By Mary Lackie

Father James E. Groppi, Milwaukee’s militant civil rights priest, sharply criticized the Church and white liberals during his visit to Atlanta for the Poor People’s March.

He did say, however, that whites are growing in their awareness and are just beginning to understand the poor.

“The Church is still emphasizing her role as being one merely liturgical, the performance of ritualistic functions. The Church is extremely eschatological in her teaching, and until there is a concern for the problems of the poor, the Church will not be living up to her teaching,” Father Groppi said in a press conference.

“I’m through talking to the clergy. I’ve been threatened with suspension, called in for criticism until you reach the point where you aren’t concerned with what ‘Big Brother’ is thinking. ‘Big Brother’s sensitivity is geared to white people. My concern is for black people,” the priest said.

Father Groppi said the United States is already in a revolution. “I think the problem is so imminent that it is a problem of saving the nation. I spend most of my time working in the black community with the black poor, people who live in rat infested dumps and are harassed by bigoted cops. They face bigoted judges when they go to court. Racism is a cancer that is eating away this country. We live in a white racist society.”

He said, “This is where the Church has to take its leadership in the white community. It must reach the hearts of men. We have the economic, financial, and material ability to solve the problem of poverty. We do not have the moral ability.”

Asked if the Poor People’s campaign gives the white liberal an opportunity to reassert his role in the civil rights movement, Father Groppi replied, “There was a trend among white liberals towards separatism, but with the death of Dr. King, we have had a return to involvement, it is black, white, yellow, and red.”

“The white liberals should be thankful for this opportunity to become involved. But they must understand they are not working ‘for’ the black people. Black people face discouragements, disappointments and depression. I have seen many concerned white people face these same discouragements and they must experience it as part of their growth and change. The white is growing in his awareness, and this is just the beginning of growth in understanding the poor,” Father Groppi said.

Two weeks before the Poor People’s March arrived in Atlanta, volunteers from organizations and denominations throughout the city began plans to care for the marchers.

Mrs. Ann Miles, a member of the Community of Christ Our Brother and a member of the housing committee, said, “After the meeting at the civic center, people were plucking them off the sidewalks, carrying babies and helping the older people. If some people who offered housing were disappointed because no poor people came, I can’t understand why it would be a problem. They made the offer. The same group that committed itself will commit itself again.” Clothing and money were contributed for the marchers. Mrs. Mary Cox, who worked full-time collecting funds during the two weeks, said, “The response from the community was inspiring. Blacks, whites, Jews, Gentiles -- people from all walks of life -- contributed money.”

“Some sent checks, some people came in with change in plastic bags, or brought scrubby folded-up dollar bills. People on welfare came in with some of their supplement food wrapped in newspapers. Others were called to offer clothes, food, housing -- there was so much charity. And the people at the headquarters were a delight to work with.”

Edgar Hillsman, Sr., an Atlanta chef, was in charge of feeding the marchers. He said, “We had arranged to feed about 2,000 people. All the food was donated. We prepared a chicken dinner at the Morehouse gym and fed 1,600 people. Not only the upper class Negroes and whites, but grassroots people on relief brought donations. We had enough food for 5,000 people. There were only about 350-400 marchers who came through town.”

He said, “These people were desperately in need. The extra food, money and clothing will be used during their stay in Washington. We sent a truckload of clothes and canned food along with those who were going directly to Washington. We have pounds of perishable food in deep-freeze and will keep it until we leave for Washington.” “I’m a ‘grassroot,’” Hillsman said, “I was amazed at the relationship between the blacks and whites. It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Many Atlantans who offered housing saw nothing of the poor people at all. A weary priest, who kept a late vigil waiting for a group to arrive at the Cathedral of Christ the King Center, said the next morning, “Well, I guess they just didn’t have enough poor people to go around.”