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Finding Aid for the Citizens' Council on Human Relations Records, 1955-1992

MS 7

University Archives
The State University of New York at Buffalo

Contact Information

University Archives, The State University of New York at Buffalo
420 Capen Hall | Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: 716 645-2916 | Fax: 716 645-3714
Email: lib-archives@buffalo.edu

©2006. The State University of New York at Buffalo. All rights reserved.


Collection Overview

Title: Citizens' Council on Human Relations Records, 1955-1992
Collection Number: MS 7
Creator: Citizens' Council on Human Relations (Buffalo, N.Y.)
Extent: 15 linear feet (27 manuscript boxes)
Repository: University Archives, The State University of New York at Buffalo
Abstract: The collection contains correspondence, news clippings, policy statements, printed materials, and speech notes, reflecting the actions the Citizens' Council on Human Relations (CCHR) while seeking to end discrimination, particularly against African-Americans, in Buffalo, N.Y.. There are also organizational files, consisting of by-laws, newsletters and membership lists, which reflect the internal workings of CCHR itself.

Preferred Citation

[Description and dates], Box/folder number, MS 7, Citizens' Council on Human Relations Records, 1955-1992, University Archives, The State University of New York at Buffalo.

See the Archives' preferred citations instructions for additional information.

Terms of Access and Use

The Citizens' Council on Human Relations Records are open for research.

Copyright

Copyright of papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder(s) of copyright and the University Archives before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Acquisition Information

The majority of this collection was donated by Norman Goldfarb (Citizens' Council on Human Relations Records Director and former Co-Chairman) over a period of twelve years. Material was accessioned by the University Archives on April 18, 1969, July 18, 1973, October 26, 1973, March 13, 1975, and July 1, 1981. Additional material was received from Newton Garver (Citizens' Council on Human Relations Records Executive Secretary) on February 6, 1968 and from Able K. Funk (Buffalo State College professor) on May 12, 1992.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Archives staff.

Finding aid encoded by Sheryl Saxby, July 2006

Historical Note

The Citizens Council on Human Relations (CCHR) was incorporated as a non-profit organization on September 19, 1963. Newton Garver was one of the 30 original directors and a signer of the certificate of incorporation, and was the first Executive Secretary. At the time of incorporation, some of CCHR's stated purposes included: "to foster and promote improvement of relations between minority groups and the community at large," "to prevent discrimination against persecution of any person," "to work toward equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of race or creed, in employment, housing," "to work toward equal access to services for all," and "to foster integration in educational institutions throughout the Niagara Frontier."

In February 1964, a brochure summarized these purposes in one aim: "to deal sensibly and urgently with a problem which has become a national crisis - that of the demand of Negro and other minority groups to share fully in the life of their city, state and nation." At the same time, CCHR explained its method: "to investigate areas where minorities do not participate fully, to find out why not, and to bring about harmonious solutions strengthening the fabric of the whole community."

Membership in CCHR is open to any citizens of New York State. It is governed by a board of 30 directors, through its executive officers and an executive committee. In addition to a Ways and Means Committee, which deals with finance and public relations, there are three standing committees: education - which works at furthering integration, improving educational opportunities and stimulating school programs which foster better human relations; employment - which seeks to expand the range of job opportunities open to African-American and other minority groups; and housing - which seeks to ensure that members of minority groups can live where they choose.

The Council meets at least once annually; the board of directors at least quarterly. The officers consist of two co-Chairmen, an Executive Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Scope and Content Note

The collection contains correspondence, news clippings, policy statements, printed materials, and speech notes, reflecting the actions the Citizens' Council on Human Relations (CCHR) while seeking to end discrimination, particularly against African-Americans, in Buffalo, N.Y.. There are also organizational files, consisting of by-laws, newsletters and membership lists, which reflect the internal workings of CCHR itself.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in three series: Papers Donated by Newton Garver, as Executive Secretary; Papers Donated by Norman Goldfarb, Director and former Co-Chairman; and Papers Donated by Abel Fink.

Container List

Series I. Papers Donated by Newton Garver, as Executive Secretary, 1963-1968

During the years 1963-1967, the Citizens' Council on Human Relations was organized and began to involve itself in the struggle to end discrimination in Buffalo. The organization files reflect this birth and the internal workings of the organization. Files on related organizations show the Citizens' Council on Human Relations' efforts to co-operate and work with other community action groups of Western New York. The files of the education, employment, and housing committees, with the corresponding news clippings, document the actions and issues the Citizens' Council on Human Relations participated in, particularly the Woodlawn Junior High School controversy.

Files are arranged by subject and then filed chronologically.

Citizens' Council on Human Relations (CCHR)
1.1   By-laws and Certificate of Incorporation, 1963
1.2   General Correspondence; Press Releases; Notices, 1963-1967
1.3   Membership Lists, 1964-1966
1.4-1.6   Minutes and Agendas - Membership Meetings, Executive Committee and Ad Hoc Committee Meetings, 1963-1966
1.7   Newsletter, 1963-1968
 
Related Organizations
1.8   Community Action Organization (CAO), 1965-1966
1.9   Community Welfare Council, Ellicott Talbert Services Committee, 1965
1.10   Coordinating Council of Community and Civil Rights Groups (CCCCRG), 1964
1.11   HOME, 1963-1967
1.12   Niagara Frontier Council for Freedom of Choice in Housing, n.d.
1.13   Miscellaneous: Buffalo Action Group, CORE, Mobilization for Youth, Community Research, Inc.
1.14   Miscellaneous
2.1 Education Committee: Buffalo Public School Guided Talent Project
2.2 Education Committee: Correspondence, Press Releases, Reports, 1963-1965
2.3 Education Committee: Minutes, Agendas, Members, 1963-1964
2.4 Employment Committee: Correspondence, 1963-1965
2.5 Employment Committee: Minutes, 1963-1964
2.6 Housing Commiittee: Correspondence, Minutes, Reports, 1963-1965
2.7 Housing Commiittee: Printed Material
 
News Clippings
2.8   Education
2.9   Employment
2.10   Housing
2.11   Miscellaneous

Series II. Papers Donated by Norman Goldfarb, Director, and former Co-Chairman, 1964-1982

Citizens' Council on Human Relations (CCHR) took an active role in seeking to end discrimination, particularly against African-Americans, in Buffalo. The subject files. consisting of correspondence, news clippings, policy statements, printed materials, and speech notes, reflect the actions CCHR undertook in this role. There are also organization files, consisting of by-laws, newsletters and membership lists, which reflect the internal workings of CCHR itself.

During the years 1964-1972, the major institutions and activities in which CCHR fought against discrimination were: private clubs - particularly fighting to integrate the Buffalo Athletic Club and to have the all-black Golden Tee Club accepted in tournaments; construction and other employment - concentrating on the Amherst campus of the State University of New York at Buffalo and the Main Place Mall; education - aiming to create quality integrated education in Buffalo, involving fights over bussing, portable classrooms, and middle schools.

These activities involved the CCHR with the State Commission for Human Rights and the Buffalo Commission on Human relations, as well as organizations involved in civil rights, the SUNY Urban Center, and summer youth programs.

The files are arranged by subject and then alphabetically. Materials within each folder and arranded chronologically, with undated materials placed at the beginning.

Citizens' Council on Human Relations (CCHR)
3.1   By-laws
3.2   Internal Correspondence
3.3   Membership Lists, 1965-1967
3.4   Minutes of Meetings, 1967-1976
3.5   Newsletter, 1964-1978
3.6   Press Releases, 1967-1968
 
Clubs, Private
3.7   Buffalo Athletic Club, 1967-1972
3.8-3.11   Golf Clubs, 1964-1973, n.d.
3.12   Other Private Clubs, 1969-1972
3.13   Yacht Club's legal agreements with city
4.1 Commissions: Buffalo Commission on Human Relations, 1965-1969
4.2 Commissions: State Commission for Human Rights (complaints), 1966-1967
4.3 Commissions: State Commission for Human Rights (legislation)
4.4 Employment: General, 1964-1968
4.5 Employment: State University of New York at Buffalo (non-construction)
4.6 Housing: General, 1965-1968, 1972
4.7 Housing: Model City Application
 
Other
4.8   Doyle (long hair) and Fiedler cases
4.9   June 29, 1967 police incidents
4.10   Miscellaneous
4.11   Other organizations
4.12   State University of New York Urban Center in Buffalo, 1966-1968
4.13   Youth Programs
 
Education
5.1   Correspondence, 1965-1967
5.2-5.5   Reports, Papers, Articles, Statements, 1964-1971, n.d.
5.6   Board of Education excerpts and reports
5.7   Handwritten statements, n.d.
5.8   Legal Briefs, 1968-1970
 
News Clippings
6.1   Clubs - Golf
6.2   Clubs - Other Private
6.3   Commissions - Buffalo (and Common Council)
6.4   Commissions - State
6.5   Education - Buffalo
6.6   Education - National
6.7   Employment - Construction
6.8   Employment - General
6.9   Housing - General
6.10   Housing - Model City
6.11   Other - Goldfarb
6.12   Other - June 30, 1967 (riots)
6.13   Other - Miscellaneous
6.14   Other - Youth Programs
7.1-7.3 Employment - Construction: Correspondence, Proposals, Reports, 1964-1970
7.4-7.5 Employment - Construction: News clippings, 1965-1970
 
Arthur v. Nyquist
8.1-10.1   Legal Documents, 1973-1980
   [3 folders]
10.2   Reply Brief, 1980
10.3   Court Exhibits, 1978
11.1-11.6   Desegregation material from other states, 1969-1981
11.7-11.9   School Desegregation Correspondence, 1971-1977
 
School Desegregation
12.1-12.3   Correspondence, 1978-1982
12.4   Planning Materials, 1966-1982
12.5   Ethnic Census, 1982
12.6   Legal Research, n.d.
12.7   Notes from Meetings in Judge Curtin's Chambers, 1978-1979
12.8   Response to State Integration Proposal, 1976
13.1-13.6   Desegregation Clippings, 1970-1982
 
Buffalo Board of Education
13.7   Review Committee Minutes, 1982
13.8-14.1   Desegregation Plans, 1976-1981
   [2 folders]
14.2   Reports, 1966-1976
15.1   Reports, 1978-1979
15.2   Attendance Reports, n.d.
15.3   Charts: Percentage of Minorities
15.4   Monitoring Commission
15.5   Affirmative Action
15.6   Pupil Personnel Services
15.7   City Wide Advisory Services
15.8   Flyers on Various Buffalo Public Schools
15.9 Background: Newspaper Clippings
15.10 Background: Books on Desegregation
 
School Desegregation
16.1   District Maps
16.2-16.3   Memoranda, 1977-1980
16.4-16.5   Buffalo Schools Report, 1975-1976, 1981-1982
16.6   School Statistics, 1973-1982
 
Erie County Affirmative Action
16.7   Pleadings, 1974
16.8-17.1   Correspondence, 1973-1981
   [2 folders]
17.2-17.3   Workforce Analyses, 1965-1982
17.4-17.5   New Hires, 1980-1981
17.6   Proposals, 1975
17.8   Affirmative Action (Erie County), 1974-1975
17.9   Guidelines, ca. 1974-1975
17.10   Clippings, 1972-1982
18.1-18.2   EED forms
18.3   Legal Research
18.4 City of Buffalo: Affirmative Action, 1972
 
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority
18.5   Pleadings
18.6   Correspondence, 1973-1983
18.7   Exhibits 1-6
18.8   Court Exhibits
18.9   Work Force, 1977-1982
18.10   Tenant Lists, 1977
18.11   Legal Research, n.d.
18.12   Miscellaneous, 1975-1982
19.1 Department of Housing and Urban Development: Block Grant Applications, 1975-1976
19.2 Community Development Plan Summaries Buffalo Housing Court: Strategy Papers, 1971-1981
19.3 State Commission Against Discrimination: Report on Public Housing, 1964
19.4 Regional Housing Development Plan 1974 Revenue Sharing: Correspondence, 1977-1982
19.5 Regional Housing Development Plan 1974 Revenue Sharing: Use and Utilization Reports, 1976/1977
19.6 Regional Housing Development Plan 1974 Revenue Sharing: Clippings, ca. 1978
 
Board of Elections
19.7   Appellants Brief, 1973
19.8   Correspondence, 1973
19.9   Record on Appeal, 1974
19.10   Legal Research
19.11   Clippings
19.12   Pleadings, 1973
19.13 Delores Cole: Correspondence, 1981-1983
19.14 Erie County Community Mental Health Services: Complaint,
19.15 Taylor Law: Correspondence, 1974-1975
19.16 Buffalo School Masters Association: Correspondence, 1982
19.17 Polygraph: Correspondence and Memoranda, 1982-1983
19.18 Polygraph: Memo Affidavit, 1982
19.19 Polygraph: Clippings, 1982-1983
 
Fair Housing
20.1   Agreements and memoranda,
20.2   Docked sheets, 1972-1973
20.3   Clippings, 1971-1982
20.4   Vaight vs. Hencinski, 1974
20.5   Hartford vs. Hills, 1975
20.6 Albright Knox Art Gallery and Buffalo Philharmonic Society: Correspondence, 1975
20.7 General Hospital: Correspondence, 1970
20.8 Student Collective Bargaining: Clippings, 1970
20.9 Cause: Correspondence, 1971
20.10 Cause: Clippings, 1978
20.11 Infant Mortality: Correspondence, 1977-1978
20.12 Infant Mortality: Statistics, 1969-1977
20.13 Infant Mortality: Clippings, 1978
20.14 Migrant Farm Workers: Procedural Safeguards
20.15 Migrant Farm Workers: Child Care
20.16 NOW v. AMA, 1977-1978
21.1 Minutes and Agenda, 1973-1981
21.2 Labor Law: Psychological Stress Evaluation, 1977-1978
21.3 USA v. Buffalo (Fire Department), 1974-1975
21.4 CCHR v. Mulligans
21.5 Criminal Justice, ca. 1975-1976
21.6 Buffalo Yacht Club, 1976-1978
21.7 Buffalo Yacht Club: Clippings, 1976
21.8 Demolition Work, 1976
21.9 Erie Community College: Complaint
21.10 Erie Community College, 1974-1981
21.11 Erie Community College: Affirmative Action Compliance, 1981-1983
21.12 Erie Community College: Clippings
21.13 Farm Workers, 1980-1981
21.14 Freedom of Information, 1979-1981

Series III. Papers Donated by Abel Fink, 1957-1992

Materials in this series are arranged alphabetically.

Arthur v. Nyquist
22.1   Affidavit, Motion, Notice of Motion, 1980, 1987
22.2   Affidavit, Motion, Compliance Agreemen, 1989-1990
22.3   Affidavit, Motion, Reports, Statistics, 1991-1992
22.4   Correspondence, Memorandum, Notice of Motion, 1986-1992
22.5 Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA): Possible race discrimination suit, 1987-1989
22.6 Citizens' Council on Human Relations: By-laws, 1984
22.7 Citizens' Council on Human Relations: Minutes, 1990
22.8 Conferences -Black Educators Association of Western New York, Buffalo Conference on Group Conflict, Buffalo Task Force on Group Life, 1957-1992
22.9 Construction (University of Buffalo): photocopies of articles, proposal, 1970
22.10 Correspondence: CCHR membership/donations/meetings/Campus School/Board of Education, 1966-1967
22.11 Correspondence: Membership/announcements/officer lists, 1972-1992
23.1 HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal): Correspondence, membership cards, by-laws, 1969-1986
23.2 HOME News (incomplete run), 1968-1978
23.3 HOME Insight Newsletter (incomplete run), 1980-1989
23.4 Medical Program (University of Buffalo), 1969-1970
23.5 Organizations-- Correspondence, 1970-1971
23.6 Other Organizations - Newsletters, 1957-1981; includes ARC, BRAG, BAMM, Buffalo Commission on Human Relations, Buffalo Defense Committee, Buffalo Insighter, Buffalo New Community Council, and BUILD
23.7 Other Organizations - Newsletters, 1957-1981; includes CAUSE, Citizens for Quality Education, and Clergy and Laymen Concerned about Vietnam
23.8 Other Organizations - Newsletters, 1957-1981; includes Draft Counciling Center, East Side Community Organization, Friends Committee on National Legislation, HAC, Housing Council of Niagara Frontier, ICAN, Mildred Prim-Thelma Moore Legal Defense Fund, NCCJ, New York Civil Liberties Union-Niagara Frontier Chapter, SEEK, SUNY Urban Center, Tax Reform, Together on Education, Vietnam Era Veterans against the War, WNY Peace Center, and Women United For Action
23.9 Papers/Reports/Pamphlets, 1968-1980s; includes "Peaceful Desegregation & Quality Education," F.H. Graves; "Pilot Plan for Quality Education;" "A Proposal to Formalize Collective Bargaining between Students and their State University...," N. Goldfarb; "Structure and Assignments for the Investigation of the Suburban Phase of the Federal Court Suit to Integrate the Schools of Erie County," N. Goldfarb; Metropolitan Educational Conference report; Desegregation of the Elementary Schools-Rochester Report; and Black Development Foundation Seminar/Equality in Housing/Look Before You Leave/Buffalo State College Programs for schools/centers
24.1 Poverty Programs: Fact sheets, agendas, brochures, 1962-1967
 
Schools
24.2   Desegregation - articles, reports, pamphlets, ca. 1960-1970
24.3   City Honors Program - Position paper, ca. 1960-1970
24.4   Tutoring Volunteers (School #74, etc.), 1963-1966
24.5   Correspondence, newsletters, proposals ca. 1960-1970

Search Terms

Contributors

Garver, Newton, 1928-

Goldfarb, Norman, 1917-1983

State University of New York at Buffalo. University Archives.

Subject Terms

African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo.

African Americans--New York (State)--Niagara Frontier.

Discrimination--New York (State)--Buffalo.

Discrimination--New York (State)--Niagara Frontier.

Affirmative action programs--New York (State)--Buffalo.

Affirmative action programs--New York (State)--Niagara Frontier.

School integration--New York (State)--Buffalo.

School integration--New York (State)--Niagara Frontier.

Buffalo (N.Y.)--Race relations.

Niagara Frontier (N.Y.)--Race relations.

State University of New York at Buffalo--Archival resources.

Related Resources

MS 15 -- Lydia T. Wright Papers, 1883-1968
finding aid available online

MS 59 -- Sarah Simmons papers on school desegregation in Buffalo, N.Y., 1977-1980