DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Virginia Harper NAACP Correspondence, 1971-1996 | 1971-07-12 Miss Virginia Harper to Mr. Matthew T. Jackson, Jr. Page 4

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Virginia Harper NAACP Correspondence, 1971-1996

1971-07-12 Miss Virginia Harper to Mr. Matthew T. Jackson, Jr. Page 4

720 - 7th Street
July 24, 1971
Mr. Thomas M. Kelly Jr. - President
Iowa Conference of NAACP Branches
210 Walgreen Building
200 Main Street
Davenport, Iowa
Dear Tom,
Thanks for your encouraging reply of July 14th. As you know, we in the Fort Madison, Branch, have been trying to figure out some way to efficiently take care of the complaints of the inmates from the ISP, for a long time. In some ways we have been helpful, but for the most part, we have alienated many of the men. I understand, however, that each individual feels that his case has more merit than any other and, also, each person feels he is always being treated, unjustly.
I feel that the procedure you have outlined, should work very well. However, it will take awhile to go back and compile the data. I think that it would be better if you could arrange to visit the prison, with me, as you suggested. We could then, in all probability, visit with each of the inmates who have complained and get the facts. Also, at this time, you could visit with the Warden. He has been very helpful, and I am certain, would allow us visiting privileges with all the men who have grievances. I will be out of town, this coming week (the last week in July) but would be able to go up there, with you, anytime during August. I would prefer a Thursday, if possible. The 26th and 27th of August are out, also.
At the time i wrote you, Jackson was in the "hole". However, I was under the impression that the material I enclosed, from Robert Anthony Williams, was pertaining to the rules which they felt violated their rights. I shall write Mr. Jackson ans ask him to contact you.
Please let me know the dates for the State Conference of Branches. I shall wait to hear from you, regarding a visit to the Penetentiary, and shall forward any information as soon as I get it.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Virginia Harper.

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720 - 7th Street July 24, 1971 Mr. Thomas M. Kelly Jr. - President Iowa Conference of NAACP Branches 210 Walgreen Building 200 Main Street Davenport, Iowa Dear Tom, Thanks for your encouraging reply of July 14th. As you know, we in the Fort Madison, Branch, have been trying to figure out some way to efficiently take care of the complaints of the inmates from the ISP, for a long time. In some ways we have been helpful, but for the most part, we have alienated many of the men. I understand, however, that each individual feels that his case has more merit than any other and, also, each person feels he is always being treated, unjustly. I feel that the procedure you have outlined, should work very well. However, it will take awhile to go back and compile the data. I think that it would be better if you could arrange to visit the prison, with me, as you suggested. We could then, in all probability, visit with each of the inmates who have complained and get the facts. Also, at this time, you could visit with the Warden. He has been very helpful, and I am certain, would allow us visiting privileges with all the men who have grievances. I will be out of town, this coming week (the last week in July) but would be able to go up there, with you, anytime during August. I would prefer a Thursday, if possible. The 26th and 27th of August are out, also. At the time i wrote you, Jackson was in the "hole". However, I was under the impression that the material I enclosed, from Robert Anthony Williams, was pertaining to the rules which they felt violated their rights. I shall write Mr. Jackson ans ask him to contact you. Please let me know the dates for the State Conference of Branches. I shall wait to hear from you, regarding a visit to the Penetentiary, and shall forward any information as soon as I get it. Sincerely, (Miss) Virginia Harper.