00:00:00.330 - 00:00:32.240

March 11th, 1975. Mrs. Rose Bell, black studies librarian. Of the Kansas City, Missouri Public Library, interviewing Mr. James McKinley Neal at 2462 Brooklyn. Kansas City, Missouri. At his place of workers at Mr. Neal's place of business, the Regal Pharmacy. Now, Mr. Neal. Where and when were

00:00:32.240 - 00:01:23.309

you born? I was born in Greensboro, Georgia, March 8th. 1907. My mother and father. the parents of 10 children and I was forced. And. Alright, I understand that you graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta. I attended Gal Academy and Morehouse College. Finished Morehouse College with a

00:01:23.660 - 00:01:56.129

degree in. A B And then in later years, I got a BS in pharmacy from the Capital College of Pharmacy in Denver. Well, how did you happen to uh come to Kansas City, Missouri and settle? Well, I, uh, worked my way through. Morehouse College as a

00:01:56.129 - 00:02:26.410

representative of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. And after finishing Morehouse, I traveled for this company. For 15 years, I served as state manager of Florida, state manager of Texas. State manager of Kentucky. I'm a stage manager. Uh, Missouri, and when I came to Missouri, I, uh,

00:02:26.940 - 00:02:55.479

married Georgia Campbell, the first Negro to graduate in pharmacy from the University of Nebraska, and the company wanted to transfer me. From Kansas City to Ohio. She didn't like the idea of traveling. She was already In the drug business and she encouraged me to go into

00:02:55.539 - 00:03:21.350

the drug business with, with her. Well, after a period of 5 years, she encouraged me to take up pharmacy and then I took up pharmacy and graduated. And during this period, I was encouraged to enter into politics. And so in 1946, I was elected to the

00:03:21.350 - 00:03:54.600

legislature. And uh was elected continuously through the period of 19. Uh, 64, period of 18 years. And during this time. I succeeded in becoming the Top man in seniority in the legislature and the senior member of 5 committees. Uh, I served as chairman of the elections

00:03:54.600 - 00:04:20.450

committee for 16 years, was the first Negro. In Missouri to ever become. The chairman of the standing committee. And uh during this period in the legislature I sponsored All of the civil rights legislation that was uh was introduced at that time. Of course, I had other

00:04:20.450 - 00:04:44.989

co-sponsors, but I was leading sponsor and we were able to first, we were able to have Negro participation. And the Missouri National Guard making Missouri the 9th state in the United States to do so. Then we passed the Fair Employment Practice Act pertaining to the state

00:04:44.989 - 00:05:34.500

agencies. And uh then later on we uh passed a bill establishing the commission. Human rights and of course during the time that I was in the legislature I handled all of the appropriations for Lincoln. Unit And I was instrumental in having them. To receive a, As

00:05:34.500 - 00:06:05.000

I was saying, I was instrumental in having Lincoln University. Establish an ROTC unit at the school. And uh They were not accredited. Due to the fact that they didn't have the necessary volumes in there, but long before I left the legislature, Lincoln University. Received, uh, But

00:06:05.000 - 00:06:35.350

I was instrumental in getting them a library and adding the necessary volumes and so they were, Printed class A college and during this time. I got for the school, Fine arts film. And auditorium. A gymnasium. And Ndometer. 2 for men and 2 for women. And, uh,

00:06:38.730 - 00:07:13.149

Was able to purchase the land to build. And athletic playing field. In '64, my last year in the legislature. It's not, And getting them a student. Union building. For this work in the legislature, I received 28 plaques. And two honorary doctorates of humanity. Oh, OK. And

00:07:13.149 - 00:07:47.320

some of these flags were from the chamber of commerce. Bernaires Jewish organization. Catholic diocese. The alpha fraternity, the Omega fraternity, the state branches. Uh, the NACP. And, Urban League, I just mentioned some of these and that, Many others. Well, in your opinion, what was one of

00:07:47.320 - 00:08:16.829

the. Most important Uh, bills That you feel you were instrumental in, Introducing and having. Uh, carried through while you were in legislature. I consider the Commission on Human Rights. Uh, that, that is the, Law that enforce all of the civil rights. Uh, Programs in the state

00:08:16.829 - 00:08:43.080

of Missouri. And then along with two other representatives from Kansas City, we were instrumental. And having Kansas City University turned over to the state of Missouri. To establish a branch of the university. Missouri and Kansas City. And then the other thing that I feel, Very, uh,

00:08:43.809 - 00:09:12.710

proud of. That's when the Supreme Court. was handed down in 1954. The speaker program. Of the House of Representatives. Of the resolute. Turned Lincoln University over to the Department of Mental Health. For the purpose of housing the custodial and senile patients. And of course they had

00:09:12.719 - 00:09:43.849

had a feasibility study made and uh they were all set to abandon Lincoln University and I offered. is to And this substitute motion prevailed and Lincoln University was made a permanent unit. Education. And then another thing I was very proud of, I was the first Negro,

00:09:44.979 - 00:10:13.729

To be permitted to stay in a hotel in Missouri in a white hotel. The I saw the hotels. S Theaters for many years. I have to see. And the guest dormitories at Lincoln University. And I had no other place to eat other than in the cafeteria.

00:10:14.979 - 00:10:38.169

And in the last 8 years that I was able to go to any theater I wanted to and eat in any restaurant. And stay in any hotel, not only in Jeffson City, State of Missouri. Now, this, this, um, Desegregation that you speak of. Now much of

00:10:38.169 - 00:11:06.979

this was because of your. Introduction of fields. Well, it was due to introduction of, My cooperation. Other legislators who were as interested in certain pieces of legislation as I was. And at that time, it took 82 votes. To pass a bill which was a constitutional majority.

00:11:07.760 - 00:11:33.590

And I cooperated with them. And as a result they cooperated with me. And we were able to get it done that way because we only had About, uh, full members. Of the minority in the legislature it's necessary to get 78 white votes. To pass anything in

00:11:33.590 - 00:12:00.419

my cooperation with them and legislation that they were in. Uh Enabled me to get that cooperation and out of there. That's very and then too. When you stay in a place the uh without being defeated longer than 10 years, you acquire considerable seniority and influence and

00:12:00.419 - 00:12:30.109

being the chairman of the committee on elections and vice member and vice chairman of the appropriations Committee gave me considerable influence. And so that here. Yes. Come down here. All right, now, When you first came to Kansas City. You said. That you did not live where

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you're living right now. Now, would you tell me something about I I lived at 2004 East 23rd. We to have owned the block between New and Garfield, but uh. The City of the school board decided to build the Lincoln Junior High School on the spot of

00:12:55.330 - 00:13:24.770

the land. we live. And so When that happened, I had to move in a prohibited uh section of Kansas City south of 23rd Street and at that time. They did not allow Negroes to live further south than Twenty-seventh Street, and of course they were having considerable

00:13:24.770 - 00:13:48.469

trouble. Negroes moving in those areas, but I have to have moved at the present location where I live now and I was received hospitably by the uh neighbors and I've never had one minute trouble in the area in which I live. Well, that's very good now.

00:13:49.570 - 00:14:22.590

You were, of course, um. And unusual. I might say. Specimen in that particular setup. Now, can you compare. The um difference in the way your particular situation was handled and the way say the average black man at that time, uh, situation would have been handled I

00:14:22.590 - 00:14:52.409

think due to the fact that Legislature. That's correct. Oh, and I was also a member of the board of directors of the Urban League and throughout my tenure in the legislature, I used the technique of the Urban League. Mediation, conciliation. And Presenting facts logically and People

00:14:53.919 - 00:15:17.679

like that type of technique better than they did the most militant type. And, uh, I, Worked considerably in the field of education, not only for Negroes but for whites. And they respected me and of course uh they did everything they possibly could to help me and

00:15:17.679 - 00:15:38.979

for that reason I had no trouble at all. And when I went to the legislature during that period, 65% of the registered voters in my district were white because it was difficult to get negroes to register and vote. And they like the type of work I

00:15:38.979 - 00:16:17.469

was doing in the legislature and then. When we open our Oh man. Oh, Yeah Good Well. Oh, as I was about to say, you take, uh, by me being in the legislature. No, no, no, no. And working for the, Bills that for the overall good of

00:16:17.469 - 00:16:39.340

all Missourians rather than devoting all of my time to civil rights. I had the respect of both white and colored and then too we operated out of business and when we opened our business at 2462 Brooklyn. It was right on the borderline. Everything south of 25th

00:16:39.340 - 00:17:06.349

Street was white, and so, uh, they, uh, approved of our operating. For many years our best customers were white. Well what year was that when you started operating here at 2462 Brooklyn? That was about 1934. And at that time blacks did not go much further than

00:17:06.349 - 00:17:38.319

25th 25th Street. I see. Well, there has been a great change since 1934. Now, in your opinion, Mr. Neil. I. What is the basic difference that you've seen in the way the blacks lived then? And the way they have started to live now. Well, prior to

00:17:38.319 - 00:18:09.369

3 they were confined in an area. Generally, no. At twenty-seventh Street. And now they can live anywhere. In town that uh Financial ability. Will allow them to Purchase homes and I have seen that change come about. They can go to theaters and restaurants, things of that

00:18:09.369 - 00:18:37.619

sort. And of course, uh, The NACP and the Urban League, they have been working in the area of civil rights for more than 50 years, but during this period. Between 34 and 54. You had an organization like the Southern Leadership Conference directed by Martin Luther King

00:18:37.619 - 00:19:13.349

and other organizations. They began to march. And created a public opinion. And, uh, Mo beetle. Uh, the pain. Convinced. That it was the right thing. To be fair and just to all people in regards to education, homes, And John. So I have seen those things come

00:19:13.349 - 00:19:40.920

fast. They are far from being perfect, but Considerable progress has been made in the areas that I just mentioned. Well, I, I should say so. Now, you were. Very busy with your business here during World War 2. Do it. And during that time, I'm sure you

00:19:41.500 - 00:20:09.109

saw many. Then go off to war. And probably left the young families you saw many. Women struggling trying to make it with their husbands gone and probably with uh young children. And some of them, of course, were during the course of time. They had to get

00:20:09.109 - 00:20:34.180

jobs to try to make. The best of their life that they could. Can you, can you tell me anything about what you saw then that um Had had its effect on many of these soldiers returned. They were very militant. And They didn't ask for jobs. Like

00:20:34.180 - 00:21:06.599

they once had in prior years, they demanded. And, uh, then you had your wreath riots and, And, uh, things of that kind. And so as a result of that, considerable progress was made. In all areas. Housing. Hell. Jobs, recreation, and education. All right. During the time

00:21:06.599 - 00:21:34.839

that the men had gone away to war. And had left their families here, their young wives perhaps, and children. How did you see? Of the woman there, what was her role at that time? Waging war. And they opened up uh Lake City and Sunflower ordinance plant

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Pratt Whitney. And many of these people had jobs and made wages that they had never dreamed of making before because they were working to support the war and during this period they built 100 units directly across the street from my pharmacy and the majority of these

00:22:00.900 - 00:22:29.859

people were employed at some of these. These, uh Uh, facilities that were supporting. The army And making munitions and powder and Airplane parts and things of that kind. And so many people. Period of World War II, many later. were able to get jobs that have never

00:22:30.380 - 00:22:59.410

had any good jobs before. In your opinion. Did the black woman who stayed behind to carry on. At the home front feel that she. Was able to get, uh, Adequate work in order to help support her family in many instances they were able to adequate. And

00:23:00.319 - 00:23:53.660

many instances. They were not able. But the various relief organizations took a more active part. During this period than they had ever taken before, so many people. Oh He in this area. All right, see how much. Mr. Neil, I remember that you mentioned to me that

00:23:53.920 - 00:24:14.459

when you worked. As a legislator. That you did not necessarily work just for civil rights bills, but you worked across the board. I remember that you said that you always work whatever you thought was a good deal. Can you tell me a little more about that?

00:24:17.699 - 00:24:48.280

Well, legislators were expected at that time. To, uh, sponsor. Civil rights legislation. And of course, I did my part of that, but I found out with 163 members in the legislature and 4 negroes. You had to secure 72 white votes. And so I found it expedient

00:24:48.280 - 00:25:12.760

and wise to work for every piece of worthwhile legislation, even though it was sponsored by a white legislation. I worked just as hard for that legislation as I did my own and as a result. The fellow said, well, this is a, is a good fellow. He

00:25:12.760 - 00:25:38.520

is willing to help us. And it would be fair for us to help him. And so I, It is worthwhile piece of legislation and work hard. Whether it was civil rights legislation or not. Because that was the only way to secure those extra 78 votes that

00:25:38.520 - 00:26:06.420

I would have to have passed any kind of deal. Well, your versatility while working in the legislature. It seems to me to have been quite an asset. And I can see that you were pioneer. In many areas. And I would think that of course this in

00:26:06.910 - 00:26:39.520

itself would Make you feel. Pretty please. Well, I had a lot of help. I worked very closely. This is Urban League. And with the NACP. And, uh, Considerable research. Worked for me and I was able. On any worthwhile piece of legislation that I presented. To produce

00:26:40.010 - 00:27:06.729

logical facts. And that helped me considerably. Well, how did you work with? Frank C. Mazuka of Jackson County 1st District. You were from the 4th district, and he was from the 1st district, I understand. And of course you were both down there working together during my

00:27:06.729 - 00:27:42.219

tenure we had 10 representatives from Kansas City and 1 from Jackson County which made 11. At that particular time. Frank Mazuka and uh Charlie Bow and myself. We all belong belong to the same. Political. Organization. So we worked very closely together. I worked with them on

00:27:42.219 - 00:28:08.479

legislation and they were interested in and they always worked closely with me. On legislation that I was interested in. So. I didn't have any trouble at all. Getting their support Of the representatives from Kansas City during that time because all of them, the majority of us

00:28:08.479 - 00:28:38.609

were members of the same political organization and those that were not. They respected us. And uh they went along with us on most of the legislation that we introduced. All right. I was very fortunate when I went to the legislature. My wife cooperated with me in

00:28:38.609 - 00:29:00.560

that. She was a registered pharmacist, and she ran the business while I was away. And even though I suffered a financial loss and being away from my business, being in the legislature in the first place. I didn't go there for the purpose of making money. Because

00:29:01.630 - 00:29:26.160

for 10 years, they only paid $125 a month. And, uh, I had to spend to be a worthwhile representative. I had to spend anywhere from $100 to $150 of my own money to stay there. And I thought probably I would be able to do, What I

00:29:26.160 - 00:29:47.319

set out to do in about 8 years, but I found it took me 18. It took you 18 years to do what you wanted to do. Want to do in 8 years, but, uh, we were making progress. Each session I heard you say that your wife

00:29:47.859 - 00:30:09.790

wanted you to go into the pharmacy business, but that was not particularly what you wanted to do. However, to please her, you went on and studied pharmacy. That's right. And came back and worked in the business with her. That's. In the meantime, Who received a scholarship

00:30:11.130 - 00:30:35.109

to take what you might call an accelerated course to work on her master's and her doctor's at the same time. So and she is doing part-time teaching at Seton Hall and she is also working on her PhD. At uh New York University and one of my

00:30:35.109 - 00:31:06.079

granddaughters was married Chuck Stone who at one time was He was, he was a journalist at one time. He was administrative assistant to Adam Clay F. And now he is associated associate editor. Of a newspaper in Philadelphia. And he had written. 3 books. The first was

00:31:06.079 - 00:31:39.849

tell them like it is. Second vote was black political power. And his last birthday. King struck, but his book book on black political power. Has been made a requirement in 12 of the Ivy League colleges like Princeton. Yeah You. Amherst and Brown and schools of that

00:31:39.849 - 00:32:13.469

kind. And we're very proud of him. Some of those books that your son-in-law wrote. Uh, were in our library where I formerly worked. And they do Tail. A very potent kind of story. They bring out the black man's problem. And they also give some solutions for

00:32:13.469 - 00:32:44.550

the problems. Children and you have had some enviable experiences. Many black people. W. like to have some of those experiences that you've had. I realize that everything didn't come easy for you though, Mister Neil. I realize you've worked very hard. Yeah. Uh, the chemistry department at

00:32:44.550 - 00:33:05.170

Hampton and he had his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and at one time. I have a daughter who was head of the physical education department, but during that period. They did not pay very good salaries at schools in the south. And so we were in

00:33:05.170 - 00:33:31.069

a position to assist them. Verification. Grand jury. I think that's wonderful. I think that's the kind of thing though that many blacks can look at and can take hope, because even though they can't do it exactly the way I did it, they know that it can

00:33:31.569 - 00:33:57.400

be done, and I think more blacks are trying. To Get better education. In order to live better. In order to feel better about themselves as individuals and as a group. And I might say that in addition to, My business, I have been, uh, I, I've been

00:33:57.400 - 00:34:19.418

a board member. Of the Urban League for 25 years and A year or so ago, I received a gold pin. They noted that I was board member for 25 years and I'm immediate past president of the board of directors and I worked very closely with them.

00:34:20.489 - 00:34:42.889

And I happened to be a board member and a member of the executive committee and chairman of the banking and finance committee. Of the Martin Luther King Hospital. And, uh, my wife, during her lifetime, she contributed. Very heavily to the building fund of this hospital and

00:34:42.889 - 00:35:05.060

so did I. And it is, uh, diagonally across the street from my pharmacy. And so I've taken a very active part in the Urban League and in the uh Martin Luther King Hospital, and I'm also a member. Of the Caseo Baptist Church. And I have served

00:35:05.060 - 00:35:34.429

as trustee. And president of the choir. You one fear and die. And uh I keep busy. I don't have it as my hobby. Yeah. Urban League and Martin Luther King Hospital. And working in my flowers at home, I, Hunt a fish or play golf. So that's

00:35:34.429 - 00:35:56.080

a waste of time and And I like to spend my time in something that's worthwhile. And I like to see something come into fruition. Yeah, I'm very interested, Hospital due to the fact that the, It's a pleasure to me to walk through the hospital. See, uh,

00:35:56.840 - 00:36:28.090

black chief of surgery and chief, And chief of urology and, Chief of staff and. And lady, nurses, uh, supervisors, and things of that kind because I have always felt That integration should work both ways and we should have something. But they can operate efficiently. Enough. To

00:36:28.090 - 00:36:48.040

have whites to join in with us rather than we run to the whites with our hat in hand. Every day. And so I'm very proud of the work that I've done. With that hospital. I was with them when it was known as Wheatley Hospital and that

00:36:48.040 - 00:37:17.919

was the only health facility that Negroes could attend for many, many years and And we replaced it with the Martin Luther King. The more I feel. Well, I will say that you are multi-talented. And you have used your talents. To help In many, many areas. And

00:37:17.919 - 00:37:40.590

I, Know that all of your people. Feel very proud of you. Well, for a time I thought it was a thankless job, but then I began when I received 28 blacks and I received uh Uh, plaque from the Commission on Human Rights listed me as a

00:37:40.590 - 00:38:02.850

father. Of human rights in the state of Missouri and then when I began to receive honorary doctorates, a few managers, uh, that made me feel that my work had not. And in vain and was appreciated. Well, that's very good. Now, I'd like to ask you something

00:38:02.850 - 00:38:30.350

about the chamber of Commerce in the earlier days. I believe, as I understand it, there were 2 chambers of commerce here in Kansas City, Missouri many years ago. One of the organizers of the Kansas City Negro Chamber of Commerce and for several years I served. Executive

00:38:30.350 - 00:39:00.590

secretary because at that time Negroes could not become a member of the white chain of commerce. And uh then later on when we became more sophisticated. The group wanted to drop. The word negro, so we reorganized and provided the Kansas City. Business association so we could

00:39:00.590 - 00:39:28.909

drop the word Negro and then later on, the White Chamber of Commerce. Accepted Negroes as members and so since that time, A memory. Chamber of commerce, Kansas, Missouri. So, you really desegregated. That's right. You were desegregated. About when was this? Do you have an idea? About

00:39:28.909 - 00:40:01.939

what year this was when the desegregation of the chamber of commerce came about? As late as that. As late as that. Let me see. I see. So you have seen. Actually. Desegregation of the chamber of commerce and of housing. Um, perhaps of some of the churches

00:40:01.939 - 00:40:25.159

too. And then on top of that for a number of years There were not any Negroes colonel on the governor's staff, and it was my pleasure to serve 8 years. As a colonel on the governor's staff. And uh I figured that was progress. Well, I should

00:40:25.159 - 00:41:07.510

say. Well, I said before that you. Our most talented and you have displayed that. In all of your Walks of life. Mr. Neal, what have you seen? In regards to. Desegregation in the churches here in Kansas City metropolitan area. Well, I have seen many barriers. Tolerance

00:41:08.689 - 00:41:38.709

But, uh, I haven't seen any appreciable number. Of Negroes joining white churches, even though they can if they desire, but it appears to me. Though they prefer going to their own churches. And uh in regards to their fraternities, I am to be a member. Mega sci-fi,

00:41:38.739 - 00:42:10.659

I'm the salry fraternity Society of American drama. I don't see too many Negroes joining the white fraternities. And don't see too many whites joining the. Negro return Even though many of them. will admit Uh, negroes. And all of the Negro fraternities were looking at whites. But

00:42:10.659 - 00:42:43.600

we have very few apps. Well, I guess this, Tells us something. I think there are perhaps some areas of living that. Blacks and whites prefer to. Just to be on their own. And that could be for various reasons. I don't know whether that's the case or

00:42:43.600 - 00:43:06.189

not, but, uh, I do know that, uh, You don't have large numbers of negroes, Joining the white churches and you don't have large numbers of the whites joining. Negroes and it might be. That it seems to me it's just more so. In the Negro churches. The

00:43:06.189 - 00:43:36.510

singing is better. And not as cold. That might account for it. And of course, I'm, I wouldn't attempt to speak for everybody, but I'm speaking now for myself. And personally, I just enjoy myself better. In my church than I do. Some Other churches. Would you say

00:43:36.510 - 00:44:03.270

that the black churches are still the center of their community? Negro churches play a very important part. Development. Of the Negro community and of course the thing about it is this. Even though you have integrated housing and things of that kind, Negroes have not. Had uh

00:44:04.750 - 00:44:24.659

Good paying jobs to the extent That too many of them. are able to move in any area they want to. And there was a passage in the Bible so the poor. Will be with you always, and you will have a lot of Negroes that live in

00:44:24.659 - 00:45:04.580

the inner city. That will never be economically able to get out of. Even though they could if they were economically able, but they will remain and they get to. And many of the churches remain. I agree with that. Completely. That's true. This

00:45:04.580 - 00:45:44.610

is, this is huge. Mr. Neil, I would like for you to compare or contrast as you see it. The black. Family. And employment today. And The way it was when you came here in 1930. Has improved considerably because uh many barriers have fallen and Negroes are

00:45:44.610 - 00:46:23.370

holding jobs. That they never dreamed of many years ago. And many firms are employing ladies in jobs. That they never employed ladies before. So considerable progress. have been made. And employment in regards to I know. All right. What about education? Would you contrast the educational system

00:46:23.370 - 00:46:53.040

for blacks in 1930 and 1975? Well, naturally. Negroes are interested in just about everything. Excuse me, excuse me, of course, all of this, I mean, is in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Negroes are interested in just about everything but white. The economic. Status improves nationally, they

00:46:53.040 - 00:47:22.040

will see to it that more of their children They have educational advantages when they did not have the. Do do. Economic reasons. And so you have the enrollment in colleges. And technical schools. Have increased considerably because for a long time. Negroes thought he couldn't do anything

00:47:22.040 - 00:47:46.939

but preach and teach. Or to write insurance or something like that. Because, uh, they never dreamed of working in banks and. And things of that kind of course no opportunities that present themselves, but now they are. Working in many areas that they never worked before and

00:47:46.939 - 00:48:12.929

so it's necessary for them to acquire technical skills. When uh there was a time it was necessary to go in civilly. Things at that time because when you finish, you wouldn't, Wouldn't have any job offers. I see. What is there anything else? Um, That you feel

00:48:12.929 - 00:48:37.500

that Has helped Blacks to arrive at where they are today, although they still feel they have a long way to go. In order to be in the mainstream, many blacks feel that they have a long way to go. You have many organizations. The NACP has been

00:48:37.500 - 00:49:08.969

in the forefront. Is fine. To improve conditions for Negroes for many years. And so has the Urban League. And there are many other, Organizations like the Missouri Association of Social Welfare. Parent Teachers Association and your various fraternities like your Omegas and Alphas and Kappa. And AKA

00:49:08.969 - 00:49:44.600

in the territors. All of them are putting on, Programs and seminars. And they were encouraging negroes to assert themselves. Both educationally, economically. And uh Every other way and so. With all of, with the combined efforts. Of all of the organizations, black and white of goodwill. Considerable

00:49:44.600 - 00:50:23.750

progress has been made. And I feel more progress. Would be, Right? Mr. Neil, I've read of the local model cities. How it's operated or what it has done here. My, uh, It was a wonderful program. When it was, Outlined, but unfortunately, you did not have any

00:50:23.750 - 00:50:57.449

guidelines and as president. To follow. And whereas they did a lot of good. And it created Uh, better understanding. As to the needs of the In the cities They were not able to accomplish as much as they might have. If they had had more expertise. In

00:50:57.449 - 00:51:33.840

regards to this program in the outset. But they have uh. recruited and trained. Some wonderful staffs at the various organizations. And they have considerable expertise as secretaries, as recruiters. They would be an asset. To any business enterprise and Hide them in the future. And then they

00:51:33.840 - 00:52:01.800

were able to take trips to places like Washington, DC and Atlanta and other places. And they gained considerable knowledge. And I think if they would continue In Miles said this program. I think they realize why they have made errors. And now they could adopt guidelines and

00:52:01.800 - 00:52:35.739

establish. Uh, procedures and programs. And it would be a wonderful asset. But unfortunately, But you see To be considering abandoning all of the model cities agencies because they feel That for the amount of money spent They did not accomplish. As much as they had. Hopes for

00:52:36.300 - 00:52:59.199

But this is On the. You can understand this because They were Launching a new program. that had never been launched before. And there's no saying you can't teach what you don't know and you can't leave where you don't go, and they have to learn. And they've

00:52:59.199 - 00:53:28.360

learned their lesson. But they learn their lessons. Too late. Well, I understand that you have been quite a diligent worker with the Martin Luther King Junior Hospital. This hospital was, uh, previously. Wheatley Hospital and I believe I read somewhere that it was founded by Doctor Perry.

00:53:28.429 - 00:53:55.439

That's right. And you have been very interested and have worked long and hard with this. I'd like you to um Tell me. More about this venture of yours as being a hospital worker, you, your talents are so many. And why have you been so great in

00:53:55.439 - 00:54:26.679

this hospital? Well, I have taken considerable pride and I am not very, Regretted one hour that I've spent. And working in the hands of Martin Luther King Hospital. Because I feel that in addition to education, Uh, good health. Is the next important thing. That confront All

00:54:26.679 - 00:54:48.629

citizens, because regardless of your economic status. The education status if you don't have good health. You would give everything that you possess to have good health. And, uh, I have seen that hospital from its beginning. And I take great pride in seeing the progress that is

00:54:48.629 - 00:55:31.370

being made. And, uh, we are giving, First class health facilities. We have highly skilled and trained personnel. And the various doctors on the staff. Have and are still acquiring considerable expertise. is something that not only negroes but everybody in Kansas City. Can be Flat. Blacks as

00:55:31.370 - 00:55:53.199

an ethnic group are becoming quite keenly aware of their role in this society, a society which for a long time has not allowed for this current type of role playing. A deeper sense of pride, group pride is surfacing as more blacks are perceiving their own culture.

00:56:04.159 - 00:56:31.260

I've had, uh, Wide support. From both the black and white communities. We have several churches. And several pastors of those churches. A me I. We have several prominent whites. A member of our board, bankers and industrials and things of that kind, and this is one enterprise.

00:56:32.669 - 00:56:57.300

That uh we have got the majority. Of the people, black and white in Kansas City to support. And not only that, but we were able to secure a million dollars from the federal government in the Hill Burton Harris Hospital Act. And from model cities, $1 million

00:56:57.300 - 00:57:28.870

and the other money. was raised from the black community. And the white community. I would like to see more enterprises. That, uh, Uh, organized. That would receive the same kind of support and that would be. Considerable progress. For the inner city and something that black and

00:57:28.870 - 00:57:55.389

white in Kansas City could take pride in. Well, I agree with you on that. However, I am not, Nearly as knowledgeable. About the hospital as I intend to be, but I have, Been reading some of the more recent. News items about the Martin Luther King Hospital

00:57:55.810 - 00:58:22.139

and it seemed to me to be A progressive. Kind of uh institution. And I think the kind that As you said, blacks and whites. Should be and will be proud of. And the most wonderful thing about the hospital is this, you know. Uh, I like to

00:58:22.139 - 00:58:59.739

see Negroes. Uh, make progress from an economic standpoint and our payroll. At that hospital is $1.5 million. And even though we operate. On an integrated basis, more than 85%. Of the employees. Uh, black. And so to have one, Institution in the inner city, payroll. Of $1.5

00:58:59.739 - 00:59:43.689

million. That is progress. That everybody. Can't see. I agree. We have approximately. 200 people. 200 employees at the hospital and we have, uh, More than 50 Doctors on the staff. Black and white. That's very good. Do you find that in your experience, of your knowledge that

00:59:43.689 - 00:59:53.310

um Disintegrated staff work very well together. They worked very well together. That's very good.