THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR Summer 1979

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A publication of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND, INC.

Summer, 1979

Volume III, Number 2

Alfred P. Maneki, Editor The Braille Spectator 9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, Maryland 21045

Address Correction Requested

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Inc.

Alfred P. Maneki, Editor 9736 Basket Ring Road Columbia, Maryland 21045

(301) 992-9607

Associate Editors: Beth Schuster Althea Pittman

Recorded on cassette by

Connie McCraw

Organizational officers,

Willie Thompson, president 3435 Lynne Haven Dr.

Baltimore, Maryland 21207

(301) 521-3107

Alfred Maneki, first vice president Lloyd Rasmussen, second Vice President Althea Pittman, secretary

Georgia Myers, treasurer

THE BRAILLE SPECTATOR is published quarterly as a newsletter to members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest in the work of this organization.  The

recorded edition, available on cassettes, can be obtained from the editor upon request.

Changes of address and additions to the circulation list should be sent to the editor. Address all news items, articles and letters to the editor.

WE, the People of the NFB, have assembled in Convention and rendered our verdict. The overwhelming consensus was that our Board of Directors correctly assessed the perils confronting this movement as a result of developments in California and Washington. We unequivocally gave our support to the bold remedies administered by our elected leaders.

By reaffirming the Board's actions, we have given our stamp of approval so that the Board can deal from a position of strength in acting on our behalf between conventions. Had the Board been forced to wait for authority from the convention to take actions in California and Washington, this organization's reputation and effectiveness would have been irreparably damaged. Wrongdoings, financial or otherwise, of one affiliate, tarnish the image of the entire organization. When just one affiliate misappropriates its funds, or when just one affiliate is governed by its president

in a dictatorial manner, then the NFB will be perceived as an out­

fit which cannot manage its money or is run as a dictatorship. Furthermore, when the Board has agreed by a majority, upon some action; and a Board member who opposed that action is permitted to work in opposition to this action without reprisal, then the NFB would be perceived as weak and inconsequential.

The membership at the convention could not accept the lame arguments by the opposition that it was simply attempting to raise questions and conduct dialogue with the elected leadership, Through­ out the year, these opponents have hardly behaved in a fashion

which suggests even the slightest appearance of concerned opposition as witnessed at the September Board meeting in Los Angeles. Neither could the membership at the convention accept the claim that no fair decision on this matter could be reached, since our views and emotions had been inflamed by demagoguery, hysteria and mob psychology. In our history, no action has ever been taken without serious deliberation. Our traditions emphasize respect for the views of each individual. Clearly, the collective judgement of the convention was that the Board did not act in haste; the Board was not vindictive or malicious; the Board simply did what had to be done.

This was the first convention in which significant emphasis was placed on fundraising. Such an emphasis has been long overdue since the responsibility for financing our movement should remain with the membership, if we are to be a true "people's organization" subservient to no external funding sources. With the gains we have made in the last three years, the goal of financial independence is just beyond our grasp. It can be attained if more of us would engage in the funding programs which have already been established. The PAC plan is a mechanism by which we as individuals can privately give, and in amounts of our own choosing. All of us can and should enroll members-at-large for their associate contributions, in order that everyone in our communities with whom we come into contact may know about this movement and assist in our programs. Fund-rais ng activities such as walk-a-thons and sales at shopping centers can be a useful way to tell our story to the public and seek their assistance.

Alibis and excuses can no longer be made in good conscience.

Those among us who are skilled at fund-raising must each and help those who are not. All of us have an obligation to do all that we can in attaining financial independence for our NFB.

THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW!!!!!

WHAT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE BLIND MEANS TO MARYLANDERS

It has been over a year now since the national office of the NFB has come to Maryland. During the summer of 1978 the office consisted of Dr. Jernigan with nostaff andno furniture, keeping things going while living outof asuitcase. Then it wasmore andmore staff trying to avoid bumping into each other while squeezing around the boxes at 1101 St. Paul. Then itwas staff working onweekends andfar into the night scrubbing and cleaning andpolishing thepaneling atthe newbuilding.

Now thestaff work the same long hours on theMonitor and other NFB work.

What does itmean tohave theNational Office in Maryland?

Certainly, there are ways that Maryland Federationists can provide assistance to the National Office, for it is OUR Federation. We as individuals should come through by letting the National staff know that we are willing to be called on to help and should be sure to honor our promises of assistance when called upon. The National Office staff should become acquainted with Federationists throughout the state and pick up the phone tolet usknow when there isback breaking or urgent work tobe done.

But how can WE, Federationists in Maryland,benefit from having the National Office here? Our affiliates have more ready access to NFB files and material than Federationists in other states do. Our leaders are among the first to hear about such things as our winning our court case, recently, against the Minneapolis Society "For" the Blind. Dr. Jernigan is available for consultation to Marylanders,both blind and sighted, though he is not a mind reader and we must take the initiative. He is availableto talk about blind people andblindness on local TV and in the media, with the goal of opening employment opportunities for blind people. It took years ofactive work with the media and in the community for employment opportunities to become what they are now in Iowa.

Input from people in Maryland helps to shape national Federation policies. Marylanders have the opportunities to talk with Federationists and others coming to the National Center from all over the nation. By informing the National Office that we would be delighted to invite visitors to the state over for dinner or spend an evening together, we can do so and gain a perspectiveon what is happening nationally. Such spirit raising occasions are crucial for our having the energy and inspiration to continue our work.

Dr. Jernigan and other national staff are available to testify as residents of our state in favor of the bills we support.

Federationists from across the nation have moved here and are becoming active in local chapters. We will benefit from their talents and they from ours. For instance, it was Jim Omvig who extensively in Iowa to end insurance discrimination and laid the groundwork for this happening in every state. Now he will be tackling similar projects in Maryland and laying national groundwork here. The problems that blind people face are thesame inWyoming orGeorgia asin Maryland andwe will all benefitfrom working together andlearning from the mistakes andsuccessful strategies ofFederationists inother states.

Due to thehassles ofmoving, itwas only after thenational staff got settled at 1800 Johnson Street that theoffice could begin toget into fullswing. Thedistribution ofaids andappliances and literature is at full force again andmore andmore people from out of state will be visitingthe Center and wanting to spend some time with local Federationists. Dr. Jernigan says, "The benefits ofhaving the National Center in Marylandwill become greater andgreater astime passes. How much Marylanders gain from the National Center depends on how much people in the state take advantage of somany things that are happening."

When the National Office ofthe NFBmoved toIowa in 1968, it was, says Dr.Jernigan, "two rooms plus me". Thestaff whoare now atthe National Office, though we welcome them from Iowa, come originally from all overthe nation. A number of Marylanders are nowworkingat the Center.Federationists from Maryland andother states are warmly invited to visitour national office andtalk with people there.

COME TO THE CABARET

Friday November 16,1979, isthe date for this year'sannual Cabaret. As intimes past, it will be held at Martin's Champagne Room, 2701 W.Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore. Theevent, which will take placefrom 9 p.m. until 1a.m., features the music ofthe JimOmvig Combo.Jim and his friends have graciously consented to donate theirservices which in financial terms, should make this year's Cabaret an even greater success than before. The music they play is designed for dancing.

Martin's will, of course, be catering the food which will beRoast Prime Beef, Shrimp Creole, Maryland Fried Chicken and all thegood things that go with them. For those who are thirsty, the bar is open from 9 until 1.

Cost perticket this year inspite ofinflation isonly $5.00.

Toadd toyour amusement (and toour coffers), MickeyFinn from W.F.B.R. 

is making available prize wheels. If you have no other date, be sure to bring Lady Luck.

Ticket sales are being chaired by Willard Freeman who can be reached during workdays at 233-4567 or call him at night at 644-3348, in order to have tickets assigned to you on consignment.

As a special inducement to ticket sellers this year, there will be prizes drawn for qualified ticket sellers. To qualify, you must sell five tickets which will enter your name one time. For each additional ticket sold, your name will be entered one more time.

We look forward to the same good time and enjoyment we have had in the past.

We need your presence --Come to the Cabaret.

HELP MAKE THE WALK-A-THON HUGE SUCCESS

Ray Lowder, Bill Munck and members of the Walk-A-Thon committee have been diligently making preparations for the first NFB Walk-A-Thon to be held in Maryland. It is hoped that eventually

all affiliates who have conducted Walk-A-Thons will be able to coordinate their activities into an annual nationwide Walk-A-Thon. At present, the details of the Maryland Walk-A-Thon are as follows:

DATE: Walk date is Sunday, October 21, 1979, at 8:00 A.M. All members must start by 10100 A.M. There is no scheduled rain date,

ROUTE: The 18-kilometer(or11mile) route begins and ends at the Science Center located in Baltimore's spectacular Inner Harbor, and includes several historical sites, such as Fort McHenry, which will be open for the walk, The exact route is as follows:

Begins at Inner Harbor Science Center, passes East on Pratt, North on Patterson, West on Fayette, North on Charles, West on Monument, South on Howard, East on Baltimore, South on Hopkins, East on Pratt, South on Light, East on Wells, North on Johnson, East on Fort, West on Fort, North on Riverside,andreturns to the Science Center. The route also includes the 1800 block of Johnson Street, the location of the new National Center for the Blind. Five checkpoints areplanned.