Letter from Unnamed Alum to George M. Modlin

Letter from Unnamed Alum to George M. Modlin

This handwritten letter by an unnamed alum to President George Modlin was read at a President’s Advisory Council Meeting on March 8, 1971 regarding Dick Gregory’s lecture on campus on December 9, 1970. Dick Gregory was a black comedian, author, actor, activist, and civil rights leader who came to speak on campus as part of a lecture series. This alum states their intentions to “revise my will” after reading the list of speakers that will be lecturing on campus as they now “would not like for one penny of my money to be used to sponsor people listed to speak.” The alum goes on to state that he does not “believe in revolt and revolution," and further expresses disappointment in learning about this “democratic deflation.” Many alumni decided to withhold their financial donations, but President Modlin defended the principle of free speech as essential to the University.

Notes from President's Advisory Council Meeting at the University of Richmond, 8 March 1971, RG 6.2.4 Box 28 Folder 2, University Archives, Virginia Baptist Historical Society.

1970

English

UA6.2.4.28.2-1970.JPG

Richmond (Va.)