In an Unpublished Letter, President Ronald Reagan Defends Himself Against Charges of Discrimination to the Black Community, Writing, “From boyhood on I crusaded against bigotry and prejudice long before it was a cause.”

“I’m well aware of the image that has been created of me personally as somehow if not an enemy, at least decidedly unfriendly to the Black community.”

Throughout his Presidency, as the New York Times reported at this signing of the Voting Rights Bill extension, Reagan was fighting an erosion of political support among minorities, as the result of a perception that he had no interest in them. But Reagan bristled at this and saw himself in a very different light. He felt that the Democratic Party took for granted the Black vote in particular and that he had been an advocate of true Civil Rights his entire career.

In 1984, Michael C. Williams, newspaper editor, wrote a piece that made one of those two points: that the Democrats should not take for granted the Black vote. Reagan was handed this note and used it as an opportunity to assess his own legacy and actions on civil rights and urge the Black community to support him.

Typed letter signed, on White House letterhead, Washington, October 18, 1984, to Michael C. Williams, Editor of the St. Louis Metro Sentinel Papers. “Dear Mr. Williams, Merrie Spaeth told me of your letter and gave me the copy of your paper you sent. I enjoyed reading it and especially your editorial. I’m in complete agreement with regard to any group letting itself be taken for granted politically. But would you forgive me if I put in a plug and said I believe there is more reason than that for taking a look at what the Republican Party has to offer.

“I’m well aware of the image that has been created of me personally as somehow if not an enemy, at least decidedly unfriendly to the Black community. I don’t mind saying it is a source of frustration and sorry for me. From boyhood on I crusaded against bigotry and prejudice long before it was a cause. My record as President of the Screen Actor’s Guild, later as Governor of California and now in this office gives amply evidence that the image is false. But somehow that isn’t heard above the political rhetoric.

“Well enough of that and forgive me for unloading on you. Thanks again for the paper, I did enjoy it.” Affixed to a thin white board. Comes with the original envelope.

This unpublished letter has never been offered for sale before. A remarkable and touching statement by Reagan as President on a matter of the utmost importance.