1 hour program, produced in 1966 by NET, originally shot on videotape. Two veteran civil rights leaders tonight (June 13) predicted more violence and tragedy unless society takes seriously the demands of the responsible Negro leadership. Bayard Rustin and Whitney M. Young Jr., told a National Educational Television audience that if we are not careful the new, militant young Negro leaders would turn to violence because of their frustration over lack of tangible jobs and housing. Nothing is more important than dealing with the frustration which can tear this country apart long after Vietnam has been forgot, said Mr. Rustin, who is executive director of the A. Philip Randolph Foundation. He said he thought the American people recognized this, or could be led to see it. Mr. Young, who is executive director of the National Urban League, said 10 out of 11 American cities will become more than 50 percent Negro within the next 20 years, but neither businessman nor politicians understand whats happening. The tragedy in this thing is that the American population has normally and historically responded only to tragedy, he said, adding that he hoped past riots in Harlem, Watts, and Rochester would help the country get the message. If it doesnt, I think we I think we are in for a terrible siege, he said. Mr. Young and Mr. Rustin were members of a panel moderated by Washington newsman Paul Niven and taped at the conclusion of the June White House Conference on Civil Rights, on NETs Civil Rights Summer 66. Other guests were Daniel P. Moynihan, director of the Joint Center for Urban Studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Mrs. Mary Henry, a member of the Community Representatives Advisory Council to the Office of Economic Opportunity and a worker for the Poverty Program in Los Angeles. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
