Tucson mayor under fire - April 21, 1969

"Tucson Mayor Jim Corbett sits in his car Friday afternoon after being surrounded by some 100 students protesting alleged police harassment. After about 20 minutes, the group allowed his car to leave as he agreed to meet with their representatives later in the afternoon at City Hall.

"Friday's peaceful march downtown was a spontaneous result stemming from members of the black community presenting their opinions on the bombings that took place in the area two weeks ago and the alleged police harassment that followed the bombings at speakers' corner earlier that afternoon.

"Complete with police escort and photographers, 100 students marched downtown to wait outside the building while (ASUA and Black Student Union) representatives went in to talk with the mayor.

"While the students waited outside surrounded by helmeted police holding clubs, Corbett refused to see the group unless Heard (the sole BSU representative) was barred from the meeting room. Corbett said his refusal to meet Heard was a 'personal' matter. Heard said he knew of no reason for the mayor to dislike him.

"The neighborhood of the bombings ... is predominantly made up of black residents.

"Two weeks before these events, several black youths, including students, were arrested on a variety of charges in the area following the bombing of El Capitan Apartments and of a residence at 409 E. Linden St."