SCLC #295 — Freedom Now Party 1964: an all-Black-party recruitment appeal

A folded brochure in the Rosa Parks Papers is headed “A Call for a Freedom Now Party” and “An All-Black Party for 1964.” It names the National Committee for a Freedom Now Party — Conrad J. Lynn acting chairman, Pernella V. Wattley corresponding secretary — and prints a Detroit contact beside New York committee ID.

The detachable reply form offers unchecked choices: literature; interest in a founding congress; work for prospective city/county/state candidates; or buttons. The reverse reprints a New Yorker excerpt (June 15, 1963) on William Worthy proposing a Freedom Now Party in Harlem — a reprint used in the appeal, not a 1964 congress or election record. “For 1964” is a political horizon, not a proven print date.

Limits: blank form ≠ enrollment, congress, ballot qualification, named candidates, or results. Archival location ≠ Parks membership, endorsement, or circulation. Committee named ≠ demonstrated operational national party.

Repo: freedom-now-party-1964-recruitment-brochure · LOC mss859430193 image 0004