Stories From the Civil Rights Movement - Mother Wit At Work
Following the march on Washington DC in August of 1963, Martin Luther King was at the height of his prominence during the Civil Rights Movement. Although it began as a…
Mother Wit at Work - Fresno, California June 1, 1964
Following the march on Washington DC in August of 1963, Martin Luther King was at the height of his prominence during the Civil Rights Movement. Although it began as a predominantly black movement, many more people of all colors were beginning to join arms. On June 1st,1964, King led 1,000 people on a march to Radcliffe Field in Fresno, California. 2,000 more gathered to hear his speech.
At the time there was no Internet or email communication to alert people about the upcoming event. It took the volunteer work of a group of black women who met after work each day to stuff, stamp and mail out notifications to a growing list of supporters. CJ recalls that her mom joined this group of black activist to assist in the mail campaign.
CJ had a unique perspective of this historic march. As the white daughter of a World War II veteran and a church choir director/activist mom, she was just becoming aware of her parents’ views on civil rights.
As march day drew closer, her mom became adamant about including CJ and her two sisters in this event.
Now, Fresno was not the most liberal California town. There were great tensions between businesses and unions. Between the agri-business and the workers. Between the whites, blacks and hispanics. The marchers were prepared to meet violence with nonviolence. After watching news clips of the brutal treatment of civil rights marchers in the south, this group of black activist realized they were at risk. And there was a risk for anyone standing with them. So, after leaving their children home, they were shocked to see their white sister show up with her three little daughters, dressed in their Sunday best.
“Girl this is no place for your babies. You had better bring them home before they get hurt!”
The choir director stood her ground. Always an outspoken, independent woman, small yet of fearless stature, she grabbed her girls by the hand and joined the crowd.
According to CJ - If there were hostile people jeering at the marchers, as a four foot tall 10 year old, she never saw them. All CJ remembers seeing to the front, to left and to the right were the strong, substantial rears of black women, creating a fortress of protection for her and her sisters.
Brave, resourceful Black women. Adjusting to potential calamity. On-the-fly. Another example of mother wit at work.
“Big Mama”, carving by Buddy Jones - April 2021
Article by Andre James
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