Following the address given by Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. to the United States Congress in 1963, thousands of Americans wrote to the mayor, soliciting a wide array of opinions ranging from disappointment to appreciation and respect. I read the archival letters in Box 19, Folder 19, on pages 90-139, all of which expressed the latter of attitudes. 

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The letters showcased give evidence to why Mayor Allen went against the status quo of Southern politics, leading to an outpouring of support from like-minded Americans.

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The complete set of letters can be found here.