee NAACP Youth Council. One of the main things they had been fighting for was the integration of the Eagles Club and the passage of a Fair Housing bill by the aldermen. On July 17 and 18, the NAACP Youth Council picketed the homes of aldermen who refused to support Vel Phillips’ fair housing ordinance.

Closeup of the article:

Questions for reflection:

1. Milwaukee Public Library Microfilm Collection, Microfilmed by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

1. About how many members of the NAACP Youth Council picketed outside the alderman’s house on Monday, July 17, 1967?

2. When the NAACP members protested at Adlerman Maslowski’s home, what did he call the 24-year-old Youth Council president?

3. What are the connotations behind the use of this word? How did Fred Bronson, the Youth Council president, probably interpret the intent behind that label?

4. To what extent do you think that the words we call each other matter? Explain your answer.

5. The alderman promised to vote against any fair housing proposals and, according to another article in that paper, “defended the ‘right’ of homeowners who refuse to sell to Negro buyers.’ Can you infer from his actions and words why he might not be in favor of a fair housing proposal?

“Back to the Streets…After Two National Awards.” Milwaukee Star, July 22, 1967. Milwaukee Public Library Microfilm Collection, Microfilmed by the Wisconsin Historical Society.