INSTITUTIONAL RACISM SHOULD CONCERN BLACKS, ACTIVISTS SAYS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00552R000202350001-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 18, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 27, 1985
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/18: CIA-RDP90-00552R000202350001-0
UNITED PRESS INTENATIONAL
27 March 1985
INSTITUTIONAL RACISM SHOULD CONCERN BLACKS, ACTIVISTS SAYS
BY BARBARA EVANS
One of the biggest concerns facing black Americans is not white racism but
institutionalized racism, human rights activist Dick Gregory says.
Gregory delivered a lecture titled ''An Exploration of Hope and Hopelessness
-- Institutional Racism and Its Impact on the University,' at the University of
Pittsburgh Tuesday night. He was a guest of Pitt's Chaplains Association.
He said institutionalized racism comes in the form of laws and regulations
that force blacks to miss out on educational opportunities. He gave as an
example cuts in education funding and student loans, and other programs that
have a disproportionate effect on the black community.
''This is a system that has no conscience ... no God, no feeling," said
Gregory, who is also an author and political activist.
Another form of instutionalized racism is the media, he said. He did not
accuse the media of being racist, but said people are not educated to question
anything the media reports, and rarely try to find out more about the news. This
leaves them with a false impression of many events, especially those involving
blacks.
"I don't care what you think about me, truth never needs to be validated,''
he said.
Gregory also criticized government policies toward farmers. He said its
ironic that at a time where millions of people are starving in Africa, it is one
of the worst times in America to be a farmer.
''One third of all farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy and another third
is having trouble, while they have to watch white women being glamorized on TV
receiving (Academy) awards about farm movies.''
He said in 1983, 60 farmers committed suicide.
''How can Ethiopia have 8 million people that are affected by drought... but
farmers in America, the ones who can compassionately plant food that is so
desperately needed, cannot pay their (mortgage) notes.
He said that many Americans criticize the Soviet secret police, the KGB, but
should be more aware of the activities of the Central Intelligence Agency.
" One'day you'll find out that this government has stuff happening in this
country that would make (Adolf) Hitler blush,'' Gregory said.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/18: CIA-RDP90-00552R000202350001-0