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"The of the IAF staff
members at this time was to uncover the real concerns of the
residents of Woodlawn. ... A number of complaints began to be
articulated. the grievances that stood out above all others was the
exploitation, lying, and cheating by some of the businessmen in the
area. Credit buying was enslaving some of the residents of Woodlawn.
Overcharging, a common practice in most slum areas, was rampant.
Woodlawnites were found to be victims of underweighing, of shoddy
merchandise, of false cash register totals. ... Here was an issue
made to order for a vigorous young organization ready to flex its
muscles. Temporary Woodlawn Organization's (TWO) action illustrates
several important principles of community organization. To act on
this issue would serve the needs of many people; it was a dramatic,
indigenous issue; it was relatively small; it was a battle that TWO
could probably win; results would come quickly; it promised to give
TWO a great deal of publicity; it was an issue on which TWO and
honest businessmen could unite. ...
"TWO wanted to
expose unscrupulous businessmen and confront them with an angry,
determined community. What was the most effective tactic? TWO
organized a gigantic Square Deal Parade down 63rd Street ... it was
carried out as scheduled. More than a thousand singing,
sign-carrying citizens gave effective vent to their years of
frustration over exploitation. The parade was a resounding success.
It made headlines in all major Chicago newspapers. But TWO went
beyond the headlines. ... The demonstration itself brought about no
real changes. ... TWO then distributed leaflets throughout the
community naming offending merchants and urging citizens of the area
to boycott them. Another tactic was created. TWO invited people to
bring purchases they suspected of being shoddy or falsely advertised
such as radios that did not play, or used clothing sold as new, to
public meetings. Each person told his story in front of the whole
assembly. TWO, through its committee, took the case in hand, studied
the claims of the persons, and if their complaint was legitimate,
took it up with the merchants. The offended party, when given
redress, once more appeared before the TWO meeting, told of the
restitution that had been made, and thanked both TWO and the
merchant for the square deal received. Each instance was another
small but meaningful victory for the people. ...
"TWO wond the
battle. Dishonest business practices sharply declined. TWO's
prestige soared, and new groups joined the organization. TWO was
ready to take on some tougher issues."
Excerpts from Black Self-Determination: The
Story of the Woodlawn Organization by Arthur M. Brazier,
Eerdmans, 1969, p. 38-41. For Brazier on power go to POWER.
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