Letter, Adam Clayton Powell to DDE

Date: March 28, 1957

Created By: Adam Clayton Powell

Original or Replica: Original

Era: The Presidency

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 614, OF-142-A Negro Matters-Colored Question (4); NAID #12175863

In this March 28, 1957 letter, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. urges President Dwight D. Eisenhower to use the presidency to promote racial and religious harmony in the United States. Powell refers to an invitation Eisenhower had received from a group of southern Black leaders to travel South and make a statement aimed at easing racial tensions. Although Powell personally disagrees with that particular proposal, he argues that Eisenhower should consistently use his speeches and press conferences to encourage Americans to stand together and improve relations among different racial and religious groups.

Powell emphasizes that violence and persecution were occurring within the United States, not merely behind the Cold War’s “Iron Curtain.” He describes religious leaders being arrested, houses of worship being bombed, and American citizens facing physical violence. Powell calls upon Eisenhower to publicly address these conditions and demonstrate that the federal government recognized the seriousness of the problem. He argues that sustained presidential statements could have a positive influence and give hope to millions of Americans by showing that the nation’s chief executive was personally concerned about racial and religious violence. The letter reflects growing pressure on Eisenhower to provide stronger public leadership on civil rights.