There is a very interesting item for auction presently on eBay: a letter written in 1954 from W.C. Handy to Miss Rosabel Boyd on the subject of segregation. The letter quotes a communication it had received from Duke Ellington:
"It is no accident that American music has always been true to the traditions of American Freedom and Independence, for so much of it has been created by men and women who in the act of living their lives, were constantly fighting the battle of Democracy. Thus, George Gershwin,a Jew, is one of the most distinguished of all American musicians. W. C. Handy, a Negro, is the Father of the Blues, an entirely original American musical form. Arturo Toscanini, of Italian birth, is the world's greatest living conductor.
"Music knows no bounds of race, creed, religion or national origin. It is in my opinion bitting therefore that members of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers should join with millions of other Americans who are supporting the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in its fight to end Discrimination against the Negro by January 1, 1963. That date marks the One Hundredth Year since Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation proclamation."
Item description from the seller
1954 letter. HANDY BROS MUSIC CO . To Athens , TN. Stamped WC HANDY signature. Letter speaks of Supreme Court segregation ruling. Of a letter received from Duke Ellington. Edges are yellowed. Damage to edge of page on left, second sheet. Just interesting read. Nice collectible on many levels. Letter only, 2 pages. No envelope. Please refer to photos for more details.
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