Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Letter to Editor
February 5, 1960
Arizona Tribune
Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona
What is this article about?
A long-time Phoenix resident criticizes the Urban League's ineffectiveness in the Black community, particularly under director Alton Thomas for failing to hire Black staff and provide real help, and agrees with Rep. Carl Sims on the need for better-paying jobs for Black residents.
Clipping
OCR Quality
99%
Excellent
Full Text
Dear Editor:
I have lived in Phoenix for 15 years. No organization has been as unheard in this town as the Urban League. Once an executive secretary did attempt to go among his race and earnestly try to help them. He resigned and in his place came Mr. Alton Thomas. For ten years Mr. Thomas has certainly not won many friends and influenced many people. He had an opportunity to hire a member of his own race as his office secretary but instead a white woman got the job.
I wonder how long this can go on in a fast growing town like Phoenix. The Phoenix Urban League has made a name in the north end of town, but where we live it is nothing.
I agree with Representative Carl Sims that Phoenix Negroes need some jobs with fat pay checks so we can afford those ham and cabbage dinners.
Interested Reader
I have lived in Phoenix for 15 years. No organization has been as unheard in this town as the Urban League. Once an executive secretary did attempt to go among his race and earnestly try to help them. He resigned and in his place came Mr. Alton Thomas. For ten years Mr. Thomas has certainly not won many friends and influenced many people. He had an opportunity to hire a member of his own race as his office secretary but instead a white woman got the job.
I wonder how long this can go on in a fast growing town like Phoenix. The Phoenix Urban League has made a name in the north end of town, but where we live it is nothing.
I agree with Representative Carl Sims that Phoenix Negroes need some jobs with fat pay checks so we can afford those ham and cabbage dinners.
Interested Reader
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Critique
Persuasive
What themes does it cover?
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Urban League
Phoenix
Alton Thomas
Racial Hiring
Black Jobs
Carl Sims
What entities or persons were involved?
Interested Reader
Editor
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Interested Reader
Recipient
Editor
Main Argument
the phoenix urban league, led by alton thomas, has failed to effectively help the black community, including by not hiring black staff, and better job opportunities with higher pay are needed for black residents.
Notable Details
Lived In Phoenix 15 Years
Previous Executive Secretary Resigned After Trying To Help
Alton Thomas Directed For 10 Years Without Influence
Hired White Woman Instead Of Black Candidate For Secretary
Agrees With Rep. Carl Sims On Need For Fat Paychecks For Ham And Cabbage Dinners