Memorandum: A Discussion in Reference to Equality of Opportunity in State Government, and a Request for Qualified Negroes to Be Employed in State Governmental Agencies and Departments on an Equal Basis with Other Citizens, October 27, 1961

NORTH CAROLINA STATE CONFERENCE OF BRANCHES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCE: ENT OF COLORED PEOPLE Subject: A DISCUSSION IN REFERENCE TO EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN STATS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT, and A REQUEST FOR QUALIFIED NEGROES TO BE EMPLOYED IN STATE GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS ON AN EQUAL BASIS WITH OTHER CITIZENS. To: HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, TERRY SANFORD From: NORTH CAROLINA STATE CONFERENCE OF BLANCHES, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF/COLORED PEOPLE Presented by Kelly M. Alexander, President / Jr / / / JT Governor Sanford: We consider it a very high honor to be given this opportunity to meet with you and words are inadequate to express our sincere and deep appreciation. / Permit me to say, we appreciate your dedicated, able and / inspiring leadership and it is our opinion that you have an appreci- ation for the struggle the Negro is making in this state for equality of opportunity for all. / There exists in North Carolina racial discrimination in employment. In industry and government Negroes are not employed on an equal basis with other citizens. Certainly, no form of racial discrimination should be permitted to stand in the path to prevent Negro workers from taking their place, upon a basis of equality, merit and ability, in our expanding economy. An examination of the status of Negro workers in state government clearly substantiates the fact that the State of North Carolina is not making full use of