January 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, January 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
John F. Kennedy typed letter signed ''John Kennedy'' as President, who here faces a delicate Civil Rights issue early in his Presidency. On White House stationery dated 28 March 1961, JFK writes to New Jersey Congressman Hugh J. Addonizio, who had written the President two weeks earlier when one of his constituents, a black woman, was denied lodging in South Carolina while attending the Civil War Centennial Commission. Kennedy writes, ''Thank you for your letter of March 14th in connection with the Civil War Centennial Commission's Assembly scheduled for April 11 and 12. I want you to know that I wrote the Chairman of the Centennial Commission on March 14th requesting that the Commission, as an official body of the United States Government, take action assuring that the arrangements for its Assembly meet the standards of nondiscrimination set forth by our Constitution. I agree with you that it is contrary to public policy for agencies and officials of the United States Government to sponsor meetings where the members may be discriminated against in any way by reason of their color or race.'' Kennedy finishes the letter by adding a handwritten postscript, ''the matter now seems to be better.'' However, according to an article in the 6 May 1961 edition of ''The Richmond Afro-American'' entitled ''What It's All About,'' Kennedy's request was apparently rebuffed: ''...Russia successfully put a man in outer space at the same time that America unsuccessfully tried to get a colored woman in a South Carolina hotel...'' the article reads. Instead, a Confederate flag was raised at the South Carolina State House during the event. Single-page letter measures 7.25'' x 10.25''. In near fine condition with just a smudge to the end of Kennedy's note. Transmittal note from the White House Mail Room is stapled to the upper left corner. From the family of Congressman Addonizio's secretary M.M. Sullivan. With a COA from PSA/DNA.
John F. Kennedy Letter Signed as President, Regarding Civil Rights -- ''...the standards of nondiscrimination set forth by our Constitution...'' -- With Autograph Postscript by JFK & PSA COA
Click above for larger image.