SR_DPI_DNE_Direc_Corr_Box16_Folder11_009

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Discussing these questions, persons present spoke slowly, quietly, and with
restraint as follows:

1. They said Negroes in Lumberton felt keenly that they had been
neglected a long time; they do not bear any ill-will toward
any one; they desire as keenly as do other people, good schools
for their children.

2. Lumberton Negroes had many times appeared before school off-
cials appealing for adequate school buildings. They thought
they had done the best they could.

3. The school strike was ended and there was no aftermath; that
this was the closing of the affair so far they know.

4. New buildings "as soon as possible" means to them that new
buildings will be ready for their children in September, 1947.

NOTE: These discussions took place in an unhurried manner, and those pre-
sent spoke feelingly on the point that Negroes in Lumberton do not harbor
hate nor any malicious intent of any kind. Again and again, they expressed
the hope that their children might have adequate school buildings and equip-
ment,-all that may be necessary to give them an opportunity to secure their
education under healthy, happy, encouragig surroundings is all they desire.
In conclusion, it should be made clear that the strike of the Negro school
children in Lumberton has apparently emphasized the disagreements which
exist among the several county and city officials who are most concerned.
The following represents the major disagreements as i understand them:

1. The city school trustees have expressed themselves as favoring
one large building with perhaps thirty or more class rooms,
and other facilities found in modern schools in which all the
Negro children of the community would have the opportunity