Klan members wave, Ku Klux Klan parade, Richmond, Va., July 1967
Black and white photograph showing a woman wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood and a man wearing a military-style Klan outfit; the pair wave while riding in back of a vehicle in downtown Richmond, Va. Taken during a parade on Broad Street in support of the Klan and possibily to drum up attendance for an upcoming rally to be held by the United Klans of America in eastern Henrico County, Va.
V.2017.83.161, The Valentine
The copyright and related rights status of this Item has been reviewed by the organization that has made the Item available, but the organization was unable to make a conclusive determination as to the copyright status of the Item. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Learn more: Ku Klux Klan in Virginia, Encyclopedia Virginia Mapping the Second Ku Klux Klan, 1915-1940, VCU Libraries The Ku Klux Klan and Christian Churches, Union Presbyterian Seminary Library Backlash to Reform: Hatred and Extremism, Social Welfare History Image Portal
Students sing outside Beulah AME Church Parsonage, Farmville, Va., August 1963
Students sing outside Beulah AME Church Parsonage, Farmville, Va., August 1963, in protest of the closing of Prince Edward County Schools. Woman singing at left is Ernestine Land. Tony Reid stands at right.
Farmville 1963 Civil Rights Protests, VCU Libraries Digital Collections
Digital Collections, VCU Libraries
This item is in the public domain. Acknowledgement of the Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries as a source is requested.
Learn more: VCU Libraries Freedom Now Project Massive Resistance, Encyclopedia Virginia Program of Action: The Rev. L. Francis Griffin and the Struggle for Racial Equality in Farmville, 1963, VCU Libraries Scholars Compass.
The Woman's Suffrage [anti-suffrage postcard]
Drawing of an angry man wearing patched and ripped clothing. His suspenders and collar are unfastened, and he looks over his shoulder to examine a tear in his sleeve. The caption reads, "This is how it will be when the Woman's Suffrage get in power."
V.76.195.13, The Valentine
This Work has been digitized in a public-private partnership. As part of this partnership, the partners have agreed to limit commercial uses of this digital representation of the Work by third parties. You can, without permission, copy, modify, distribute, display, or perform the Item, for non-commercial uses. For any other permissible uses, please review the terms and conditions of the organization that has made the Item available. http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/
Learn more: Anti-suffrage, Social Welfare History Image Portal Women's Suffrage: The Movement, Social Welfare History Project
Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan [calling card]
Calling card of the Ku Klux Klan. Text reads, "Invisible Empire / Knights of the Ku Klux Klan / YOU HAVE BEEN PATRONIZED BY THE KKK / For Free Information Write / P. O. Box 700 Shelton, CT 06484" Also printed on the card is a black and white cross within a red circle. The cross has a red drop-like shape at its center. This is a symbol that originated with the "Second Ku Klux Klan" of the early 1900s. The cross-like shape is formed by four letter "K" images arranged in a square facing outwards. In the center is a yin-yang symbol. Eventually, the four letters were re-oriented to a more vertical position, causing the symbol to look like a cross instead. At the same time, the white part of the yin-yang symbol disappeared, leaving only the colored part, which resembled a drop of blood. Today, this symbol is known as the MIOAK (an acronym for "Mystic Insignia of a Klansman") or, more commonly, the Blood Drop Cross (See ADL, Hate Symbols Database). Verso of this card has information about the mission of the Ku Klux Klan.
I.V.90.220.02, The Valentine
Ku Klux Klan Parade, Richmond, Va., 1967
Black and white photograph showing a man wearing a military-style Ku Klux Klan outfit with Klan symbol on sleeve. The man was participating in a parade on Broad Street in Richmond, Va., in support of the Klan and possibly to drum up attendance at an upcoming rally to be held by the United Klans of america in eastern Henrico County, Va. This may be a police surveillance photograph.
V.2017.83.164, The Valentine
Ku Klux Klan Rally, Henrico County, Virginia
Black and white photograph showing a Ku Klux Klan rally held near Darbytown Road in eastern Henrico County, Va. The rally, sponsored by the United Klans of America - Realm of Virginia, was held on July 4, 1967. The photograph shows a line of white robed figures walking out of the woods and processing towards the rally. Possibly a police surveillance photograph.
V.2017.83.159, The Valentine
How Stalin Hopes We Will Destroy America
Giveaway comic book about the dangers of inflation. Text argues that Communists want America to spend itself into destruction by printing more money. Advocates for the U.S. Government to operate on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. Encourages citizens to write their congressmen to tell them to cut unnecessary expenses. From p. 16 (back cover) After her husband writes a letter to their congressman, a wife says, "I'm a voter, too! I can write our congressman, too, can't I?" Her father-in-law replies, "Of course, every citizen can...and should! The way to prevent higher prices and keep our money strong -- is to cut unneccsary government expenses -- and 'pay as we go'!" Husband: "Together we can lick inflation -- and Communism!" Wife: "It's important to me...and to you!" Father-in-law: "And it's up to all of us."
Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
Learn more: Comics on a Mission: Educational and Public Service Comics, Social Welfare History Image Portal
Educational comic book in the form of a dialogue between a successful black man in a suit who is taking a vacation with his wife in their convertable. He encourages young men of color hanging around a diner to get free job training and advice so as to increase their economic power. The story suggests that prejudice is not as strong a motivation as the desire to make money. p. 6 "I can't speak English good!" "No sweat--a man with a skill doesn't need to be a great talker....You'll get along fine!" "What about prejudice man? You know what I mean, suppose you're black!" "The Man needs help! You'd be surprised how UNprejudiced he gets when YOU got something his business needs." "GREEN is a powerful color, too Baby!!"
The Rockwell Report, May 1965 [American Nazi Party]
Official monthly publication of the American Nazi Party, an organization founded by George Lincoln Rockwell in March 1959. Cover title for this issue, "The Real Story: Left vs. Right." Slogan on cover: "White People! Unite & Fight!" Article by George Lincoln Rockwell entitled, "Our 'Fascist' Founding Fathers" argues that the American Nazi Party represents a GOLDEN MEAN between the Tyranny of Total Order on the Right and the Anarchy of Total Freedom on the Left. Rockwell rails against "Rabbit" Welch (Robert W. Welch, Jr.), the founder of the John Birch Society. (Welch promoted conspiracy theories, including the notion that President Dwight D. Eisenhower was secretly a Communist.) Rockwell is incensed that Welch has equated Communism and Nazism. p.7 "If the Founding Fathers were to come to life today, they would NOT BE BIRCHERS....had the Founding Fathers lived today, they would have been 'NAZIS', as the Jews call anyone who sticks up for the White Christain eople and Constitutional Government."
M 342, Box 24, Edward H. Peeples, Jr. Papers, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library
Learn more: George Lincoln Rockwell, Social Welfare History Image Portal Miller, M.E. (2017). The shadow of an assassinated American Nazi commander hangs over Charlottesville. The Washington Post (August 21, 2017). Backlash to Reform: Hatred and Extremism, Social Welfare History Image Portal
Public service comic published as a part of the National Social Welfare Assembly Comics Project. The Comics Project lasted from August 1949 - July 1967 and produced over 200 pages promoting citizenship and social values. Publisher's Note: "Published as a public service in cooperation with The National Social Welfare Assembly, coordinating organization for national health, welfare and recreation agencies of the U.S." Text: "Peace on Earth. The alphabet and the language may be different, but the same sentiment dwells in the hearts and minds of men all over the world." Published in February of 1967, this issue featured Sgt. Rock fighting “the toughest battle of his life.” In real life, public opposition to the war in Vietnam was growing in 1967. Groups like “Another Mother for Peace” wrote Congress, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a controversial speech against the war, and the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam organized a march on the Pentagon where over 600 people were arrested for civil disobedience.
Our Army at War: no.176 FEB 1967 James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Learn more: National Social Welfare Assembly Comics Project, Social Welfare History Project National Social Welfare Assembly, Social Welfare History Project Comics on a Mission: Educational and Public Service Comics, Social Welfare History Image Portal
Prescription for whiskey to be taken in milk 3 times daily. Filled at Purcell & Littlejohn pharmacy, Leesburg, Va. During Prohibition, the U.S. Treasury Department issued forms that authorized physicians to write prescriptions for medicinal alcohol.
Carl F. Emswiller, Jr. papers (2011.02.02), Special Collections and Archives, Health Sciences Library, VCU Libraries
Special Collections and Archives, Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, VCU Libraries
The organization that has made the Item available believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. The Item may not be in the Public Domain under the laws of other countries. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/
During Prohibition, Your Doctor Could Write You a Prescription for Booze, Smithsonian.com Medicinal Alcohol, Ohio State University Discovery Set: Temperance and Prohibition, Social Welfare History Image Portal Temperance Movement, Social Welfare History Project
Promotional materials for "Stop Polio Sunday. Second Dose Jan. 19." A hand drops the vaccine onto a sugar cube. Text: "everyone needs Sabin Vaccine. For complete protection against polio, EVERYONE over two months old needs ALL THREE TYPES of Sabin oral vaccine. Sabin school clincis will be open JANUARY 19 from NOON TO 6 P.M. to offer you your second dose of Sabin oral vaccine. BE SURE AND ATTEND YOUR LOCAL SABIN CLINIC AND TAKE THE SECOND DOSE OF SABIN VACCINE. HELP TO BANISH POLIO FROM THE RICHMOND AREA FOREVER. Check the other side for clinic nearest you." ------ The (near) elimination of polio is one of medicine’s great success stories. Jonas Salk (1914–1995) developed the first effective polio vaccine in 1953. Albert Sabin (1906–1993) developed an oral version of the vaccine in 1956. Polio cases dropped dramatically wherever the vaccines were used, and polio was eliminated in the U.S. by 1979. Through the efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, formed in 1988, worldwide polio cases were down to 37 by 2016. Poliomyelitis vaccines were not without problems, though, especially initially. The Sabin version was more effective and easier to administer, but in very rare cases (1 in 2.9 million), it could produce a form of polio. It was abandoned in the U.S. by 2000. The Sabin vaccine required three doses, given six to eight weeks apart. In Richmond, Sunday vaccine drives were organized in the 1960s, leading to widespread city vaccination rates.
FIC.037526, The Valentine
Learn more: Paul, Catherine A. (2017). Polio. Social Welfare History Project. The History of Vaccines. An educational resource by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Students washing hands before lunch, old Cary Street School (Madison School).
Students from the old Cary Street School (Madison School) in Richmond, Va., demonstrate handwashing before having lunch. Washing hands regularly with soap and water remains one of the most important steps in preventing the spread of many illnesses. The school was located at 219 W. Cary Street, Richmond, Va. The photograph was taken in the early-20th century.
V.56.177.03, The Valentine
Learn more: Bonis, R. (2010) Madison School, Corner Cary and Madison St. (1872-1973) and Playground Kids, 1940s. The Shockoe Examiner (blog).
Giveaway comic book distributed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America Publications. Revised edition of a 1956 publication. Fear of an unwanted pregnancy makes intimacy stressful for the Harpers. Learning about contraception from Planned Parenthood helps them plan for children and eases their fears. Cover teaser "Joan and Ken Harper's marriage was on the rocks--because they loved each other!" Final panel: Joan Harper says, "Planned Parenthood helped us save our marriage. Someday when our children are older, we may want another baby. That's why planned parenthood is so wonderful. It doesn't mean not having children-it means spacing them so they come when we can give them the kind of love and care they deserve!" Back cover lists six regional Planned Parenthood-World Population centers. The address for The Virginia League for Planned Parenthood (2009 Monument Ave., Richmond 20, VA.) is stamped at the bottom of the page. "This publication was prepared by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America under the supervision of Dr. Gordon W. Perkin, Associate Medical Director, for the use of persons who are married or 21 years or older. If you want birth control advice consult your doctor, your public health department, the clinic at a hostpital or the doctor at your local Planned Parenthood Center...."
M 333, Box 1, The Virginia League for Planned Parenthood records, 1935-2004. James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Lorena Weeks had worked as a Southern Bell telephone operator for many years when she was denied a higher paying position as a company switchman on the basis that the job was only open to men, citing a Georgia state rule that women employees could not be made to lift anything heavier than thirty pounds. She filed a legal appeal but lost in district court. Weeks then began writing all reports by hand, refusing to carry her thirty-four-pound typewriter to her desk in protest, which resulted in her suspension. Weeks brought her case to the National Organization for Women (NOW), through which attorney Sylvia Roberts was assigned to represent her before the Fifth Circuit. Roberts won the case on appeal in 1969, arguing the idea that no woman could lift thirty pounds was absurd, given that many women routinely carry children weighing thirty pounds or more. Weeks v. Southern Bell marked an important early legal victory in the fight against gender-based workplace discrimination.
Collection NA-282, Box 10, Folder 19 of 24. Sylvia Roberts papers. Newcomb Archives, Newcomb College Institute, Tulane University.
Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus (LAGPAC) Voter Registration Poster
Poster published by the Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus (LAGPAC) announcing extended voter registration hours. The Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus (LAGPAC) was created on August 8th, 1980, by a group of activists committed to attaining legal and social equality for Louisiana’s gender and sexual minorities. Based in Alexandria, LAGPAC was a political organization that investigated the beliefs and stances of candidates running for public office and, through mailing lists, editorials (The Voter’s Guide and The Lagniappe), and phone banking, galvanized its members to vote for candidates that were supportive of the LGBTQIA community. Meanwhile, it aimed to sway the larger Louisiana population to support equality for the state’s gender and sexual minorities. At its peak, LAGPAC also had chapters in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Acadiana, and made a significant impact on numerous elections. LAGPAC ceased operations in 2002, but Equality Louisiana is considered a successor of the organization. Poster text: "The Only Safe Closet is the Voting Booth!" "Bring something with your signature, i.e., Driver's License, cancelled Check, etc."
Manuscripts Collection #1099, Oversized folder 1, Stewart Butler papers, Louisiana Research Collection, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, Tulane University
Learn more: Stewart Butler, Longtime LGBT Leader and Rights Advocate, to Receive Award from ACLU of Louisiana (2013), ACLU.org
Advertisement for Charlene's bar. "New Orleans 1977 - 1999" Charlene Schneider was an early and vocal advocate for LGBTQ causes in the 1970s. The center of her world was Charlene's, the bar she ran at 940 Elysian Fields in New Orleans from 1977 until early 1999. It became world-famous not only because of Ms. Schneider's effusive personality but also because, in its early years, Charlene's represented something rare: a safe place for lesbians when attitudes toward them were less tolerant. Besides giving women a place where they could socialize and dance, Ms. Schneider had live music by female entertainers, including Melissa Etheridge. Ms. Schneider opened the bar after a series of odd jobs, including stints at Western Union and The Times-Picayune, where she was a hot-type operator. Along the way she had firsthand experience with discrimination. In the mid-1960s, after being arrested in a raid on a gay bar, Ms. Schneider lost her job as a cryptographer, as well as her security clearance with NASA at Michoud. As a result of her experiences, one of her causes was the anti-discrimination ordinance, which the New Orleans City Council passed in 1991. After closing her bar, Ms. Schneider and her companion, Linda Tucker, moved to Bay St. Louis, where she operated an establishment called On the Coast. Poster inscribed: "To Jody & Marilyn How can I tell the importance of your friendship. Love Charlene 99"
Collection NA-201, Oversize Folder 1, Marilyn McConnell papers, Newcomb Archives, Newcomb College Institute, Tulane University
Learn more: Zarrelli, Natalie (2016). The Lost Lesbian Bars of New Orleans. Atlas Obscura (September 14).
New York State Department of Mental Hygiene presents Chic Young’s Blondie
Educational comic book promoting sound emotional health, particularly within families. A letter written by Newton Bigelow, M.D., Commissioner of Mental Hygiene for the State of New York is printed inside the back cover. Excerpts: "As Blondie said, there is no magic formula, no set of rules for mental health. BUt there are some underlying principles that it helps to know about, especially in our relations with our children and with other people....applying them wherever possible to ordinary everyday situations, you may find that life is more satisfying, a little pleasanter for you, your children and the people around you. You will understand yourself and others a little better and you will feel more inner contentment." From front cover "The New York State Deptartment of Mental Hygiene presents Chic Young's Blondie in Scapegoat; Love Conquers All; Let's Face it; On Your Own. Produced by Joe Musial"
Comic Arts Collection, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
I Pledge Allegiance [American Legion comic book]
Educational comic book created and distributed by the American Legion. Aimed at elementary aged children, this comic book explains the meaning of the words of the Pledge. Simple puzzles and activities reinforce the lessons. Excerpts: "One Nation Under God, Our nation is great and powerful! But many of our people believe in a higher power. God means many things to many people. In our country, we have the Freedom to Worship as we please, or not to if we choose." "Indivisible, Indivisible means that our country can't be divided or broken up. We're strongest when we are all together. So when we pledge allegiance we all agree to stick together. That's right! Even if we disagree, we promise to stay together as one nation."
Learn more: Comics on a Mission: Educational and Public Service Comics, Social Welfare History Image Portal Roberts, S. (2 April 2022). We Know the Pledge. Its Author, Maybe Not. New York Times.
Captain America Goes to War Against Drugs, No.1 April 1994: High Heat
1990 giveaway comic book published by Marvel Comics in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Captain America helps a young baseball player who has come under the influence of an alien and turned to illegal drugs. Script: Peter David Pencils: Sal Velluto Inks: Keith Williams Colors: Bob Sharen Letters: Rick Parker
Rex Morgan, M.D. Talks About Your Unborn Child!
Educational comic book about the dangers of drinking while pregnant and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Inside front cover contains a letter signed by G. R. Dickerson, Director of the ATF. Plot: An pregnant woman comes into the hospital having injured her hand badly after drinking and falling at a party. Dr. Morgan speaks to her about the danger alcohol presents to her unborn child. Excerpts: From letter: "The unborn child gets its nourishment from the mother. What she eats or drinks, the infant share - - including alcoholic beverages. Research has shown that women who drink heavily during pregnancy risk giving birth to infants who suffer from a variety of physical and/or mental defects, a condition known generally as "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome." From comic: "A woman should remember one thing! The womb that your baby grows in for nine months before birth can be more important than any other home your child will live in during its lifetime!"
¡Los Amigos Conservan A Sus Amigos Con Vida!
Spanish-language educational comic book created for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Inside front cover contains a letter from Micky Sadoff, President, MADD National. Founded in 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a nonprofit organization in the United States and Canada that seeks to stop drunk driving, provide services for those affected by drunk driving, prevent underage drinking, and work for stricter laws related to impaired driving.
Dennis the Menace Takes a Poke at Poison
This giveaway comic book seeks to educate children and their parents about the poisonous nature of many items commonly found in the home. It urges parents to "Poison Proof Your Home." A publication created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration. HHS Publication No. (FDA) 81-7005. Text on back cover: "Most products are made to look attractive so people will buy them--even products that can be poisonous. But things made attractive for consumers are also attractive to children. Many poisonings that occur involve children who are too youg and innocent to 'know better.' Children often can't recognize danger signals such as label warnings, strange odors, or peculiar tastes. Actually many poisonous things are attractive to children because the taste or smell GOOD, such as lemon scented furniture polish."
Sparky's Second Chance. Fire Safety for Everyone
Educational comic book sponsored and distributed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA. Created and produced by Custom Comic Services. Finished artwork by Mike Roy.
American Honda presents DC Comics' Supergirl : in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation's national safety belt campaign
Educational comic book produced and distributed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Safety Belt Campaign. A message from Elizabeth Hanford Dole, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation is printed inside the front cover. "I know you're all looking forward to gettin gyour driver's licenses soon. But driving a car is a big responsibility. So here are a couple of questions for you to think about. How important do you feel it is to buckle up your safety belt when you get into a car? Do you think you or any of your friends will bever be involved in an accident? Maybe you've never thought about it, but you should. Every ten seconds, someone is injured in a crash. And every ten minutes, someone is killed. You can expect to be in an accident at least once in your life. If you use your safety belt, you more than double your chances of surviving."