Self-Determination for D.C. (SDDC) Collection
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of office files documenting the activities of the Self-Determination for D.C. Coalition in support of home rule and voting rights issues. In particular, the collection consists of testimony, legislation, lobbying packets, correspondence, and media lists regarding its lobbying efforts in support of Congressional legislation passed in 1973 granting D.C. home rule (D.C. Self-Government and Reorganization Act). The records also contain materials compiled by the coalition regarding supportive and opposition organizations, reports, clippings, press releases, newsletters, and other printed materials and ephemera.
Dates
- Creation: 1970-1980
Creator
- Self-Determination for D.C. (Organization)
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Some folders may contain personal and private information - when applicable a redacted copy will be provided.
Conditions Governing Use
DC Public Library holds copyright to this collection. Noncommerical use is permitted. Please contact peoples.archive@dc.gov with questions.
Biographical / Historical
Self-Determination for D.C. coalition was formed as the result of the adoption of a resolution in January 1971 by the Americans for Democratic Action calling for the formation of a national coalition to promote home rule and congressional voting representation for the District of Columbia. Initially the Coalition was called the Democracy for D.C. Committee and consisted of 25 local and national groups along with several city residents. Richard W. Clark, a special assistant to the president of Common Cause, and Victor Reuther, a labor leader, agreed to serve as national co-chairman. In the fall of 1971 a metropolitan steering committee was formed of local organizations with Sterling Tucker and Marne Hornblower serving as co-chairmen. The coalition was instrumental in lobbying for and campaigning for home rule legislation and a constitutional amendment providing for congressional representation in Congress. The coalition disbanded in 1985.
Extent
25 Boxes
12.5 Linear feet
Arrangement
Series 1: Topical Files, 1975-1985 (1.5LF)
Consists of topical files related to the issue of voting rights, home rule, and statehood for D.C. Series contains congressional testimony, legislation, correspondence to D.C. and federal legislators, brochures, flyers, and handwritten notes.
Series 2: Opposition Groups, 1976-1986 (0.5 LF)
Contains materials about organizations and individuals the Coalition considered opponents of self-determination for D.C..
Series 3: Support Groups, 1976-1985 (2.5 LF)
Consists of reports, clippings, correspondence, pamphlets, and printed materials from organizations the Coalition considered supporters of its goals.
Series 4: Chronological Files, 1970-1973 (0.25LF)
Contains internal memoranda, drafts, letters, and Coalition Comments, the Coalition’s newsletter.
Series 5: Lobbying Files, 1972-1973 (1.75LF)
Contains materials documenting the Coalition’s lobbying efforts for home rule in 1973. Included are reports, issued papers, congressional contact lists, lobbying packets, and background materials on the House District Committee, among others.
Series 6: Media Coverage, 1972-1973 (0.5LF)
Contains media lists from various states
Series 7: Legislation, 1965-1973 (1.25LF)
Contains briefing papers, legislative analyses, congressional legislation, letters, Congressional Record excerpts, congressional voting records, and other legislative materials related to home rule.
Series 8: Post-Home Rule Passage, 1974 (0.25LF)
Contains reports, clippings and correspondence on 1974 campaign financing, the formation of advisory neighborhood commissions, and other topics.
Series 9: Related Organizations, 1960-1971 (0.25LF)
Contains materials regarding the two organizations which preceded the Coalition; the Home Rule Committee and Ad-Hoc Committee for Home Rule.
Series 10: Research, 1966-1973 (0.25LF)
Consists of research documents prepared by the Library of Congress regarding home rule and voting rights for D.C.. Also contains legislative bills, reprints, and copies of articles on the same issues.
Series 11: Publications, 1973 (0.25LF)
Primarily consists of brochures, newsletters of SDDC and other related organizations.
Series 12: Memorabilia, ca. 1970 (1.75LF)
contains brochures, buttons, bumper stickers, a patriot’s hat, and banner of the Coalition. Also contains the publication Salute to Volunteers prepared by the Coalition.
Custodial History
The collection was donated to the Library in 1989 by Richard W. Clark, Chairman of the Self-Determination for D.C. National Coalition.
- Title
- Self-Determination for D.C. (SDDC)
- Subtitle
- An inventory of Self-Determination for D.C. (SDDC) at DC Public Library
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by DC Public Library.
- Date
- 1999-08
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository