We [must] Realize That Our

Artists Are The Gatekeepers Of Truth.

To Be Free . . . To Walk The Good American Earth As Equal Citizens, To Live Without Fear, To Enjoy The Fruits Of Our Toil, To Give Our Children Every Opportunity In Life--that Dream Which We Have Held So Long In Our Hearts Is Today The Destiny That We Hold In Our Hands.

I've Learned That My People Are Not The Only Ones Oppressed... I Have Sung My Songs All Over The World And Everywhere Found That Some Common Bond Makes The People Of All Lands Take To Negro Songs As Their Own.

Every Artist, Every Scientist, Every Writer Must Decide Now Where He Stands. The Artist Must Take Sides. He Must Elect To Fight For Freedom Or For Slavery. I Have Made My Choice. I Had No Alternative.

I Feel Closer To My Country Than Ever. There Is No Longer A Feeling Of Lonesome Isolation. Instead-peace. I Return Without Fearing Prejudice That Once Bothered Me . . . For I Know That People Practice Cruel Bigotry In Their Ignorance, Not Maliciously