A Final Push for National Legislation: The Chicago Freedom Movement

摘要: Chicago's predominantly black West Side erupted in violence on Tuesday, July 12, 1966, over a fire hydrant being turned off by police ninety degree heat. Because of de facto segregation, children had access to only one public swimming pool; therefore, they sought cool themselves using the city's hydrants. Turning hydrants for cooling purposes probably started Chicago when city first introduced them. In any case, it become tradition established countless generations prior 1966. As soon as departed, residents again opened hydrant. Apparently determined show their authority, returned and illegally again. Shortly thereafter, neighborhood into violence. By Friday that week, two people been killed, about eighty injured, policeman shot, four hundred arrested, mostly young teenagers. The damage businesses property exceeded half million dollars. Mayor Richard J. Daley requested mobilization National Guard from Governor Otto Kerner order quell riot. fact such minor incident involving sparked revealed existence underlying problems Chicago. Forty days later, opposing groups community leaders convened meeting Monroe Room Palmer House, famous downtown hotel. Two influential individuals led separate groups; Dr. Martin L. King Freedom Movement (CFM) Although met with mutually agreed upon agenda paper, each group held different ideas what should be accomplished. wanted verification right all African-Americans purchase housing choice, thus relieving pressure overcrowded ghettos affected white communities discontinuation month long nonviolent demonstrations conducted CFM throughout area, blacks would kept neighborhoods past. When Daley, man who peace restored Chicago, King, nonviolence, emerged ten hour meeting, both felt reasonably good However, resulting agreement, which contained no guarantees or schedules compliance, drew criticism segments community. was unaccustomed criticized anybody he ruled an iron hand. Nonetheless, citizens Northwest Southwest sections challenged his dictatorship picketed Mayor's office, claiming sold out Daley.1 supposedly upper hand entering negotiations; Meyer Weinberg, teacher civil rights activist, won nothing signing agreement.2 Weinberg also assumed signed agreement excuse bail Chicago.3 Chester Robinson, leader Organization (WSO), activist group, grumbled King.4 Robert Lucas, chairman Congress Racial Equality (CORE), not invited participate summit thought represented but promises paper.5 Albert Raby, Coordinating Council Community Organizations (CCCO), alliance seventy-five groups, other activists attended best could get.6 Considering complaints received previous agreements made Birmingham St. Augustine, reproachful reaction seemed normal. possibility wider further avoidance never enter minds those publicly stated opinions. …