CIVIL DISORDER - The Kerner Report, Part 2 (1968)

Year Published: 1968

Description: A Plea for Dignity 00:00:05 The speaker expresses disagreement with the moderator and Reverend Robinson, stating that they want an agreement to live or die by, and demands to be heard after being ignored many times. 00:00:27 The speaker challenges the audience's perception of him as a vagabond leader and asserts his knowledge of the situation, urging them to listen to his appeal for Black people. 00:00:48 The speaker appeals for America, stating that while they love the country, the audience's actions are driving them back and making them into stamps, leading to their downfall. 00:01:32 The speaker questions if asking for human dignity is too much and challenges the audience to aim their guns if this request warrants being shot to death. 00:01:53 - 00:02:59 The Kerner Commission Report 00:01:53 The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders reported that the United States is becoming two separate countries, one white and affluent, the other black and impoverished. 00:02:15 The report condemned black power as contributing to white racism but asked white Americans to stop blaming black people and start blaming their own system, aligning with a central thesis of black power philosophy. 00:02:37 The report pleads with white America to reverse the tide of racial division, but white reaction to black violence and nationalism suggests the country is heading towards apartheid. 00:02:59 - 00:06:08 Black Nationalism and Freedom 00:02:59 Russ Meek advocates for black people to develop their own culture and community, free from white interference, and asserts that they are not asking but stating how things will be. 00:03:41 A student questions whether the continued violence will lead to the 'second alternative' for black Americans, implying death, given the strong statements made by Mr. Meeks and Mr. Lucas. 00:04:23 Mr. Meeks responds to the question about violence by stating that while people can kill black individuals, they cannot kill the freedom of black people, which is inevitable. 00:05:26 He reminds the audience that the country was founded on revolution and that black people have fought in every war without gaining freedom, declaring that the current struggle will bring freedom. 00:06:08 - 00:10:12 Pistol Training for Suburban Women 00:06:08 A grandmother, fearful of civil disorder, attends pistol training, highlighting the polarization of American society. 00:07:14 Housewives in Dearborn, Michigan, an all-white city bordering Detroit, are learning to use guns, with instruction offered by the city's public recreation department. 00:09:09 One woman expresses her determination to be prepared for another riot, stating she would shoot anyone who threatens her home. 00:09:30 Another woman dislikes the idea of shooting people but acknowledges that if necessary, one must do what is required. 00:10:12 - 00:14:55 Fear and Self-Protection in Rochester 00:10:12 Rochester, a community 25 miles north of Detroit, remains untouched by riots but residents express fear and apprehension despite their isolation. 00:10:53 Residents are worried about potential unrest, with some considering arming themselves due to concerns about crime and the perceived lack of effective government intervention. 00:12:21 A group of men has been meeting to seek official status as auxiliary police or deputies, aiming to build a formal citizens' public safety corps to address their concerns. 00:13:50 The county sheriff disapproves of the group, particularly their emphasis on carrying guns, and advises them against taking to the streets if trouble arises. 00:14:55 - 00:18:27 Racial Tensions and Calls for Self-Defense 00:14:55 The Black population in Pontiac is sensitive to reports of towns planning tank purchases and arming veteran groups, leading to anger and fear. 00:15:36 The speaker points out the hypocrisy of white state representatives encouraging arming while a Black representative doing the same would face imprisonment for inciting riots. 00:16:19 The speaker questions why racial tensions are seen as new in 1968, given generations of experience, and expresses frustration with the sudden demand for communication. 00:17:03 The speaker discusses the very real possibility of genocide and the determination of Black people not to passively accept such a fate, contrasting it with the perceived passivity of Jews during the Holocaust. 00:18:27 - 00:23:31 The Cost of Justice and Urban Decay 00:18:27 The estimated cost for housing, education, welfare, and job programs is eight to ten billion dollars annually, a figure Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has long advocated for. 00:19:55 Dr. King argues that a deficit from investing in justice and freedom is preferable to one caused by an unjust war, suggesting an additional $10 billion could transform the nation's climate and instill hope. 00:20:59 The commission report emphasizes that government spending alone is insufficient, requiring help from the business community, a strategy already implemented in anti-poverty programs like the one in Bedford-Stuyvesant. 00:22:42 Bedford-Stuyvesant, with 90% Black residents and no new hospitals or high schools since 1950, experienced riots in July 1964, marking the beginning of the "long hot summers." 00:23:31 - 00:25:43 Robert Kennedy on Bedford-Stuyvesant 00:23:31 Senator Robert Kennedy states that the situation for the average individual in Bedford-Stuyvesant is probably worse after the riots. 00:23:54 Kennedy expresses understanding for the disillusionment with government and society that might lead someone to participate in a riot, though he believes violence is a mistake. 00:24:38 He believes existing anti-poverty and welfare programs have not been as effective as they should be, partly due to higher expectations. 00:25:00 Kennedy suggests that the situation in New York is worse than in other cities because of disorganization, making it more critical for action to be taken. 00:25:43 - 00:28:32 A New Bipartisan Program 00:25:43 A new bipartisan program, spearheaded by two non-profit corporations, the Bedford Stuyvesant Corporation and Development and Services, aims to combat urban poverty by attracting private investment and implementing training and development programs. 00:26:25 The renovation of 404 story buildings on Halsey Street created jobs for 272 unskilled, unemployed residents, providing tangible proof of progress and hope to the community. 00:27:05 The second corporation, Development and Services, includes prominent Wall Street figures like Roswell Gilpatrick, who believes the program will primarily benefit the unemployed and those needing training, while ultimately improving the entire community. 00:27:47 Gilpatrick emphasizes that local problems require local solutions and that communities cannot always wait for government intervention, highlighting the importance of private enterprise in filling the gap. 00:28:32 - 00:31:00 Bedford Stuyvesant Program 00:28:32 A program is underway to demolish an abandoned milk bottling plant and construct a community complex with meeting rooms, office space, and daycare centers. 00:28:54 The Bedford Stuyvesant program, combining private and government funds, could be a national model for slum regeneration, but its success in reversing decay is uncertain. 00:29:15 Sonny Carson, leader of Brooklyn CORE, is not optimistic about the program's success, stating that black people need to be allowed to do things on their own for any real change to occur. 00:30:18 Despite setbacks like owners demanding inflated prices for vacant lots, work has progressed, with rehabilitated housing and green spaces expected by 1970 or 1971. 00:31:00 - 00:33:03 Addressing Grievances and Unemployment 00:31:00 The primary grievances are dissatisfaction with police handling and high unemployment rates, especially among non-white youths. 00:31:20 The Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) addresses unemployment through increased manpower and on-the-job training programs, using federal and private funds. 00:31:42 Reverend Leon Sullivan, founder of OIC, was honored for his work, recalling his past selective buying campaign against job discrimination. 00:32:23 Reverend Sullivan's selective patronage campaign successfully increased the representation of colored people in sensitive industry jobs, but highlighted the need for preparation to fill these roles. 00:33:03 - 00:35:59 OIC's Approach to Empowerment 00:33:03 OIC focuses on reaching those most in need, emphasizing the crucial role of recruiters in motivating individuals to seek training and employment. 00:33:48 The organization guarantees job placement after free training, with a significant part of its program dedicated to attitudinal training alongside skill development. 00:34:32 The speaker challenges the notion of inherent laziness, arguing that a lack of positive role models and ambition contributes to a cycle of disempowerment among some communities. 00:35:15 OIC aims to help individuals overcome feelings of being "beaten down" by fostering a sense of pride in their heritage and identity, which eliminates the need for hatred and promotes self-respect. 00:35:59 - 00:39:26 Creating Jobs and Community Development 00:39:05 The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating jobs beyond just helping individuals find them, leading to the development of Progress Plaza. 00:39:26 - 00:43:57 Addressing Unemployment and Racial Inequality 00:39:26 The Riot Commission calls for immediate action to create 2 million jobs over three years, including 300,000 in private business, to address unemployment in the ghetto. 00:40:03 Whitney Young explains that a credibility gap exists due to historical and deliberate exclusion of Black individuals, which can only be closed by conscious inclusion from the business community. 00:40:59 Young argues that creating jobs for everyone is achievable, referencing past government initiatives like the WPA, and criticizes the excuses made about skills and motivation for not hiring Black people. 00:43:11 Young believes businessmen are receptive to his ideas because he frames the issue as a reality situation rather than a moral appeal, emphasizing that Black citizens have learned the message of "liberate me or exterminate me." 00:43:57 - 00:55:14 The Director's Perspective on Systemic Change and Violence 00:43:57 The director of the National Urban League acknowledges being part of the system, not seeking to violently overthrow it, but engaging with the establishment to secure jobs for his community. 00:45:34 He clarifies that while he works within the system, he is not a pacifist and would advocate for violence if he believed it could lead to victory, but currently sees it as an unsound tactic in the US. 00:48:14 He criticizes the lack of concern for American lives lost in civil unrest compared to the resources allocated for rebuilding other countries, advocating for similar investment in American citizens. 00:50:28 Author James Baldwin reflects on reports of civil disorders, highlighting the willful ignorance of many citizens regarding the reasons for black people's struggles and their desire for basic human dignity and peace.

Complete Record: A Plea for Dignity 00:00:05 The speaker expresses disagreement with the moderator and Reverend Robinson, stating that they want an agreement to live or die by, and demands to be heard after being ignored many times. 00:00:27 The speaker challenges the audience's perception of him as a vagabond leader and asserts his knowledge of the situation, urging them to listen to his appeal for Black people. 00:00:48 The speaker appeals for America, stating that while they love the country, the audience's actions are driving them back and making them into stamps, leading to their downfall. 00:01:32 The speaker questions if asking for human dignity is too much and challenges the audience to aim their guns if this request warrants being shot to death. 00:01:53 - 00:02:59 The Kerner Commission Report 00:01:53 The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders reported that the United States is becoming two separate countries, one white and affluent, the other black and impoverished. 00:02:15 The report condemned black power as contributing to white racism but asked white Americans to stop blaming black people and start blaming their own system, aligning with a central thesis of black power philosophy. 00:02:37 The report pleads with white America to reverse the tide of racial division, but white reaction to black violence and nationalism suggests the country is heading towards apartheid. 00:02:59 - 00:06:08 Black Nationalism and Freedom 00:02:59 Russ Meek advocates for black people to develop their own culture and community, free from white interference, and asserts that they are not asking but stating how things will be. 00:03:41 A student questions whether the continued violence will lead to the 'second alternative' for black Americans, implying death, given the strong statements made by Mr. Meeks and Mr. Lucas. 00:04:23 Mr. Meeks responds to the question about violence by stating that while people can kill black individuals, they cannot kill the freedom of black people, which is inevitable. 00:05:26 He reminds the audience that the country was founded on revolution and that black people have fought in every war without gaining freedom, declaring that the current struggle will bring freedom. 00:06:08 - 00:10:12 Pistol Training for Suburban Women 00:06:08 A grandmother, fearful of civil disorder, attends pistol training, highlighting the polarization of American society. 00:07:14 Housewives in Dearborn, Michigan, an all-white city bordering Detroit, are learning to use guns, with instruction offered by the city's public recreation department. 00:09:09 One woman expresses her determination to be prepared for another riot, stating she would shoot anyone who threatens her home. 00:09:30 Another woman dislikes the idea of shooting people but acknowledges that if necessary, one must do what is required. 00:10:12 - 00:14:55 Fear and Self-Protection in Rochester 00:10:12 Rochester, a community 25 miles north of Detroit, remains untouched by riots but residents express fear and apprehension despite their isolation. 00:10:53 Residents are worried about potential unrest, with some considering arming themselves due to concerns about crime and the perceived lack of effective government intervention. 00:12:21 A group of men has been meeting to seek official status as auxiliary police or deputies, aiming to build a formal citizens' public safety corps to address their concerns. 00:13:50 The county sheriff disapproves of the group, particularly their emphasis on carrying guns, and advises them against taking to the streets if trouble arises. 00:14:55 - 00:18:27 Racial Tensions and Calls for Self-Defense 00:14:55 The Black population in Pontiac is sensitive to reports of towns planning tank purchases and arming veteran groups, leading to anger and fear. 00:15:36 The speaker points out the hypocrisy of white state representatives encouraging arming while a Black representative doing the same would face imprisonment for inciting riots. 00:16:19 The speaker questions why racial tensions are seen as new in 1968, given generations of experience, and expresses frustration with the sudden demand for communication. 00:17:03 The speaker discusses the very real possibility of genocide and the determination of Black people not to passively accept such a fate, contrasting it with the perceived passivity of Jews during the Holocaust. 00:18:27 - 00:23:31 The Cost of Justice and Urban Decay 00:18:27 The estimated cost for housing, education, welfare, and job programs is eight to ten billion dollars annually, a figure Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has long advocated for. 00:19:55 Dr. King argues that a deficit from investing in justice and freedom is preferable to one caused by an unjust war, suggesting an additional $10 billion could transform the nation's climate and instill hope. 00:20:59 The commission report emphasizes that government spending alone is insufficient, requiring help from the business community, a strategy already implemented in anti-poverty programs like the one in Bedford-Stuyvesant. 00:22:42 Bedford-Stuyvesant, with 90% Black residents and no new hospitals or high schools since 1950, experienced riots in July 1964, marking the beginning of the "long hot summers." 00:23:31 - 00:25:43 Robert Kennedy on Bedford-Stuyvesant 00:23:31 Senator Robert Kennedy states that the situation for the average individual in Bedford-Stuyvesant is probably worse after the riots. 00:23:54 Kennedy expresses understanding for the disillusionment with government and society that might lead someone to participate in a riot, though he believes violence is a mistake. 00:24:38 He believes existing anti-poverty and welfare programs have not been as effective as they should be, partly due to higher expectations. 00:25:00 Kennedy suggests that the situation in New York is worse than in other cities because of disorganization, making it more critical for action to be taken. 00:25:43 - 00:28:32 A New Bipartisan Program 00:25:43 A new bipartisan program, spearheaded by two non-profit corporations, the Bedford Stuyvesant Corporation and Development and Services, aims to combat urban poverty by attracting private investment and implementing training and development programs. 00:26:25 The renovation of 404 story buildings on Halsey Street created jobs for 272 unskilled, unemployed residents, providing tangible proof of progress and hope to the community. 00:27:05 The second corporation, Development and Services, includes prominent Wall Street figures like Roswell Gilpatrick, who believes the program will primarily benefit the unemployed and those needing training, while ultimately improving the entire community. 00:27:47 Gilpatrick emphasizes that local problems require local solutions and that communities cannot always wait for government intervention, highlighting the importance of private enterprise in filling the gap. 00:28:32 - 00:31:00 Bedford Stuyvesant Program 00:28:32 A program is underway to demolish an abandoned milk bottling plant and construct a community complex with meeting rooms, office space, and daycare centers. 00:28:54 The Bedford Stuyvesant program, combining private and government funds, could be a national model for slum regeneration, but its success in reversing decay is uncertain. 00:29:15 Sonny Carson, leader of Brooklyn CORE, is not optimistic about the program's success, stating that black people need to be allowed to do things on their own for any real change to occur. 00:30:18 Despite setbacks like owners demanding inflated prices for vacant lots, work has progressed, with rehabilitated housing and green spaces expected by 1970 or 1971. 00:31:00 - 00:33:03 Addressing Grievances and Unemployment 00:31:00 The primary grievances are dissatisfaction with police handling and high unemployment rates, especially among non-white youths. 00:31:20 The Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) addresses unemployment through increased manpower and on-the-job training programs, using federal and private funds. 00:31:42 Reverend Leon Sullivan, founder of OIC, was honored for his work, recalling his past selective buying campaign against job discrimination. 00:32:23 Reverend Sullivan's selective patronage campaign successfully increased the representation of colored people in sensitive industry jobs, but highlighted the need for preparation to fill these roles. 00:33:03 - 00:35:59 OIC's Approach to Empowerment 00:33:03 OIC focuses on reaching those most in need, emphasizing the crucial role of recruiters in motivating individuals to seek training and employment. 00:33:48 The organization guarantees job placement after free training, with a significant part of its program dedicated to attitudinal training alongside skill development. 00:34:32 The speaker challenges the notion of inherent laziness, arguing that a lack of positive role models and ambition contributes to a cycle of disempowerment among some communities. 00:35:15 OIC aims to help individuals overcome feelings of being "beaten down" by fostering a sense of pride in their heritage and identity, which eliminates the need for hatred and promotes self-respect. 00:35:59 - 00:39:26 Creating Jobs and Community Development 00:39:05 The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating jobs beyond just helping individuals find them, leading to the development of Progress Plaza. 00:39:26 - 00:43:57 Addressing Unemployment and Racial Inequality 00:39:26 The Riot Commission calls for immediate action to create 2 million jobs over three years, including 300,000 in private business, to address unemployment in the ghetto. 00:40:03 Whitney Young explains that a credibility gap exists due to historical and deliberate exclusion of Black individuals, which can only be closed by conscious inclusion from the business community. 00:40:59 Young argues that creating jobs for everyone is achievable, referencing past government initiatives like the WPA, and criticizes the excuses made about skills and motivation for not hiring Black people. 00:43:11 Young believes businessmen are receptive to his ideas because he frames the issue as a reality situation rather than a moral appeal, emphasizing that Black citizens have learned the message of "liberate me or exterminate me." 00:43:57 - 00:55:14 The Director's Perspective on Systemic Change and Violence 00:43:57 The director of the National Urban League acknowledges being part of the system, not seeking to violently overthrow it, but engaging with the establishment to secure jobs for his community. 00:45:34 He clarifies that while he works within the system, he is not a pacifist and would advocate for violence if he believed it could lead to victory, but currently sees it as an unsound tactic in the US. 00:48:14 He criticizes the lack of concern for American lives lost in civil unrest compared to the resources allocated for rebuilding other countries, advocating for similar investment in American citizens. 00:50:28 Author James Baldwin reflects on reports of civil disorders, highlighting the willful ignorance of many citizens regarding the reasons for black people's struggles and their desire for basic human dignity and peace.