‘Oneness in Diversity’

Your story was excellent for its broad scope nationally and locally. Philosophy, issues and names of protagonists, current and historically, were rather complete and a delight to read.

A critical need for complete reporting is the inclusion of the years during which Stephen Fritchman was the minister not only of the church on 8th Street but also the spiritual and activist giant in Los Angeles during the difficult ‘30s, ‘40s and beyond, as many would recall him.

The Depression of the ‘30s needs little review here as a pervasive problem, but in Los Angeles during the Fritchman years the sharper manifestations of that malaise were overt police brutality, union-busting, race riots, and that whole spectrum of social ills that are generally covered under “discrimination”: lack of housing, employment, education, civil rights, etc., for many of our citizens.

Los Angeles was not without courageous and articulate community organizations but not sufficient in number and influence. There was little in effective coalition among ethnic organizations in Los Angeles when their own ranks lacked attorneys and sophisticated organizers. Zilch political clout.

But then there were champions on the Los Angeles scene like Carey McWilliams, “Bob” Kenny, Ben Margolin and many others--and Stephen Fritchman. Under Fritchman the gatherings at the Unitarian Church were ecumenism exemplified.

Whether it was a concert, a fund-raiser for a cause, a protest meeting or a “panel sermon” (by community representatives) at the Sunday service, that institution was the focus for all community issues, current causes and for all manner of leaders and followers, irrespective of religious denomination or belief. Work toward justice and community power was more enlightened and effective under that glow.

The addition of these remarks is intended to revere the memory of Stephen Fritchman and to add a sense of history and continuity to the activities reported in the excellent article.

JAIME GONZALEZ MONROY

Long Beach