Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Broyhill Calls for Probe of Extremist Threats Against Washington Merchants

May 1, 1968
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Representative Joel T. Broyhill, Virginia Republican, announced in a House speech today that he has asked the U.S. Attorney-General to investigate and prosecute any conspiracy by Black Power advocates to harrass Jewish and non-Jewish white minorities in the District of Columbia. Rep. Broyhill, who is a key member of the House Committee on District Affairs, charged that business life here is “under a pall of fear because of hoodlumism and racial chauvinism somewhat similar to that advanced by the Nazis in the Germany of the 1930s.”

The Congressman charged specifically that Black Power militants are trying to harass local Jewish merchants out of business by accusing them of running “Jew stores” and other accusations. “Black Power has unleashed a segregationist, racist, discriminatory and even anti-Semitic campaign against individuals in the District of Columbia solely because of their race or religion.” Rep. Broyhill said. He added that there was evidence of “coercive and conspiratorial activity to deprive white businessmen of the right to engage in legitimate and free trade.”

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement