Walter Francis White to Jane Addams, July 14, 1921

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July 14, 1921.

Miss Jane Addams,
Hull House,
Chicago, Illinois.

My dear Miss Addams:

The Board, at its regular meeting on Monday, July 11, took the following action on the question of financing the Pan-African Congress:

A proposed budget was submitted by Dr. [Du Bois] calling for $2700. This includes the cost of Congress and Dr. [Du Bois'] and Mr. White's expenses. The Board decided to send Mr. White for the double purpose of handling the publicity of the Congress and of arousing and enlisting English sympathy and aid in our fight against mob violence in America.

On motion of Mr. Walling, it was voted that the Pan-African Congress be underwritten by the Association to the amount of $750 and that all of the Directors be invited to underwrite the amount of $2700 needed to the extent of $50 each. This was done because it was strongly felt that the Association should not pay the expenses of the Congress out of the general fund. The following seven (7) directors underwrote the cost of the Congress to the extent of $50 each: Miss Ovington; Messrs. Walling; Bishop; Pace; Sinclair; A. B. Spingarn; and [Du Bois].

It was voted that every effort be made to raise the whole amount needed, $2700, through appeals to Branches and individuals and that the directors be reimbursed immediately upon the money being received. [page 2]

On motion by Mr. Spingarn, it was voted that:

"there be communicated to the Pan-African Congress assembled, the sentiment of the National Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, that the Association is glad to have fathered the Congress and to have rendered assistance to it, but that in future sessions the cost of the Congress is to be divided among the various groups represented and that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will be one of the contributors but will not assume the sole financial responsibility for the movement."

I am asking you as a director, if you will join with the other seven directors whose names are given above, in underwriting the Congress to the extent of $50. The time is exceedingly short, as Dr. [Du Bois] and Mr. White will sail on August 6. May I hear from you by return mail, and, if possible, will you not forward check at the same time if this meets with your approval.

Sincerely yours,

Secretary.