Letter sent to President Richard Nixon by Jackie Robinson

ent ea host SEA HOST, INC., 477 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 (212) PLaza 5-9300 Subsidiary of Proteus Foods & Industries, Inc. February 21, 1969 The President HF The White House Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. President: Your letter of February 14 was very encouraging. I am sure you know how disappointed I was, that in good conscience, I could not support you in 1968 for President. As a Black American I was and am very much concerned about men like Strom Thurmond. It was this fear that caused me to take my stand. If we are to build together, we must establish a communication that says to Black America, we have not succeeded in the past but we are going to do our best in the future. You must then bring in more men with reputations like Jim Farmer; men whom the masses of Black people respect; men who will not sell the community out for personal gains. Too frequently, people in responsible positions feel that the person to call on is the individual who will not rock the boat; the individual who will tell the "boss" things that sound good rather than those things that have meaning not only to the "boss" but to the total community. I hope future appointments will be those who will "tell it like it is" so that the masses of the people will know you want their respect. Yours is not an easy position but most certainly it is not one that cannot be dealt with openly and honestly. Since most Americans want a better America, and because we have been divided as a nation too long and, if as you indicate, there is a sincere desire to bridge the gap, we have passed the first obstacle. What is needed now is the tools to reach the public. Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum The President - 2 - February 21, 1969 I don't know what I can do to help but please be assured I would be most willing to cooperate. We can no longer afford a collision course. Your letter says you want to do what's right, not for Richard Nixon, but for America. As I said, your letter was most encouraging. I hope there is a way I can be of service in bringing about a better understanding. I would consider it an honor to work with you in this area. I will tell you as honestly and openly as I can, how I feel, and what the community feels. Sincerely, Jacke Jackie Robinson Robensn JR:mw Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum