Cape May and King

In keeping with the fact that February is Black History Month, I would like to mention the connection of Cape May, NJ with Dr. Martin Luther King.

Last summer a woman named Molly Wood Tully wrote a letter to the Editor of the Cape May Star and Wave, giving information that I had never known. She spoke of the biennial Quaker Gathering in Cape May on June 27, 1958 - fifty years ago. The Rev. King spoke at this gathering in the city's Convention Hall. The hall was completely filled, and people outside were leaning into the windows to hear him as he spoke on "Nonviolence and Racial Justice". I wish I had been in Cape May that summer and had heard him.

Those were not good days in Cape May City for black people. Blacks were not permitted to register as guests at the hotels. The Rev. King stayed in a private home while he was here. Racial discrimination was taken for granted. As a result, the Quakers, who had met here for many years, decided they could no longer meet in a town where people of all colors were not welcome. They moved their meetings to other locations, and never returned here. How sad.

I was aware of some of the history of discrimination in Cape May. I had heard of the narrow strip of beach that allowed blacks to enjoy the sand and sea. I have seen buildings where they were housed. I knew of Cold Spring Church where they were allowed only in the balcony seats. I have visited the cemeteries, for blacks only, since apparently even in death they were not welcome. But I never knew of this particular incident.

Rev. King, I think you would be welcome here today, at least by most of us. And as for those who still harbor such prejudice - we will say a prayer for them, and thank God that at least they are now in the minority.