University of Virginia Library

City Forbids 'Wall Of Respect'

greater degree of cooperation between
the black and white community
in future action directed
towards the Council and the problems.

Another man. Joseph
Goldsmith, a recreation department
advisor offered to mediate between
the groups to try and rectify the
problem. Members of the black
group present asked him what
power he had to change the
Council's decision, and he admitted
that he had none, but could at least
try.

The Council returned after a ten
minute recess and attempted to
resume business. The audience
would not let them, and a number
of people raised their hands to
speak on other topics.

Tom Gardner, a Student Council
representative from the College of
the University, addressed the Council
on the subject of city wages. He
asked the Council whether they had
considered the proposal that the
Council investigate wages at the
University or "the lack thereof,"
and do something to alleviate the
"poverty wages" that the University
paid. He preferenced his
request by citing the Council's
recent decision to employ lawyers
if necessary to end the aid strike at
Piedmont. Mr. Gardner then stated
that the city's action on the latter
matter and their inaction on the
former indicated the "pig" nature.
He stated that the working people
were going to organize and "Wop
the pigs," not the working policemen,
but the "pigs" on the City
Council.

Mr. Rhinehard stated again that
they would no longer listen to the
reports of the people, and if
necessary would have the room
cleared. James Fisher, a local Back
leader stood up and told the
Council that "We're going to get
our 'Wall of Respect' back - you
can bet on that."