Letter to President Carter recommending Rev. Maurice Dawkins for a presidential appointment on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)., 7/26/1978

Abernathy, Ralph David Folder Citation: Collection: Carter White House Central Files: Series: Name Files; Folder: Abernathy, Ralph David: Container 5 Rev. Mavoice Dawkins 777 14th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 202 638-6005 (0) 202 638-1459 (H) July 26, 1978 The Honorable Jimmy Carter President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President: I am writing to recommend to you the Rev. Maurice Dawkins for a Presidential Appointment to a vacancy on the Equal Employment poportunity Commission. I have known Rev. Dawkins for more than twenty yeares. He is a member of my congregation under "Watch Care" even though he works in Washington, D.C. as the Governmental Relations Representa- tive for my friend, Rev. Leon Sullivan. Through the years Maurice Dawkins has demonstrated his total commit- ment to the cause of human rights, equal justice under the law, and equal economic opportunity. At this time in America's history when aggressive implementation of affirmative action plans as outlined by your administration is a priority for all of us, we need a man like this on the Commission. There is no doubt in my mind that the legal members of the Commi- sion make a special and unique contribution. However, at this time when mobilization of the religious resources of the churches is necessary to win the hearts and minds of the American public and enlist the lay people of the church as "laborers in the vineyard," a minister of the gospel with a civil rights activist background can be extremely valuable. Beyond this, Mr. President, I know that Rev. Dawkins' work as a State Commissioner in California for Intergovernmental Relations and as Assistant Director for Civil Rights of the Office of Economic Opportunity has given him a combination of skills that would enable him to do a most effective job on behalf of your administration and the nation. I urge you to give his appointment your serious consideration. I am, Sincerely yours / Ralph David Abernathy CC Rev. Maurice Dawkins