In February, 1967, it was learned that Harry Belafonte, a well-known entertainer, performed on a television program in Paris, France, for the benefit of SCLC. As a result, SCLC was to receive $10,000.
During the year 1967, Anne Labouisse Farnsworth, also known as Mrs. Peter Farnsworth and heiress to the Clark Thread Fortune, donated $50,000 to SCLC. In January, 1968, it was learned she was in the process of donating $100,000 to King’s group.
Funds from Government Agencies
In early December, 1966, it was determined that King’s organization was about to participate in a four-million-dollar loan from the Federal Housing Administration because of SCLC’s involvement in a slum clearance program in Chicago, Illinois. Under existing Government regulations, SCLC would share in the ten percent profit allowed, or $400,000. Levison made available $12,500 of his own money so that SCLC could participate in this program and share in the profits.
It was also determined that in November, 1967, the Department of Labor negotiated a contract with SCLC to train Negroes for employment in Atlanta, Georgia. Of the $61,000 involved in the contract, $13,000 went to SCLC and $48,000 went to the grocers in Atlanta for providing on-the-job training to the previously unemployed Negroes.
Funds for Washington Spring Project
In February, 1968, Levison was in conference with one of King’s aides concerning methods of raising funds for the “Washington Spring Project.” Levison suggested that a meeting be held in the home of Harry Belafonte for approximately 60 individuals who have contributed $1,000 or more to SCLC in the past. Levison advised that some of the people to be invited to this meeting would be Governor and Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, Mary and Stephen Rockefeller, and Franklin D. Roosevelt III.
