Documents belonging to Clarence Mitchell Jr. and the NAACP Washington Bureau
In the annals of American history, few names resonate as profoundly with the struggle for civil rights as that of Clarence Maurice Mitchell Jr. Known as the '101st U.S. Senator', Mitchell dedicated nearly three decades of his life to advocating for equality and justice, primarily as the chief lobbyist for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The documents detailing Mitchell's storied career, along with his personal papers, offer the most comprehensive record of his success in persuading the Legislative Branch to align with the Judicial and Executive branches in the quest for civil rights protections. These documents, housed in the Library of Congress's NAACP Washington Bureau collection, provide a fascinating insight into the legislative process that led to the passage of various civil rights acts.
Mitchell's tireless campaign on Capitol Hill was instrumental in securing the passage of several landmark civil rights acts. He was present at the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a pivotal moment in American history, and was also present at the White House when President Lyndon B. Johnson put his signature to the act.
Among the acts he helped secure were the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Civil Rights Act of 1960, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968), and another Civil Rights Act in 1964. These acts, collectively, marked a significant shift in American society, dismantling Jim Crow laws and paving the way for a more equitable nation.
After his retirement, Mitchell continued to contribute to the discourse on civil rights, writing a Sunday editorial column for The Baltimore Sun until his death in 1984. Additional information about his life and work can be found at http://www.clarencemitchellpapers.org/.
The personal papers of Clarence Mitchell, held by his family and others, are also part of the record of his civil rights advocacy. These papers, along with those at the Library of Congress, provide a comprehensive account of Mitchell's role in the civil rights movement.
Interestingly, SUNY, Old Westbury is mentioned in the context of Mitchell's career, though the exact connection remains to be clarified. Regardless, the legacy of Clarence Mitchell Jr. continues to inspire, his unwavering commitment to civil rights serving as a beacon of hope and change.
The documents in the NAACP Washington Bureau collection at the Library of Congress, encompassing approximately 45,000 items and occupying 83.2 linear feet of shelf space, offer a testament to the NAACP's relentless pursuit of justice within the government, and to Mitchell's pivotal role in that struggle. The collection stands as a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the civil rights movement and the legislative battles that shaped America's journey towards equality.**
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