Susan Breslin was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In the summer of 1963, she joined The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in Harlem after graduating from the University of Toronto. In recalling her time with the organization, Breslin talks about the intense work she performed with the TV Image Campaign, a movement devised by CORE to force major companies to use integrated advertisement. She also discusses the significance of the August, 1963 March on Washington, stating, “I think everybody who participated in the March on Washington—and they came from everywhere—walked away knowing they were part of something huge.” Breslin’s interview dives into the rich depths of CORE’s history; specifically the evolution of its ideology. Breslin discusses the controversy that bubbled up when some CORE leaders advocated for separation instead of integration, and the resulting break that led her to leave the group in the fall of 1965. Breslin also shares her memories of major historical events such as the funerals of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. She reflects on how her participation in the civil rights movement impacted her personal relationships, discusses the emotional quality of those times, and encourages her audience to find the issue of their time and become involved. Breslin believes, as she says, “Every little step creates controversy, but the controversy does not last. What lasts is the door that has been opened.” Later, Breslin moved to South Carolina, and now resides in Folly Beach, where she continues to be active in local political issues.
Correspondence from Stephen Hoffius, Director of Publications for the South Carolina Historical Society, to Cleveland Sellers regarding Grace Jordan McFadden interviews with Civil Rights movement participants.
Correspondence from Marcous Garnder, Event Coordinator for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at the University of South Carolina, to Cleveland Sellers thanking the recipient for "agreeing to participate as a panelist in [the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity] forum."
Correspondence from Ann Walling of All Saints Episcopal Church to Cleveland Sellers thanking the recipient for celebrating diversity at the "Diocesan Convention."
Correspondence from W. Marvin Dulaney, Director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, to Cleveland Sellers thanking the recipient for presenting a lecture at Avery.
Correspondence from Kevin Willey, Project Coordinator for the University of South Carolina African American Studies Program, to Cleveland Sellers thanking the recipient for "helping to make the 1998 Magic Bus Civil Rights Tour a huge success."
Correspondence from Cleveland Sellers to Reverend Jesse Jackson regarding a newly formed committee called, "Friends of Kwame Ture" (Stokely Carmichael) for the purpose of organizing a testimonial dinner in his honor."
