Document 18: Letter from Alice Paul to Rev. Olympia Brown, 6 March 1921, National Woman's Party Papers, 1913-1974, Library of Congress (Microfilm (1979), reel 7).

Document 18: Letter from Alice Paul to Rev. Olympia Brown, 6 March 1921, National Woman's Party Papers, 1913-1974, Library of Congress (Microfilm (1979), reel 7).

Introduction

       Alice Paul took strong exception to Freda Kirchwey's Nation article. She wrote this letter to an important NWP leader to assure party members that she was not racist. The recipient of the letter, Rev. Olympia Brown, had been a member of the Advisory Council of the Congressional Union and a prominent member of the National Woman's Party.  Alice Paul believed her support was important. This dilemma surrounding the convention illustrates Paul's precarious position. Paul had to appeal to both northern and southern women within the party.

                    March 8, 1921

Rev. Olympia Brown
329 Dolphin Street
Baltimore, Md.

Dear Reverend Brown:

       I am writing to say that all of the statements made by Miss Kirchwey in the Nation concerning our treatment of the colored women are incorrect. As soon as possible we will have a letter correcting these statements sent to the Nation and I will send you a copy of the letter.

                    Very sincerely yours,

                    [Alice Paul]

                    National Chairman

AP EH

PLEASE SEND ALL MAIL IN THE FUTURE TO ROOM 421, BOND BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C. TEMPORARILY HEADQUARTERS OF THE NATIONAL WOMAN'S PARTY.


 
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