Detroit High School students are being sought for a special summer seminar on Racism in America being sponsored by People Against Racism (PAR).
Dubbed “Freedom Schools in White America,” the seminars will attempt to supplement and in some cases counteract the effect of regular school teaching about Negro and white history.
The curriculum is divided into four parts and includes, the history of Black People in America, American Racism today, American Racism and other non-white peoples and the response of Black people to Racism.
Classes will be taught by teachers from Detroit public and parochial schools, University professors and civil rights activists.
The program will begin with a weekend orientation conference from June 23 to 25 and will continue with day-long classes for two weeks. The rest of the summer will be devoted to twice weekly meetings for study and action. The curriculum includes movies, field trips, lectures and discussions. Sessions are tentatively scheduled for Dearborn, Birmingham-Bloomfield-Rochester and Grosse Pointe.
PAR research director David Baker states, as far as we know, “The curriculum is the most extensive ever devised. It has involved countless hours of effort.”
PAR chairman William Witt, a Detroit school teacher and one of the faculty members for the seminar added, “This is a unique opportunity for young white people to prepare themselves to work in the white community.”
Additional information and application forms can be obtained by writing or calling PAR, room 314 McKerchey Building, 2631 Woodward, Detroit, Michigan 48210; Telephone 962-4341.
Cost of the program is $30.00 per student. Scholarships are available.
The program is open to high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen.