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Secondly, in addition to a milieu imbued with a new impetus of
uncommon tenacity, the masses should not have been alarmed at
the announcement of the ALA Black Caucus formation because ALA
had been sufficiently forewarned of the frustration among African
American members. In recounting the history of the Black Caucus,
Lisa Biblo documented the influence that expressions of concern
by librarians had within the ranks of the association.3 E.J. Josey
wrote that "the seeds for establishment of the Black Caucus were
sown during the 1930's and 1940's when a few blacks attending
meetings of ALA met over meals to share common concerns."4
In 1936, ALA voted not to meet in cities where black members
would not receive treatment equitable to that of whites. Another
landmark move was ALA's effort to desegregate state chapters by
mandating that there should only be one chapter in each state.5
Hearing the voices of the increasingly disenfranchised, ALA commissioned
an access study in 1963. Its purpose was to examine segregation
at southern public libraries and the inequities at other public
libraries.6 Conclusions confirmed the existence of discriminatory
practices and a lack of support for librarians who may have challenged
the existent institutional racism. Although impressive on record,
these initiatives were not supported by a declarative statement
by ALA that segregation was not permissible under any circumstances.
According to Biblo, "the lack of speed and enthusiasm for the
cause of integration of the southern state chapters and libraries
led black librarians to wonder about the commitment the ALA had
to its members."7
Sadly, during the sixties, in the minds of many ALA members,
those gains of the past by African American librarians were progressive
enough. Fortunately, for African American librarians, there were
leaders amongst us who were the "reactionaries" needed to facilitate
the much needed change.
Impatience gave rise to acumen of empowerment and in 1970 during
the mid-Winter meeting, E.J. Josey invited a group of African
American librarians to meet as other groups had met in the 30's,
40's, 50's, and 60's. The agenda was focused and unequivocal:
To assess the Association's responsiveness to the needs of its
African American membership. The deliberation was provocative
and inspiring; and the resolution was swift and astounding. As
Josey observed at the time, "We tried to work within the general
framework of ALA" and it was "decided that ALA would not adequately
respond to the needs of black professionals and that the Black
Caucus would give professional black librarians a chance to take
control of their professional destinies."8
The ensuing "Statement of Concern" was entered into the Record
of the Association American Libraries reported the historic event:
"Virginia Lacy Jones, at large, asked to have the new business
entered from a group calling themselves the Black Librarians Caucus.
There was no objection from Council and she yielded the floor
to Effie Lee Morris for a background statement."9 The statement
was later followed by a seven part "Program of Action" developed
by the Caucus Planning and Action Committee chaired by Thomas
Alford. This action plan was endorsed in 1971 and became the guiding
principles for the embryonic but proud and determined Black Caucus
of the American Library Association.
For a quarter of a century, the Black Caucus has remained diligent
in its mission. Two sources of its strength have been exemplary
leadership and a continuous agenda which has successfully monitored
and addressed pertinent societal developments.
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