Negro Actors Guild of America, Inc. letter

1947 was the tenth anniversary of the Negro Actors Guild. Fredi Washington brought together other actors, including Leigh Whipper, Noble Sissle, W.C. Handy, and Dick Campbell, to found the Negro Actors Guild of America in New York City in 1937. The organization was established to try to eliminate the stereotyping of African Americans in theatrical and cinematic performances.  It also stressed the need for more realistic roles for people of color, helped foster the skills of African American actors, and worked to generate more acting opportunities for blacks.