I am honored to be writing to you. How do you do?
I would like to congratulate you; not many women in your position have chosen to look past their worries and disgust to actually help those of our race.
I have heard that you have developed an initiative for our young women--the Phyllis Wheatley Association. I would be delighted to possibly meet with you and discuss some of the ways women specifically have been able to mobilize themselves and help these young women show self respect, dignity, and cleanliness.
We have, likewise, produced a publication entitled "Helpful Hints" that has a similar purpose of providing the basic codes of conduct that all blacks should adhere to. I have enclosed the pamphlet in case you want it and may be able direct it towards your Phyllis Wheatley Association, modifying it, of course, as you see fit.
One argument I often hear is that we should not "control" the lives of our black people. Whenever I hear this phrase I immediately think this individual is saying "Do not care for the future of your people." I am pleased to hear that you too understand how integral it is for us as a people to not only put our best foot forward, but to remove ourselves of the flaws that hold us back. The whites do not see us as individuals; what one black person does seems to falsely hold true for all of us. It is imperative, then, for us to remove all of these blemishes. We will not only be able to put our "best foot" forward, but will no longer have a single portion of us to be considered the "best." We will improve ourselves so that when we are called to step forward, we will not be able to move with just a "best foot" but with our entire and pure selves--soul, body, mind, and heart.
I would be interested in hearing more about the Phyllis Wheatley Association, as well as some of the other initiatives that either you or others are involved in.
Sincerely,
Forrester B. Washington
the Detroit Urban League
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