This tape documents a civil rights rally in Madison Square Gardens, New York (May 24, 1955). Jacob Javits speaks out against President Eisenhower's idleness on civil rights issues and criticizes the United States' inadequate foreign policy and domestic race relations. Next, Maxine Sullivan sings Loch Lomond and St. Louis Woman Blues followed by a selection by singers Edgar Nixon and Bill Hayes. George B. Ford gives an invocation and Muriel Smith sings the National Anthem. A. Philip Randolph commemorates those who were killed in racist attacks and asks for a moment of "silent" memory. Randolph explains the purpose of the conference and salutes past and living heroes and heroines such as Martin Luther King, Reverend Ralph Abernathy and E. D. Nixon. Randolph speaks out against the KKK and the White Citizens Council and advocates passive resistance to evil, nonviolent good will and direct action. Additional speakers and performers include Reverend James H. Robinson, Rabbi Goldstein, the Concord Baptist Choir singing the Battle Hymn of Republic, Roy Wilkins, Gus Courts of Mississippi, Ashley Totten, Charles S. Zimmerman of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, Josh White who sings and plays a memorable selection on guitar, followed by the Concord Baptist Choir singing Let My People Go.