The Southern Regional Council

Abstract

The Southern Regional Council evolved from the Commission on Interracial Co-operation formed in 1919. Shaped by and shaping Southern history, it has reflected what ever has been best in Southern ideals, taking its present struc ture in war-year (1944) optimism and declaring against segregation in 1951. Odum's founding vision sought to solve the South's racial problems through a commanding regional body's oblique attack on underlying stresses—economic, social, political—but events early forced the Council to focus on race solely. Disruption of traditional racial patterns by the civil rights movement may now allow a shift in emphasis from human relations to human resources. Commitment combined with objectivity has been the hallmark of publications and in formation services. The council comprises a co-optative board of 100, which directs policy, and a staff. Autonomous but in close liaison are state Councils on Human Relations which have general membership. Because the Council is noncompetitive and has enjoyed trust, it frequently administers programs through and with other agencies. Flexible and unencumbered by restraining policies, the Council looks to embody a future South of constructive dialogue and cultivation of resources.