Letter from Mary White Ovington to J. A. A. Burnquist, June 18, 1920.

Type of event: Lynchings

Location: Minnesota; United States

Addressee: J. A. A. Burnquist

Addressor: Mary White Ovington

Document date:

Document type: Correspondence

Documents: Letter from Mary White Ovington to J. A. A. Burnquist, June 18, 1920.

Citation:

Minnesota. Governor (1915-1921: Burnquist).
Records.
Subject Files (File 648c): Duluth Lynchings, 1920.
Letter from Mary White Ovington to J. A. A. Burnquist, June 18, 1920.

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NATIONAL OFFICERS
----
PRESIDENT
Moorfield Storey

VICE-PRESIDENTS
Archibald H. Grimke
Rev. John Haynes Holmes
Bishop John Hurst
Arthur B. Spingarn
Oswald Garrison Villard

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE

ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE

70 Fifth Avenue, New York


Telephone: Chelsea 9386
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
----
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Mary White Ovington
John R. Shillady, Secretary
J.E. Spingarn, Treasurer
Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Director of Publications and Research
James Weldon Johnson,
Field Secretary
Walter F. White,
Assistant Secretary


June 18, 1920.



Hon. J. A. Burnquist, Governor,
State Capitol, St. Paul, Minn.

My dear Governor Burnquist:

I write to tell you that I appreciate how much you must suffer from the tragic lynchings that have occurred in Duluth. That such a crime should occur in the State of Minnesota only shows how lawlessness against the Negro is spreading throughout the country.

The suggestion has been made that we should investigate the lynchings. I am confident however that the State will desire at once to do this and to see that the guilty parties are brought to justice.

We have always looked with pride upon the St. Paul Branch as having the honor of having the Governor of the State as its President and we know that you will take every means possible to bring the men guilty to justice. If there is any way that we can co-operate from the office we shall be most glad to give any assistance that you may desire.

I remember with deep pleasure meeting you when I was at St. Paul two years ago and having the opportunity to talk with you upon the Negro question.

Most sincerely,

M. W. Ovington
Chairman.