July 22, 1967

The Civil Rights Movement was made up of many individuals and groups working for change, and not everyone agreed on what should be done or how to do it. In this editorial, Walter Jones talks about criticism of the NAACP Youth Council.

Questions for reflection:

1. Not all Milwaukee residents agree with the NAACP Youth Council’s actions. What are their reason for criticizing the NAACP?

2. The author argues that “unthinking black men and women” are trying to stop the NAACP. Why do you think that the author calls critics “unthinking?”

3. What do you think is more important: to keep things calm or to move toward social justice? Provide an explanation for your answer.

4. What is the author’s opinion about the role of the NAACP Youth Council? What have they stopped from happening?

5. How can working for change help those who are protesting?

“Straight Facts.” Walter Jones, July 22, 1967. Milwaukee Star, Page 1. Milwaukee Public Library Microfilm Collection, Microfilmed by the Wisconsin Historical Society.