EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Governor Nice's Proclamation Negro Handicapped Week May 17. 1936, to May 23, 1936

WHEREAS, There are many Negro citizens in the State of Maryland suffering from various
types of mental and physical handicaps who attempt to ava.il themselves of the limited opportunities
afforded them to improve their condition and thereby relieve the Slate of the burden of their
care ; and

WHEREAS, The Association for the Handicapped has endeavored unceasingly for twenty-five
years to help those suffering from any type of handicap, to adjust themselves in life and to seek
aid in securing for them whatever appliances science ha.s found most suited and best fitted to
their condition ; and

WHEREAS, the said Association for the Handicapped is celebrating. May 17th, to May 23,
1936. the twenty-fifth anniversary of its labors, in an effort to more fully acquaint the public with
its achievements and the fine contributions which it has made to the social welfare of the State
and the Negro Race.

NOW, THEREFORE, I. HARRY W. NICE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND,
do proclaim the week beginning May 17th, 1936, and ending May 23rd, 1936. as. Negro Handicapped
Week, during which we hope a conscientious effort shall be made to awaken in the minds of the
citizens of this State an appreciation for the thoughts, feelings, accomplishments and needs of
those less fortunate than themselves, who in spite of serious handicaps are in many instances doing
more for themselves, their families and their communities than their more fortunate brethren.

GIVEN under my Hand and the Great Seal of the State of

[THE GREAT SEAL OF THE Maryland, at the City of Annapolis, this 9th day of May,
STATE OF MARYLAND] in the Year of Our Lord. One Thousand, Nine Hundred
and Thirty-six.

HARRY W. NICE.
By the Governor, THOMAS L. DAWSON, Secretary of State.

Attorney W. A- C. Hughes drew up the Proclamation for the Governor's approval.

Arguments for Colored Representatives on the Board of School Commissions

of Baltimore City

1. The colored population of Baltimore constitutes approximately one-sixth of the total popu-
lation. This group of citizens pays its share of the taxes, receives a portion of the benefits
through various City agencies. but has nothing to do or say in the administration of these
departments. It is fair, therefore, for those interested in the public school of the City.
where Civics and other subjects have as their ultimate purpose the building of citizenship.
should be interested in such a largre percentage of citizens and children in the public school.

2. It amounts to taxation without representation in shaping; the policies and ideals of a great
educational system.

3. There are approximately 25,000 colored children in the schools of Baltimore. Nn one knows
the family life, family background, the home environments of thest 25,000 children better
than colored people themselves. Because of the racial differ e neen and barriers it in impos-
sible for white people, however fair they may be to accurately evaluate all of the conditions
entering into such a large racial group.

4. For these reasons and others not mentioned, a colored representative on the School Board
could speak with authority in the interest of one-sixth of the citizens of our great city.

W. A. C. HUGHES. JR..

Attorney at Law
4 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

May 5, 1936.

Mr. Forrest Bramble, President,
3901 Juniper Road,
Baltimore, Maryland.

Re: Schools 109. 127, 131
Dear Sir:

I wrote you on the 22nd of January, requesting permission for a committee from the Asso-
ciation For The Handicapped to meet with the Board of School Commissioners to discus con-
ditions in the above-named schools. Sard request was at first referred to the Committee on Health
Education and Physical Education but later transferred to the Committee on Buildings according
to Miss M. O'Hara. Secretary to your Board. We were advised that we would he notified of the
next meeting of thf Committ.ee on Buildings and have an opportunity to be heard,

Since the school year will soon close und it is problematical whether or not we shall have
an opportunity to meet with the Board of Commissioners, we have decided to send our findings
instead of waiting for a conference.

Perhaps you are not fully aware of the deplorable conditions prevalent at Schools numbered
109, 127 and 1S1. Enclosed herein, you will find a copy of the report made upon these buildings
in 1920-1921 by the "Strayer Survey," and the report of a committee from the Association for
the Handicapped, which investigated those schools in December, 1935. These schools were found
to be so dangerous and out of date that immediate abandonment was considered necessary more
than fifteen years ago; yet. though they are in far worse condition today, mentally handicapped
children are instructed there. Surely, the mentally handicapped child needs far more pleasant
surroundings than the normal child if his condition is to improve. It is for these reasons that
the Association for the Handicapped urges the Board of School Commissioners to abandon or
rebuild the aforementioned Schools before the fall term of 1936-1937. or place these children in
more suitable building's.

Thanking you for your immediate attention to this matter, we are

Very truly yours,

ASSOCIATION FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

By W. A. C. Hughes, Attorney
WACH :W

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