Box 19, Folder 18, Document 111

Box 19, Folder 18, Document 111

SAM E. LEVY
1116 LOS ANGELES AVENUE, N. E.
ATLANTA 6, GEORGIA

August 1, 1963

My dear Ivan:

I recall a poem of years ago, called "Stand the Gafff" It goes
something like this:

"Stand firm, my son, when you're right.
Stand the Gaff.

The world seems ready to jeer you.
Let fem laugh.

. There are those who give thought,

Some have vision short.

Whose actions and mouthings make you snort.
Stand the Gaff!

"Tho many may jeer and make sport of your plight,
There'll be many more who will see the light.
So, when the time comes before you to be or
seem right,
Then, to Hell with appearances,
STAND UP AND FIGHT!!!

Honestly, I am so proud of you. I am proud I have been shoulder
to shoulder to a man who has the intestinal fortitude to speak
his pg@ce; a man who stood head high when he spoke in Washington
last week to the Senate Committee; a man who stands four-square
for the rights of all peoples and dared to say so.

There will be many who will criticise. Many may even try to
vilify you for your speech. Thank God, there will be many more
who will stand with you. I know I will.

God bless and keep you, now and for a long, long time.

With my very best regards and deepest admiration, I am



The Honorable Ivan Allen
Mayor, The City of Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia