The American Legion: Back to God, Service to God and Country – and the World [cover title]

(Oklahoma City, OK): Eastside Ministerial Alliance, Co-sponsoring James Europe Post 157, the American Legion, (1964). First edition (?). 4to. 28 pp. Illustrated from photographs, portraits. Up until 1960 the American Legion posts in Oklahoma were segregated; this pamphlet, with many congratulatory letters from state and federal offices, celebrates, in part, the removal of separate categories for "white" and "black" posts from the state legion constitution. Issued not long after President Kennedy's assassination, it's major thrust, however, encourages all Oklahoma posts, but particularly the African-American James Europe post in Oklahoma City, to get behind a "Back to God" movement sponsored by the national organization. James Europe, for whom the Oklahoma City post was named, was a major figure in jazz during the early years of the 20th century, led a regimental band during World War I, and was stabbed to death by one of his band members in 1919. Printed at head of front wrapper: "One Nation, Under God, with LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL." Not in Blockson catalogue. Not recorded on OCLC. Small American flag affixed to front wrapper, three words of text crossed through in ink, else very good. Original illustrated cream wrappers, printed in blue, stapled. (#6715). Item #59754

Price: $125.00