By Rachel Lewis Murphy
Several weeks ago I attended a Celebration of Life service for a very dear friend and advocate for Fair housing and Diversity in Bedford. Her name was Muriel Morris. Just a brief deviation: A few things were constantly mentioned during and after the service. They were Muriel’s smile, faith, love and determination.
This sparked an idea. The original Fair Housing and Diversity members were people of strong faith. They strongly believed in what they were doing. They had strong love for people. They were very determined to do the right thing.
It started in the early 60s. I found a list of almost 5,000 people who had signed “The Good Neighbor Pledge,” sponsored by the Bedford Fellowship For Social Action. The Pledge stated: “I believe people should be welcomed in my neighborhood without discrimination because of race, religion or national origin. I shall endeavor to make my personal practices consistent with this belief.” In the top left hand corner, it also stated: “…with liberty and justice for all.”
I had written an “Ode to Muriel Morris” and I reminded the family and friends in attendance of the song by Ole Blue Eyes,” (Frank Sinatra), “I Did It My Way.” Now, I realize that all of the people, who signed that Pledge and all of the Fair housing and Diversity members, did it “their way.”
This group worked with the local realtors and clergy to plan their strategies. Each procedure was well-planned and executed. Even though they were working to open the proverbial doors for African Americans, they made certain those doors were not closed to other people. They kept each other aware and alert to what was happening in Bedford and other places in this country.
Even when the School Committee, faculties and administrators at that time assured them that there was not a racial problem, they forged ahead.
Some names came to my mind that were also on the list, Note: Some of you might recognize the names; Thomas and Lema Gaul, Helanie Stone, Thelma Russell, Garvin and Nancy Moore, Emily and Paul King, Lee Beth Smith, David Weissbard, Peg Weymouth, Theresa Theobald, Jessie Parker, Phillip and Betsy Twombly, Philip B. Henderson. (I apologize for not listing all 5,000 names.)
Barbara Marshall shared some memories from the past. This was a group that met regularly at the First Parish Church because of the availability of space. There were active representatives from the various churches and clergy. The meetings were usually on Fridays and socially informal before selecting leaders and having a Statement of Purpose. Barbara said that it was a close knit group. Good changes began to happen in Bedford. People became more aware and they did very important things to bring about change. They only wanted to make Bedford more diversified and aware. This group knew they did not want to follow the other towns, but to be a Bedford enterprise.
Many organizations became involved in the struggle and supportive of Fair Housing and Diversity. They became intertwined to help make Bedford more accepting of various diverse groups.
Fair Housing spread its wings into Lowell and worked with people of different races and religions. Anyone who needed help with housing, academic tutoring, clothing, food or dealing with bigotry received support.
Thanksgiving was more meaningful to the Fair Housing and Diversity members because they shared it with other less fortunate people. They collected and delivered food and bought turkeys for many families.
As Christmas approached each year, Fair housing and the Diversity members made certain that each child on their list awakened on Christmas morning with a gift from Santa.
One of the original Fair Housing and Diversity members, Lois Pulliam, was on point even in the 60s and 70s. One Letter to the Editor of the Bedford Minuteman newspaper, dated November 29, 1973 strongly objected to statements made by a previous submission. It was inflammatory and prejudicial towards the Jewish Community. Even then this group of individuals would not allow hatred to grow and flourish towards any person or group.
After reading various letters, meeting minutes, articles from the 60s and 70s, I am reminded that we are still fighting the same war, not battle, in 2015. ..32 years later. But I am also reminded that those groups of people are either in retirement or have age-related diseases or are deceased. Who will pick-up the non-violent torch?
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