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[Civil Rights] [Free Speech] Archive of Civil Liberties, the Monthly Publication of the ACLU. New York: American Civil Liberties Union, 1956-1962. 8 issues, various pagination (4-8 pp. each). 8.5" x 11".An uncommon and historically resonant archive of eight issues of Civil Liberties, the ACLU's monthly periodical, published between 1956 and 1962-a period defined by intensifying civil rights conflicts, Cold War paranoia, and expanding state surveillance. These issues reflect the ACLU's legal and ideological responses to segregation, federal loyalty programs, censorship, racial repression in the South, and the rise of civil liberties concerns around foreign policy and national security. Several issues focus on the controversial denial of passports to Black activists, the Union's escalating involvement in Southern desegregation cases, and its internal reflections on organizational growth and purpose. Illustrated with political cartoons and photographs, each issue offers primary-source insight into how the ACLU positioned itself in the most pressing civil liberties battles of the time. [1] Civil Liberties, No. 147, December 1956. Lead story: "ACLU Offers 13-Point Plan for New Federal Security Program," proposing reforms to replace McCarthy-era loyalty oaths with due process protections. The issue also addresses free speech restrictions against Oklahoma teachers and includes the cartoon captioned: "Off the Press." A statement of institutional priorities as the ACLU sought to distance itself from Cold War liberalism. [2] Civil Liberties, No. 148, January 1957. Front-page headline: "ACLU's Major Effort in 1957 To Focus on Crisis in South." Documents a pivot toward direct legal and advocacy work in desegregation battles following Brown v. Board. Emphasizes litigation plans in voting rights and education, with a graphic cartoon captioned, "Your Check Is In-Is the Mail?" satirizing systemic inaction. [3] Civil Liberties, [3] Civil Liberties, Number 149, February 1957. Features headline article, "ACLU Offers 13-Point Plan for New Federal Security Program" as well as coverage on an appeal to Eisenhower's Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson regarding the "civil liberties situation in Okinawa and other Ryukyu Islands under U.S. military occupation." [4] Civil Liberties, No. 149, March 1957. Highlights censorship and foreign policy repression. Articles include: "Worthy Asks Passport Renewal; State Dept. Studying Problem" and "ACLU Hails Decision in Detroit Ban Case." Reports also assess legislative losses for civil liberties cases. [5] Civil Liberties, No. 150, April 1957. Focuses on Paul Robeson associate William Worthy's continuing struggle: "Worthy is Denied New Passport: ACLU Prepares Appeal to Board." Also contains "Malin, Watts Return from Tour of South," which describes intimidation of civil rights workers and the need for greater federal protection. [6] Civil Liberties, No. 176, January 1960. 40th Anniversary Issue: "The Union's First Decade." Features a historical retrospective of the ACLU's founding in 1920 and its earliest fights on behalf of antiwar activists, labor radicals, and immigrants. Includes long-form editorial by Executive Director Patrick Murphy Malin and photographs from the Union's early history. [7] Civil Liberties, No. 200, September 1962. Features "ACLU's Crisis of Growth," discussing the expanding membership and staff challenges as civil liberties battles intensify during the civil rights era. Includes a photo of Executive Director Patrick Malin. [8] Civil Liberties, No. 208, January 1962. "Union Urges Kennedy to Protect U.S. Civil Liberties in Cuba Crisis." ACLU responds to curbs on dissent amid the Cold War, critiquing secrecy in foreign policy and reasserting constitutional protections. Reprints the full "ACLU's Letter to the President" and features Kennedy's portrait. Condition ranges from very good to near fine, with typical mailing folds, minor toning, and some edge wear. All are complete and legible. An.
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