26 march 1968 & washington urban league's crusade for democracy

#OTD 26 March 1968 The Washington Urban League discussed the launch of its 1968 Crusade for Democracy campaign and membership drive held on Sunday 24 March at the Presidential Arms Hotel (1320 G St, NW). The 1968 Crusade for Democracy was created to act on the recommendations of the Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, officially released on March 1st. 

In particular, the WUL focused on getting African Americans and whites together to talk and learn from each other. WUL started planning a summer program that would bring teenagers together for art and culture in the city. WUL was also seeking 1,000 volunteers, especially whites, to enact this and other programs. Since the report blamed racism for an unequal society, WUL believed it was incumbent upon whites to commit to working to upend racism.

Sterling Tucker, executive director, Luke C. Moore, membership drive chair, and colleagues increased their membership from 17,000 to 18,300.

Your comments are welcome below. Were you a member of the Washington Urban League? Did you work or volunteer there? Who else worked at WUL? Did you participate in the summer program? Do you remember the Presidential Arms Hotel? You may comment privately here.

 Source for pin back button. c1960s.
"Whites Asked to Aid Ghetto," Washington Post 20 March 1968.
"Urban League Begins Drive, Signs 1,300," Evening Star 25 March 1968.
Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders 1968. (intro)