This one-page informational handout—from the organizers of the April 15, 1967, antiwar demonstration—provides guidance on signage and messaging for march participants. Addressing practical constraints like local police regulations and offering suggested slogans, the flyer reflects the committee’s wish to balance personal expression with a clear, unified message against the Vietnam War.
At the top, the Spring Mobilization Committee advises protesters to create placards from materials such as cloth, paper, or cardboard, emphasizing that wooden or metal sticks are prohibited by New York City law. The mention of “cardboard tubes” as an alternative shows an awareness of local rules and a desire to keep the demonstration safe and lawful.
Below that, a list of official slogans highlights the broad range of concerns connecting the antiwar movement to civil rights, economic justice, and the fight against racism. Sample statements include “Stop the Bombing,” “No $$$ for Bombing and Burning,” and “Children Are Not Born to Burn.” The flyer also acknowledges that some placards will reflect individual opinions or group-specific messages, even if not everyone in the coalition agrees with each slogan.
In providing a “sample placard”—“STOP THE BOMBING” with the smaller tagline “Stop the War Now”—the committee underscores the importance of concise, impactful signage. Notably, a few slogans address the intersections of race and class, such as “No Vietnamese Ever Called Me N——” and “Black Men Should Fight White Racists, Not Vietnamese Freedom Fighters,” revealing the era’s heightened awareness of systemic inequality and the disproportionate burden placed on communities of color.
Historical Context
By 1967, the Vietnam War had become a lightning rod for broader social and political critiques, unifying disparate groups under the antiwar banner. Demonstrators recognized that clear, visible messages—often captured by journalists—could profoundly shape public perception. Organizers thus encouraged both creativity and discipline in crafting slogans, balancing personal fervor with consistent, movement-wide goals.
Strategy and Significance
- Practical Instructions: The handout details everything from how to hold a sign to local restrictions, streamlining what could otherwise be logistical chaos on the day of the march.
- Unifying Slogans: The “official slogans” present a snapshot of the antiwar movement’s moral and political arguments—some focusing on the draft, others on racial inequities or human suffering in Vietnam.
- Intersectional Approach: While primarily focused on ending the war, the flyer’s references to racial oppression and economic injustice reflect a growing intersection of civil rights and antiwar activism.
Ultimately, “Information Sheet #2” stands as a testament to the importance of thorough planning and a cohesive visual strategy in staging successful mass protests. By blending practical tips with pointed political messaging, the Spring Mobilization Committee set a tone of disciplined, inclusive dissent—a model that would inform future demonstrations across the country.
Special thanks to the USC Digital Imaging Lab for their support in digitizing this item.
