Above are invitations that were sent to writers and activists to speak at the Racial Crisis Symposium at Knox in 1969. You’ll find invitations for Eldridge Cleaver, Stokely Carmichael, and James Baldwin.
These important people tie directly into readings we’ve read by them. Eldridge Cleaver’s “Soul On Ice” specifically. The fact that ABLE and the Student Senate could reach out to them feels so surreal. The fact that writers we’ve read and discuss during class had the opportunity to come to Knox to talk about their work is insane. None of these particular people accepted the invitation but the connection is there. There is something so interesting about connections like these that make learning about this topic and researching so much more exciting. In general reading something and analyzing it by yourself is great but to be in person with the writer and to hear them speak about it creates a totally different feeling. It’s just like the recordings of Alfreda Dortch. It was completely different to hear her speaking out loud versus a transcript. I think that the fact that this opportunity existed is amazing and shows a new level of campus event planning.
Above is the contract that LeRoi Jones signed in agreement to come to Knox in March 1969. Although he signed the contract, he didn’t end up coming. In fact, over half of the speakers that were scheduled ended up cancelling. There was also a note from a reporter that there were cancellations being made due to unexpected weather. This contract states the date, time, topic of discussion, correspondent, transportation, and fee that came with LeRoi Jones’ appearance at Knox. Knox agreed to pay him $1,250 to come and speak at the symposium. Today, that would equal over $10,000. I do with that he was able to come because that would be so cool after reading so many works by him for class. It’s crazy that he agreed to come and speak but ultimately sad that he wasn’t able to actually come to Knox.