Dear Lillie,

For far too long, I have kept my mouth shut but I can no longer let your classist and egotistical behavior abide. As members of the illustrious NAACP, we are supposed to stand together and help mobilize the people—all people—as we fight against all the unjust inequalities that we people of color face. I cannot stand your dismissive attitude towards those you deem beneath you. Just because your family has had the benefits of education and wealth does make you better than anyone else. In all honesty, of all people, you should be most sympathetic to those who have not had the same advantages as you have been fortunate to have.

Lillie, do not judge me for my decisions I make in both my professional and personal life. As a field secretary for the NAACP, I work for the people, not as your personal assistant. My job is to further the mission of the NAACP by reaching out to people and organizing them so they can fight for their constitutional rights. Furthermore, regardless of the fact that you have chosen to marry as a status symbol does not give you the right to critique my lifestyle nor does it make you better than anyone else.

As a woman, I would hope to feel some solidarity as we face many of the same hardships. However, your actions make that goal almost impossible. Nevertheless, I know that deep down you and I are more alike than we will ever be able to admit. We could accomplish so much good if we just dropped our pretenses and banded together. Lillie, I will always be your sister in the struggle but until you cange your arrogant ways, you will never be able to reach your full potential as a member of this organization and of this movement.

Sincerely,
Ella J. Baker