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San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino, California
September 17, 1968
DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Geography History Philosophy and Psychology Police Science Can't (circled/handwritten) Political Science Sociology and Anthropology
The Honorable Julian Bond 162 Euharlle Street Atlanta, Georgia
Dear Mr. Bond:
After trying for two weeks to reach you by phone, I did talk with your wife yesterday and I presume she has told you of my purpose in calling. I had hoped you would phone me collect last night, but I am now following her suggestion, and writing to you.
I am writing on behalf of the Student Life Committee of Valley College. This committee is organizing a two-day conference on our campus to explore the problems of minority groups, and the means whereby we may serve more Negro and Mexican-American students. As one of the outstanding Community Colleges of California, with current enrollment of 12,000, located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, we are in an enviable position to be of help. During the past several years our enrollment of minority back-ground students has averaged about 16 to 17%. Based upon population alone, we should have at least twice that percentage.
We consider it part of our purpose to attract, and serve, a much larger percentage of the youth who come from disadvantaged homes. I could go on for some time outlining the hopes and aspirations we have, but let me get to the point.
The committee hopes that you will accept our invitation to be a featured speaker for this conference. The dates are Thursday and Friday, 21 and 22 November, 1968. We would be delighted to have you for the entire two days, and could employ your time effectively, however, we realize that you are a very busy man. Therefore we will be happy to accommodate our program to your schedule if you will accept.
Naturally, we will provide round-trip air travel and all hospitality. I even suggested to your wife that we would include her, if this is an inducement. Moreover, I believe I can find an "angel" to provide a speaker's fee.
If we can prevail upon you to accept, and if you would want further exposure, I am in a position to arrange for you to speak at several universities, including University of California. Also, we would very much desire for you to appear on one of our very successful "Twentieth Century Dialogs," which our own NET TV station has featured for the past five years. There will be network TV
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The Honorable Julian Bond -2- September 17, 1968 Atlanta, Georgia
coverage as well.
We are arranging for several other participants. However, if you accept (and I certainly hope you will), you will be given "top-billing." Please, may I hear from you as soon as possible? A large number of very anxious students are awaiting your affirmative answer with hope. Do not hesitate to phone me (collect, of course) at 714-885-0231, Extension 240 (office), or 714-689-2459 (home), if you want further details.
Sincerely,
[Signature] Austin G. Van Hove Chairman, Student Life Committee
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