Description

One of CIC's primary activities was to hold biweekly meetings called "community dialogues" to discuss broad issues such as racism, police sensitivity, education, and employment discrimination within the city of San Diego. This tape was dated April 19, 1968, but is believed to be for March 22, 1968 because it reports a "massive walkout" (below) mentioned in the April 5 meeting and contains a mention of the Model Cities Program not found for April 19. The meeting opened with an announcement concerning the Model Cities Program, and members of the CIC were encouraged to submit letters of endorsement to the San Diego Planning Department to accompany the city's application for inclusion in the program. If awarded, San Diego would receive assistance in revitalizing some disadvantaged areas of the city. Waymon also announced a Point Loma Housing Workshop to address issues of racial tensions in that neighborhood. The meeting continued as minority representative Tom Johnson presented a statement of requests for specific actions. A Mexican-American spokesperson followed with a four-point list. Shortly after, most of the minority members walked out, expressing a demand for action over dialogue. The few remaining minority members stated they fully supported those who walked out, but chose to remain either because their job required them to attend, or they stayed to assess the proceedings regarding their itemized requests. Remaining dialogue reflected confusion and mixed opinions on the future direction of the CIC, and the need to identify the best way to address the lists of demands presented. The meetings were moderated by CIC Executive Director Carroll Waymon, and his voice is often the first one heard in the audio recordings of the meetings.