Letter from Nelson J. Williams, Jr., to President Gerald Ford Suggesting Bicentennial Programs that Include the Contributions of Black Americans

3 sg GENERAL March 29, 1976 HolB* PR8-1 ME Dear Mr. Williams: Huz President Ford has asked me to reply to your letter of January 7. The President appreciates your sharing your views with him, and welcomes your thoughts on this important matter. You are perhaps aware by now that there are a number of Black-oriented Bicentennial programs in existence or in the planning stage across the country. The contributions of Black Americans to this Nation's progress are being given proper emphasis as the Bicentannial Anniversary programs unfold. There was a special focus during the month of February in connection with Black History Month. I enclose a copy of the Presidential Message on/Black History Month. I also thought you'd like to have a copy of the Presidential Message on the Bicentennial, which I enclose. All of us in the Administration are enthusiastically and actively supporting programs which point up the significant role Blacks have played in building America. Again, thank you for your interest and concern. Sincerely, FORD & LIBRARY GERALD JOHN CALHOUN Special Assistant to the President x Mr. Nelson J. Williams, Jr. Warren Hall, Room 247 Carbondale, Illinois 62901 RECEIVED Enclosure MAR 31 1976 CENTRAL FILES THE WHITE HOUSE R.HUNT March 12, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: FROM: MILT JOHN MITLER CALHOUN that John, I think you should answer the attached letter from Mr. Nelson J. Williams, Jr. As you know, there are a number of black oriented Bicentennial programs now in existence or in the planning stages. The important factor is that people create programs, which is the manner in which the Bicentennial is being commemorated nationally. Thanks. Attachment (Ltr. fr. Nelson J. Williams, Jr./Corbondale, Illinois) FORD & LIBRARY GERALD JAN 9 1976 TM/SD Dear her. President, lasted In the C3wa upcoming /W10502 Bicen trumal Celebra. relfo tun, a frar that the cen In butures Vw I my Black year people will MY be Left out. 9 fail the celebration will be meemplak, as indeed shell noll shes, Relaw of , timell America will be incemplak, as long as Nambon seme the cenrage and willing urss to sacrifice 1 sener 9 her /3VWR people continues to so unrecog vized. sming Them nell are sunit NI They Crispus Attucks who Ground lad the men struck At. Jown in the infamens Boston massacre, of alway as Her was the first not to fall; snow Prines Whipple clearly visible in the front 9 g washing this boat is the partrait I his crossing 7 He DE laware River; BERALD FORD MBRARY Brijamin Banarler Banneker, who mapped DI Washing ten, D.C ad put the streets in alpha arer e MAC behial order; the 6,834 not noo Q2/Mr and 3) R Camma world giimogy all it ( the invistand black soldlers will net jomes my g. washing not Rib hay l . hro Wel 300 Min elfaze leasi ten at Jalley Forge; as many others. 633 Swi is 3rd Uw 7 am urging you to do all in your an therity to make sure that these ad to and rs stelfneau rd him wine 301 fines of New failter Two lonne sill STADY many other black palnots will net have shruggled in vain. To allow them of elperoned P Rins % go un vensumbered leaves Aurnian history incomplete. Its time that was corrected. weith animal 635W NW6 Nums new self Gel ow Whith singling It snews an willood ell tab us go forward to the wext 200 your 9 would apprecals illal any feed ell back sow or ideas p viry is station puners you hare on this matter. and f vistrog It : the yours oh ERADO new sund S mount Nalsemful Draws apple ? thems elt they low I.O NELSONNY WILLIAMS JR