To Julian Bond from Donald Ablah, 16 Apr 1969

ABLAH Hotel Supply Co., Inc. 800 E. 11th Street Wichita, Kansas [letter head logo] AM 2-1827 Zip code 67214 Area code 316

April 16, 1969

The Hon. Julian Bond Georgia State Legislature Georgia House of Representatives Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Hon. Julian Bond:

My wife and I enjoyed your speech last evening and the comments we exchanged subsequent to that. To identify myelf, I should say that I am the individual who asked the questio about your thoughts on Gandhi. I would like to suggest again that you become acquainted with Gandhi's writings for two reasons: 1). In your speech you quoted from the writings of three negro historical figures and commented how successful they were in their use of the English language. I can assure you that you will experience sheet delight from a literary appreciation standpoint, if and when you read the writings of Gandhi. 2). The actual facts regarding the formulaton of Gandhi's working philosophy and his accomplishments should be a most rewarding experience for you. To trace his early works in South Africa through his actual bringing the British Empire to terms in India, smacks more of a Hollywood type movie than a factual chronology of happenings.

I would say there is much to be gained by a person of your national prominence attempting to implement some of Gandhi's philosophies. You mentioned in the press conference after your speech a possibility that the negro community could share in communal ownership of some facilities. Theoretically, I would be in agreement with this, however; from a practical standpoint without proper management on a local level it probably would be unsuccessful. I do feel that there could be some industries owned and operated by negros for consumption by whomever would buy that could be very profitable. In an effort to demonstrate this I will again refer to Gandhi. He felt the need to boycott British products. He devised a handwoven cloth which the peasants made in the villages and made their own clothing from this cloth. This was a boycott of the English textile industry and gave him two symbols which became world famous: The spinning wheel andthe loin cloth which he wore.

I submit to you that if a "homemade" piece of clothing such as the bib overalls of Mr. Abernathy could be univerally worn by negros there would be a great impact on a great deal of the economy as well as a most vivid demonstration of unity.

-- continued --

Hon. Julian Bond Page 2

You mentioned also in your speech the second week of Febuary as a time of commenorating negro history. May I suggest tht during this week, in an effort to emphasize the econonical buying power of the negro, you select specific days when negros would be encouraged to buynothing from anyone. I can assure you that the implications would be far greater than many would suspect. I submit further that many sympathetic whites would be pleased and proud to collaborate with you in this type of effort.

Yours very truly,

[Signature of Donald J. Ablah]

Donald J. Ablah

DJA/ab