Letter from Donald Clark, president of the Las Vegas Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Clarence Horton, Esq., president of the State Bar Association, January 11, 1962

January 11th, 1962 Clarence Horton, Esq. President, State Bar Association Ely, Nevada Dear Sir: As President of the Las Vegas Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, it is my duty to investigate all instances of discrimination, or apparent discrimination, which come to the attention of our membership, or which affect our members. The status of the Negro in Nevada has been, to say the least, most menial. One of the very first laws passed by the initial legislative session in 1864 was a statute depriving Negroes of public education. Since that time, the Negro has been a second-class citizen in this State by any rule of comparison. In order to assist the State in upgrading its Negro citizens, and for the purpose of helping the Negro population to improve its lot, the community has from time to time encouraged professional Negroes of established status to settle in Nevada. It is without doubt that the coming to Nevada of Dr. Charles I. West, a physician, and Dr. James B. McMillan, a dentist, served to improve the services available to Negroes and other Nevadans immeasurably. Now the State of Nevada has been fortunate in having Charles L. Kellar, an attorney of more than twenty years standing and experience, a man with three degrees .who has served with distinction as Chairman of a United States Selective Service Board, and with distinction in a number of other positions of public trust, to come to our State to live. He has qualified to take the Bar examination and has passed, but still is awaiting admission. My investigation indicates that Nevada has failed to admit any Negro to practice law in its 97-year history. The Negroes of this State are greatly concerned. I have inquired and find no precedent for the delaying procedure which is now being carried on by the local administrative committee concerning his admission. I have discussed the matter with Mr. Joseph Foley, the Chairman of that committee, and I am convinced that the State Bar itself should take a stand on this matter. I shall, therefore, appreciate hearing from you concerning the status of Mr. Kellar's admission and an opportunity to discuss the matterwith you in greater detail. The Negro community of Las Vegas, which has more than 14, 000 population without a member of their group to serve them and who have nowhere to turn when they are denied services by the practicing attorneys in Clark County, or elsewhere, need Mr. Kellar's services. The State of Nevada is fortunate to be able to get a practitioner of such long experience, training and ability to add to its Bar. We certainly desire to do everything possible to hasten his admission to practice. Fleaee let me hear from you. Very truly yours, Rev. Donald M. Clark President, Las Vegas Branch NAACP