The Age of Eisenhower: America and the World in the 1950s

by William I. Hitchcock

“The failure of any prominent member of the administration to speak out against and deplore the present condition of terrorism and economic sanction against Negroes,” he wrote, “is causing deep concern among Negro leaders in the country today.” Morrow reported a widespread feeling that the administration “has completely abandoned the Negro in the South and left him to the mercy of state governments.” He urged a public denunciation of the lawlessness in the South as well as a meeting between Eisenhower and a high-level delegation of black political and religious leaders. Yet with Hoover’s reports circulating in the White House, linking African American activism with communism, Morrow got nowhere with his suggestions. The White House remained publicly silent.57 Only after considerable persuasion from Rabb did the president agree to place a brief mention about civil rights in his State of the Union speech on January 5, 1956. It was a tepid statement, buried deep in a long speech. “It is disturbing that in some localities,” Eisenhower said, sounding as if the matter had just been brought to his attention, “allegations persist that Negro citizens are being deprived of their right to vote and are likewise being subjected to unwarranted economic pressures. I recommend that the substance of these charges be thoroughly examined by a Bipartisan Commission created by the Congress. It is hoped that such a commission will be established promptly so that it may arrive at findings which ...