If I please the whites, the Negroes get mad. If I please the Negroes, the whites get mad. All people of goodwill are moved by truth when it is honestly and sincerely told. Too many public figures spend time attempting to win the admiration of certain groups or individuals by smooth words and perfunctory back slaps. Often these methods lead to the opposite effect.
People soon look beneath the surface and discover signs of insincerity.
So your first concern must be to tell the truth without rancor or bitterness. Both whites and Negroes will respect you for this. And remember, no matter what approach you use, you can never please all of the people. Ebony , October 1958.