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Blanche M. Boyd Papers

Blanche M. Boyd is a writer raised in South Carolina. She has also lived and worked in California, Vermont, and New York. The collection consists of correspondence (1963-1984); notes, drafts, and proofs of her books Nerves, Mourning the Death of Magic, and The Redneck Way of Knowledge; reports on the Greensboro shootings (November 1979); and materials on the Democratic National Convention of 1980. Short stories, essays, reviews of Boyd's work, and photographs are also included.

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An Open Letter to Joe Grady, Gorrell Pierce, and All KKK Members and Sympathizers
This flyer, in the form of an open letter from Nelson Johnson of the Workers Viewpoint Organization (later known as the Communist Workers Party) to leaders of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) challenges KKK members to attend an Anti-Klan Conference to be held November 3, 1979, in Greensboro, NC. Johnson taunts the KKK, calling them "cowards" and "scum" and threatens physical violence. The Death to the Klan march associated with this conference was the site of violence as five members of the Workers Viewpoint/Communist Workers Party were shot and killed in the mayhem between protestors and members of the KKK and the American Nazi Party in what became known as the Greensboro Massacre.
CWP scores political victory - The whole world is watching - The Klan/Nazi/FBI trials can't be kept closed
This June 23, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), announces that the CWP will be filing criminal charges against law enforcement officers in Greensboro for assaulting CWP supporters who attempted to attend the murder trial of Klan and Nazi defendants related to the November 3, 1979, Greensboro Massacre. The press release restates the CWP opinion that the November 3 shootings were part of a government conspiracy and that the trials were a cover-up designed to "squash people's resistance."
Coming Soon: Red November Black November
This undated flyer announces an upcoming documentary on the November 3, 1979, Greensboro Massacre entitled "Red November Black November". The film was directed and produced by Sally Alvarez and Carolyn Jung and distributed by Cesar Cauce Publishers and Distributors. The title is a reference to a 1917 poem by Ralph Chaplin for the International Workers of the World (IWW).
Communist Workers Party 5 Died Fighting the KKK/Nazis Rather than Live as Slaves
This flyer, produced by the Committee to Avenge the CWP 5, outlines the Communist Workers Party (CWP) position on events related to the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march that resulted in the death of five CWP protestors (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). The flyer states that five CWP members killed in the incident were targted for being leaders and also accuses the Greensboro Police Department and FBI of supporting the Ku Klux Klan. The flyer also promotes organizing and other activities of the CWP.
Communist Workers Party press release
This February 4, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party USA, describes a February 2, 1980, demonstration held in Greensboro. The demonstration, which coincided with the twentieth anniversary of the 1960 Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins, protested Ku Klux Klan activity, particularly the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march where five protestors were killed. The press release is critical of government agencies for their lack of support for the demonstration, and of civil rights leaders, including Joseph Lowery of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) for their "passive, non-violent philopsphy" and their calls to disarm the demonstration. Andrew Young's February 1, 1980, speech at North Carolina A&T State University was similarly criticized.
Communist Workers Party press release
This February 8, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), criticizes the Greensboro city government, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI for permitting a Nazi party motorcade on April 19, 1980. Greensboro District Attorney Mike Schlosser is also criticized for his handling of the murder case arising from the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march where five protestors were killed. There are also accusations that the government "arranged and allowed" the murders of CWP supporters on November 3rd.
DCHC - Secret Supports of the Klan
This flyer, produced by the Committee to Avenge the CWP 5, decries the the Durham County Hospital Corporation's (DCHC) firing of Communist Workers Party (CWP) member Tom Clark as a result of his participation in the November 3, 1979 Greensboro Massacre. The flyer also points to other workplace violations including a health issue involving tuberculosis, workers harassment, racial discrimination, a wage freeze, firings, and crackdowns on the use of paid time off benefits. The flyer accuses the DCHC of doing "the work of the Klan even without the hoods and the sheets."
District Attorney Schlosser comes to rescue of Klan/Nazi murderers
This March 27, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), criticizes Greensboro District attorney Mike Schlosser's handling of the murder trial of Ku Klux Klan and Nazi party members accused in the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march that resulted in the death of five CWP protestors (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). The CWP accuses prosecutors of blaming the victims equally to the perpetrators, and states that Schlosser and prosecutors in several other cities are part of a plan to discourage resistance to the Klan and promote fascism in America.
Felony indictments: More victims blamed for U.S. government crimes
This May 1, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), discusses the charges against six CWP supporters present at the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). Indictments were scheduled for May 2, 1980, and the press release notes that the bail requested for CWP supporters charged with inciting to riot was higher than that set for the accused murderers of five CWP members who were killed at the march. The CWP accuses the state and federal governments of arranging the murders and of blaming the victims. It is mentioned that the defendants will represent themselves. The CWP demands that charges be dropped, that thirty-five Ku Klux Klan and Nazi party members be prosecuted for their roles in the murders, and that all law enforcement documents related to the event be made public.
Forum on the Assassinations of the CWP 5
This flyer, produced by the Committee to Avenge the Communist Workers Party 5, announces a forum to be held December 13, 1979, at the Uhuru Bookstore in Greensboro, to discuss the shooting deaths of five members of the Communist Workers Party (CWP) at the November 3, 1979 Death to the Klan march, also known as the Greensboro Massacre. Nelson Johnson of the CWP; Willie Drake, a professor of political science; Larry Little, a former Black Panther; and Dale Sampson and Signe Waller, widows of two victims, are listed as speakers. The back of the flyer contains a letter sent by the CWP to the New York Times detailing the CWP perspective on the shootings and accusing the United States government of being involved.
Free Nelson Johnson and the Greensboro 3
This flyer, produced by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), announces a rally to be held in Greensboro on May 5, 1980, two days before the start of the trial of three CWP members (Nelson Johnson, Rand Manzella, and Willena Cannon)indicted on rioting charges stemming from the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). The flyer contains background information on the incident. The CWP also requests community action, solicits funds, and urges attendance at the upcoming trial.
Greensboro community leader and anti-Klan demonstrators to face trial
This April 16, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), criticizes the prosecution of CWP member Nelson Johnson for "inciting to riot" or "interfering with police officers" following the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march that resulted in the death of five CWP protestors (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). The CWP accuses prosecutors of blaming the victims of the shooting, and demands that all charges against the three be dropped.
Indict the U.S. Government's Upside Down Justice / Free the Greensboro Six
This May 3, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), announces the release on bail of three of the six CWP members indicted on rioting charges stemming from the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). The CWP accuses the government of blaming the victims of the shooting, and of a cover-up to hide its role in the murders. The CWP demands that charges be dropped, that thirty-five Ku Klux Klan and Nazi party members be prosecuted for their roles in the murders, and that all law enforcement documents related to the event be made public. The press release also contains an announcement that the CWP would begin the process of a civil rights suit to be filed against the federal, state, and city governments over the shootings.
Indictments sought against six anti-Klan demonstrators
This May 2, 1980 press release, issued by the Communist Workers Party (CWP), announces Greensboro District Attorney Mike Schlosser's request for indictments against six CWP members on rioting charges stemming from the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march (also known as the Greensboro Massacre). The CWP accuses the government of blaming the victims of the shooting, and of a cover-up to hide its role in the murders. The CWP demands that charges be dropped, that thirty-five Ku Klux Klan and Nazi party members be prosecuted for their roles in the murders, and that all law enforcement documents related to the event be made public.
Landis: The Klan Tries to Rebuild its Shattered Image
This flyer, produced by the Workers Viewpoint Organization (later known as the Communist Workers Party), promotes an Anti-Klan Conference to be held November 3, 1979, in Greensboro, NC, and references an earlier altercation between Workers Viewpoint supporters and Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members in China Grove, NC. The flyer urges "armed self-defense" and suggests that the KKK "should be physically beaten and chased out of town." The Death to the Klan march associated with this conference was the site of violence as five members of the Workers Viewpoint/Communist Workers Party were shot and killed in the mayhem between protestors and members of the KKK and the American Nazi Party in what became known as the Greensboro Massacre.
Letter from Communist Workers Party
This December 23, 1979 mimeographed letter from the Communist Workers Party (CWP) to its supporters and contacts discusses the November 3, 1979 Death to the Klan march where five protestors were killed, and its after effects, including job firings of CWP supporters. The letter criticizes "well intentioned" clergy members and others who have decried the violence without examination of the source, and suggests that community organizations must work together for justice. Nelson Johnson, author of the letter and CWP spokesperson, offers to meet with groups publicly or privately to discuss the issue.
Letter from the Mobilization Committee recruiting community involvement
This December 19, 1979 appeal letter from the February 2nd Mobilizing Committee solicits co-sponsorship of the group's activities by other community organizations. The letter describes recent Ku Klux Klan activity including the November 3, 1979, Greensboro Massacre. The group's purpose was to arrange a demonstration in Greensboro on February 2, 1980, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the Greensboro Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins. The letter is signed by Rev, C.T. Vivian and Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr., conveners of the Atlanta Anti-Klan Conference. Included are a statement of operating principles and ground rules for the organization, a call for mobilization, and a response/contribution form.
Letter to Mayor of Kokoma, Indiana
This copy of a April 18, 1980 letter to Stephen Daily, mayor of Kokomo, Indiana, concerns an upcoming march of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Kokomo. The letter warns that Kokomo officials will be "held resposnible" for any violence against foes of the KKK during the demonstration. The writers demand that the KKK's parade permit be revoked and that legal observers be allowed to attend the demonstrations. Copies of the letter were sent to various media organizations and to the U.S. Justice Department. The letter is signed by the widows of Communist Workers Party (CWP) members killed in the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march (also known as the Greensboro Massacre).
MASS MEETING: to continue our fight to smash the klan!
This flyer promotes a July 21, 1979 anti-Klan meeting in China Grove, NC, following an altercation on July 8 at the China Grove town hall between members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and area civil rights activists. The flyer asserts that the Klan was a tool used by Cannon and Cone Mills administrators to divide workers over race, distracting them from their rights as workers. The Cannon and Cone Mills were targets of unionization efforts by the Workers Viewpoint Organization (later called the Communist Workers Party) and others. The China Grove altercation was a precursor to the November 3, 1979 Greensboro Massacre, a Death to the Klan march where five Communist Workers Party members were killed in the mayhem between protestors, Nazis, and Klan members. The flyer was produced by the China Grove Committee to Smash the Klan.
Statement of Rand Manzella to U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
This February 26, 1980 statement by Ray Manzella to the United States Commission on Civil Rights details Manzella's experiences as a worker in several Greensboro textile mills and his attempts to organize workers. Manzella states that he began at Guilford Mills in 1976 and was locked out along with other workers for failing to work overtime. He describes incidents at Cone Mills where where workers attempted to organize and were harassed or fired. He also states that management attempted to stir up racial divisions to hamper organizing efforts. Manzella was also one of three Communist Workers Party (CWP) members indicted on felony rioting charges following the November 3, 1979, Death to the Klan march that resulted in five CWP members being shot to death (also known as the Greensboro Massacre).

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