Brief
Reader's Guide to:
The
SCOPE of Freedom: The Leadership of Hosea Williams With Dr.
King’s
Summer ’65 Student Volunteers.
Provided by Willy Siegel-Leventhal
In the spring of 2005, as the 40th
anniversary of the SCLC Summer Community Organization and Political
Education (SCOPE) project was approaching, I decided to put together a
volume recounting the accomplishments of that great effort that
resulted in much more than just the 49,000 new voters that were
registered across the 120 counties where SCLC had organizational
operations. Twenty-five years earlier, Rev. Williams had a break
in and vandalism to this office -- and his files were scattered across
the school lunch room which he was then using for a job training
program. He accepted my offer to clean up the mess, and, as he
didn’t have any money to pay me for the more than thirty hours of
physical labor, we agreed that my remuneration would be permission to
copy some of his voluminous files documenting the SCOPE
project. With a background in the US Army and the US Civil
Service, Hosea was assiduous in his record keeping. Also, as he
and Dr. King considered the SCLC-SCOPE project of great historical
significance there was a successful effort to document accomplishments
of our work.
It
is particularly fitting at this time, in 2007, when the papers of Dr. King are
being displayed at the Atlanta
History
Center,
that the documentation of the SCOPE project be available to the public.
In his Nobel Peace Prize speech on display in the King Papers exhibit, Dr. King
dedicated his Peace Prize to those who were the nonviolent foot soldiers in
the movement whom he described as “The Unknown Ground Crew”.
At his Nobel Prize speech in December 1964, Dr. King spoke of those who
served in the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement: "Every time I
take flight I am always mindful of those who make a successful journey
possible, the known pilots and the unknown ground crew. You honor the
ground crew without whose efforts, labor and sacrifices the jet flights
to freedom could never have left the earth. And yet, when the years have
rolled past, and when the blazing light of truth is focused on this
marvelous age -- men and women will know and children taught that we
have a finer land, a better people, a more noble civilization -- because
these humble children of God were will to suffer for righteousness
sake."
The SCOPE of Freedom, more than any other book about the civil rights movement, provides information about those in the unknown ground crew.
The
book has been selected by every library I have taken it to, including
the main branch of the LA Public Library, the LA County Office of
Education and the Auburn Avenue library in the Fulton County
system that specializes in African American culture.
I have not had time to market the book nationally, but it has sold, or
is selling at: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, The National
Voting Rights Museum (in Selma, AL), The Alabama State Capitol bookstore, The National Park Service books stores in Lowndes County and at the King Historic Site, Stanford University Bookstore, and selected private independent book stores.
The
cost of the book was substantial due to the size and also the cost of
copyright permissions for the source documents, as well as the poems
(pages 29-32) by Langston Hughes (which is a part of the
“Foreword”). In fact, “Poem For A Man” was personally typed (as
is the other Hughes poem included) and there is also a signed
transmittal letter to “Rev. King” signed by Mr. Hughes. I got
these copies from those of Dr. King’s personal papers that are still
housed at Boston University.
I have the copyright from the estate of Langston Hughes and this poem
is not published anywhere else. These copies of original museum
quality works of Mr. Hughes have great and unique historical
value.
The
detailed ‘Table of Contents” depicts, additional documentation that
Hosea gave me from the SLCC files as well as voluminous newspaper
articles that I secured provide a “real time” 1965 mosaic. And,
the “Foreword” includes a more recent article (page 27) on community
service on the King Holiday by my dear friend, former US
Senator Harris Wofford, who was a co-founder of the Peace Corps and a
former CEO of AmeriCorps and other service programs of the Federal
government. In addition, there are original interviews that I did
with Rev. Williams; and the transcript of an in depth 1965 interview
from a Stanford University SCOPE project collection (therein Hosea
Williams shows his vision by discussing the importance of a “purpose
driven life” – bottom page 131, top page 132).
My
SCLC colleague, Ambassador Andrew Young was very helpful in the
preparation of the book and allowed me to use, as an “Prologue” (pages
72-83), some of his historic remarks from the great SCOPE Orientation
(which was held at Morris Brown College from June 14-19, 1965 with the
very impressive schedule reproduced in the book – pages 282 -
297). On page 656 there is a good description of the SCOPE
project with quotes from Ambassador Young and others in an article in
the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from July of 2006, at our first ever
reunion which was hosted by HandsOnAtlanta.
Just
a few of the other sections that highlight Dr. King’s “Unknown Ground
Crew” include: Pages 413 – 417 which include the names of those who
challenged voting discrimination and joined with SCOPE workers to
document the injustices in petitions to Attorney General Nicholas
Katzenbach which set in motion the enforcement sections of the 1965
Voting Rights Act; Six “Interlude” sections providing biographical
information about movement heroes and “sheroes” who are deceased; from
pages 367 to 460 are copies of “field notes and memos” that depict what
the day to day life of the movement entailed; from pages 463 to 524 the
is a “Case Study of UCLA SCOPE”, in which are on site administrator was
Joel Siegel, who had just graduated and is now well known for his more
than two decades as the ABC “Good Morning America” film critic.
Included in this section is a part of my FBI file which came about
after my life was threatened relative to discrimination in public
accommodations; and my report to Joel Siegel, which he forwarded to
Assistant Attorney General John Doar who had been one of the “guest
faculty” during our orientation. Mr. Doar then ordered the FBI to
investigate the violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (one of the many
tasks we were trained to undertake in conjunction with the U.S.
Department of Justice) which resulted in the desegregation of 17 gas
stations across the south and the message to others to take down the
“white only” signs. These are just a few of the highlights which
may serve as a brief study guide for the book.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
The SCOPE of Freedom
The Leadership of Hosea Williams with Dr. King's Summer '65 Student Volunteers
Willy Siegel Leventhal
Senator Harris Wofford
Ambassador Andrew Young
Bayard Rustin
2002 Pulitizer Prize winner, Carry Me Home Birmingham, Diane McWhorter
"There's
nothing like primary sources to bring history to life, and Willy
Leventhal has done a splendid job of assembling the daily, tangible
"stuff" of a neglected chapter in the annals of the civil rights
movement in America. It is simply thrilling to read about this
quintessential democratic struggle of the 1965-'66 Southern Christian
Leadership Conference—Summer Community Organization and Political
Education (SCOPE) project in real time. I hope the documents — from the
incredible training sessions conducted by Bayard Rustin to the
evaluation forms filled out by the college-age volunteers — will
inspire a generation of students to make their own, amazing history."
Howard Zinn, author, A People's History of the United States
"Willy
Siegel Leventhal has done us all a huge service, by recalling the
untold stories of a movement which has been recorded many times, but
not like this. He has put together an extraordinary treasure trove of
documents, much of it unknown to me, though I was involved in and have
written much about the Southern movement for racial equality. This is
fascinating material, centered on the right of black people to vote.
Altogether, this is an extremely valuable contribution to the social
history of our time."
Dr. Lewis V. Baldwin, Professor, Religious Studies, Vanderbilt University
"The SCOPE of Freedom: The Leadership of Hosea Williams with Dr. King's Summer '65 Student Volunteers
significantly advances our understanding of Martin Luther King, Jr. and
the civil rights crusade of the 1960s. Drawing on a range of sources
and on insights that have emerged out of his own years of involvement
in the freedom struggle, he has provided a rich, provocative, and
groundbreaking work. I highly recommend this book to scholars and
students of the civil rights movement."
"Willy
Leventhal's book adds a new and significant chapter to the scholarship
on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Written with
grace, a rare insight, and a deep appreciation for the relationship
between King and Hosea Williams, this work is a much-needed and
convincing answer to those scholars who have heavily critiqued and
slighted SCLC's SCOPE program." |
|
Author: Willy Siegel Leventhal
Foreword by: Senator Harris Wofford
Prologue by: Ambassador Andrew Young
Introduction by: Bayard Rustin
Email: willy_21@hotmail.com
ISBN: 0-97703140-3
Publication Date: 2005
Publisher: Challenge Publishing Montgomery
Price: $49.99 Retail (656 pages)
discount for educators/bulk orders
|
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| Hands On Atlanta Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Summit |
 | |
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|
|
|
|
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 |
Scroll down to view programs and register | |
|
|
|
Join us in celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
and explore today’s social issues through the inspiration of his timeless messages.
Presented by Hands On Atlanta, The King Center
and Delta Air Lines.
For an entire summit event listing by day, click here.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Summit examines the teachings of Dr. King,
explores his messages of service, activism, diversity and nonviolence and presents
tangible methods for Atlanta’s citizens to unite and change their community
through volunteerism and social action.
Monday, January 8th, through Sunday, January 14th, Hands On Atlanta will offer
a variety of symposia, workshops and film screenings that will place many of Dr. King’s
most important lessons into the context of today’s pressing social issues.
These events are free and open to the public.
On Monday, January 15th, an estimated 4,500 Hands On Atlanta volunteers will answer
Dr. King’s call to action by volunteering in service projects throughout the metro area.
Please
note: Seats for all events are on a first come, first served
basis. It is suggested that guests arrive at least 15 minutes
prior to events to ensure seating.
Presenting Sponsor:  
|
|
Valerie Jackson hosts a tribute to Coretta Scott King
with award-winning performing artists Bernice Johnson Reagon,
Toshi Reagon and poet Sonia Sanchez.
A Tribute to
Coretta Scott King
Friday, January 12. Ebenezer Baptist Church,
Horizon Sanctuary, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
|
| |
Join us in a traditional
Freedom Rally, recalling the times when activists would unite before a
march. Come sing the freedom songs, which became the popular soundtrack
to the civil rights movement and join
hip hop legends Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Kaz, Sparky D and Roxanne
Shante for a celebration of spirit, justice and activism.
Freedom Rally
Saturday, January 13, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary, 10:00 a.m. - noon
  
|
 |
An intimate
conversation
with Ambassador
Andrew Young
Saturday, January 13,
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary,
11:15 a.m. - noon |
 |
Join us as we hear Ambassador Young's first-hand account of his experiences
during the civil rights movement, as well as insights on issues and opportunities facing today’s activists. | | |
|
From Freedom Riders
To Freedom Writers
A King Holiday Literary Series, January 11-14
Join poet and distinguished author Ralph Cheo Thurmon as he hosts nationally-renowned artists Sonia Sanchez, Mari Evans, Tina McElroy Ansa and many others.
Made
Possible by the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American
Culture and History, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
|
| |
 |
Citizen Cinema
A series of powerful films that examine the process of improving social conditions
in our communities and our world.
From Swastika to Jim Crow
Sunday, January 14, Auburn Avenue Research Library, King Historic District, 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.
| |
|
|
|
Ideas & Conversations
Willy Leventhal presents
Dr. King’s Unknown Ground Crew
Civil
rights activist Willy Siegel Leventhal, a student volunteer and later a
member of the SCLC field staff in Georgia during the movement, will
host a panel discussion on the importance of student volunteers as the
“foot soldiers” of the civil rights movement.
|
Special guest appearance by Ambassador Andrew Young |
Saturday, January 13, 12:30-2:00 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, King Historic District
|
|
|
|
Family Series
Entire
families, from children to elders, played a part in the civil rights
movement. Today, families gather during the King Holiday to pass
down stories and to share in our nation’s remembrance of the civil
rights movement.
Saturday, January 13, 12:30 - 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Volunteer, January 15
Sign
up with your family, friends or office associates to make your King
Holiday a DAY ON, not a day OFF. Participate in a service project in
your community.
|
|
Freedom Bus Tours
Civil Rights History Bus Tour Participants
will take a one-hour bus tour throughout Atlanta and visit Civil Rights
Movement landmark sites. The tour is narrated by Atlanta activists
through the award-winning audio series
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Bus tours are $10 per person
 |
|
| |
| | | |
|
| © 2007 by Hands On Network. |
 |
| |
AN AFFILIATE OF  | |
|
Menu |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Hands On Atlanta Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Summit |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scroll down to view programs and register | |
|
|
|
Join us in celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
and explore today’s social issues through the inspiration of his timeless messages.
Presented by Hands On Atlanta, The King Center
and Delta Air Lines.
For an entire summit event listing by day, click here.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Summit examines the teachings of Dr. King,
explores his messages of service, activism, diversity and nonviolence and presents
tangible methods for Atlanta’s citizens to unite and change their community
through volunteerism and social action.
Monday, January 8th, through Sunday, January 14th, Hands On Atlanta will offer
a variety of symposia, workshops and film screenings that will place many of Dr. King’s
most important lessons into the context of today’s pressing social issues.
These events are free and open to the public.
On Monday, January 15th, an estimated 4,500 Hands On Atlanta volunteers will answer
Dr. King’s call to action by volunteering in service projects throughout the metro area.
Please
note: Seats for all events are on a first come, first served
basis. It is suggested that guests arrive at least 15 minutes
prior to events to ensure seating.
Presenting Sponsor:
|
|
Valerie Jackson hosts a tribute to Coretta Scott King
with award-winning performing artists Bernice Johnson Reagon,
Toshi Reagon and poet Sonia Sanchez.
A Tribute to
Coretta Scott King
Friday, January 12. Ebenezer Baptist Church,
Horizon Sanctuary, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
|
| |
Join us in a traditional
Freedom Rally, recalling the times when activists would unite before a
march. Come sing the freedom songs, which became the popular soundtrack
to the civil rights movement and join
hip hop legends Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Kaz, Sparky D and Roxanne
Shante for a celebration of spirit, justice and activism.
Freedom Rally
Saturday, January 13, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary, 10:00 a.m. - noon
|
|
An intimate
conversation
with Ambassador
Andrew Young
Saturday, January 13,
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary,
11:15 a.m. - noon |
|
Join us as we hear Ambassador Young's first-hand account of his experiences
during the civil rights movement, as well as insights on issues and opportunities facing today’s activists. | | |
|
From Freedom Riders
To Freedom Writers
A King Holiday Literary Series, January 11-14
Join poet and distinguished author Ralph Cheo Thurmon as he hosts nationally-renowned artists Sonia Sanchez, Mari Evans, Tina McElroy Ansa and many others.
Made
Possible by the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American
Culture and History, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System |
| |
|
Citizen Cinema
A series of powerful films that examine the process of improving social conditions
in our communities and our world.
From Swastika to Jim Crow
Sunday, January 14, Auburn Avenue Research Library, King Historic District, 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.
| |
|
|
|
Ideas & Conversations
Willy Leventhal presents
Dr. King’s Unknown Ground Crew
Civil
rights activist Willy Siegel Leventhal, a student volunteer and later a
member of the SCLC field staff in Georgia during the movement, will
host a panel discussion on the importance of student volunteers as the
“foot soldiers” of the civil rights movement.
|
Special guest appearance by Ambassador Andrew Young |
Saturday, January 13, 12:30-2:00 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, King Historic District
|
|
|
|
Family Series
Entire
families, from children to elders, played a part in the civil rights
movement. Today, families gather during the King Holiday to pass
down stories and to share in our nation’s remembrance of the civil
rights movement.
Saturday, January 13, 12:30 - 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Volunteer, January 15
Sign
up with your family, friends or office associates to make your King
Holiday a DAY ON, not a day OFF. Participate in a service project in
your community.
|
|
Freedom Bus Tours
Civil Rights History Bus Tour Participants
will take a one-hour bus tour throughout Atlanta and visit Civil Rights
Movement landmark sites. The tour is narrated by Atlanta activists
through the award-winning audio series
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Bus tours are $10 per person
|
|
| |
| | | |
|
| © 2007 by Hands On Network. |
|
| |
AN AFFILIATE OF | |
