M323 Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection

From the Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection; Press release by the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), dated April 4, 1966, titled "Six Candidates File to Run in the State Democratic Party Primary." The statement announces the plans of the MFDP to run six candidates for Congress in the June 1966 election and gives a brief biography of the candidates. Those involved include: Rev. Clifton R. Whitley, Ralthus Hayes, Rev. Ed King, Rev. Clint Collier, and Lawrence Guyot.

From the Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection; Voter registration statistics of African Americans and whites in five congressional districts in Mississippi, 1961. A letter to groups supporting the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) is attached, as is a sample petition. A sample pledge card, like those to be distributed to congressmen in an effort to solidify their support for the Congressional Challenge, is also included.

Transcribed copy of an essay written by a Freedom School volunteer. Describes the locations of the Freedom Schools, subjects taught, enrollment, activities, as well as the students' concerns regarding discrimination. Also discusses the burdens of volunteers, the Ku Klux Klan, incidents of oppressive and violent acts as expressed by various African Americans, and the FBI's investigation of such cases.

From the Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection; Report describing the progress of Freedom Schools in various locations in Mississippi, such as McComb, Hattiesburg, and the Delta region. Discusses the planned performances of the play "In White America" by the Free Southern Theater, as well as performances by the Mississippi Summer Caravan of Music. Includes excerpts from Freedom School newspapers and essays by Freedom School students.

Brochure from the Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection; Brochure distributed by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in an effort to solicit economic support and volunteers for Freedom Schools. Describes the purpose and function of the Freedom Schools, which was to encourage self-respect among all races through education, especially for those that were offered only segregated education. Includes several black-and-white photographs of Freedom School teachers and children.

From the Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection; Written by students of the Palmers Crossing Freedom School, articles in this newspaper discuss the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, canvassing, slavery, and the future of African Americans in the United States. Short letters from various Freedom School students are also included.

Brochure from the Ellin (Joseph and Nancy) Freedom Summer Collection; Brochure prepared by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) created to inform supporters of activities and intentions for the development of the Mississippi Freedom Project. Contains information about the following programs developed by SNCC: voter registration, freedom schools, community centers, a research project, a white community project, and a legal project. The final page offers suggestions for donation amounts and how monetary contributions will be used.

Photocopy of a one-page typed letter, dated June 28, [1964], from Joe Ellin to "Mom and Dad." The letter was written a couple of days after leaving the training session in Oxford, Ohio. It contains information about Hattiesburg, and descriptions of fellow volunteers.

Photocopy of a three-page handwritten letter, dated June 21, [1964], from Joe Ellin to "Diane and Susan." The letter was written upon the Ellins' arrival at the Freedom Summer training session held at Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio. It describes the surroundings, mentions the attitudes of the Freedom Summer volunteers, and gives household instructions.

Photocopy of a two-page typed letter, dated June 30, [1964], from Nancy Ellin to "Dr. and Mrs. Ellin [Joe's parents]." The letter was written a few days after Nancy and Joe reached Hattiesburg and describes the people and living conditions in the area. Daily activities are also mentioned in association with the Civil Rights Movement. The letter contains a postscript from Joe Ellin.

Photocopy of a two-page typed letter written to "Mom and Dad" [Joe's parents] by Nancy and Joe Ellin on Thursday, July 9, [1964]. Freedom Schools, problems experienced by colleagues, and teaching experiences are topics discussed in the letter.

A two-page photocopied and typed letter from Nancy and Joe Ellin to "Mom and Dad" [Joe's parents] dated July 3, [1964]. The letter describes preparations for the Freedom Schools and the compiling of a "Freedom Booklet." The Ellins talk of the area where they live, the people they see, and the "negro neighborhoods." They describe a trip to Alabama and the racist attitudes they encounter are listed. The letter is signed by "Nancy and Joe."

Carbon copy of a 1 1/2-page typed letter, dated July 9, [1964], from Nancy Ellin to an anonymous person(s). The document describes Freedom Schools (curriculum, enrollment, etc.) and the opinions of teachers and students. It also details the local incidents of violence associated with the Civil Rights Movement.

A three-page typed letter written by Joseph Ellin to "the Editor of the [Kalamazoo] Gazette," July 10, 1964. The document describes the local violence associated with the movement, the conditions in Hattiesburg, and opinions on desegregation. Also included in the letter are reactions to the Civil Rights Bill among locals. The lack of black political power and their ignorance of notable blacks in history are mentioned as well.

Photocopy of a two-page typed and handwritten letter, dated [July 11, 1964] from Joe Ellin to "kids" [Susan and Diane]. In this document, Joe's frustrations are evident in the tone he uses in writing. He talks of a lack of teaching materials in the Freedom Schools and the communication gaps between teachers and students. The second page (and bottom of the first page) is a handwritten postscript added by Joe on the 13th and 14th of July.