Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1920-03-06
RINGING APPEAL TO THIN
NEGRO RACE.
by Lieut.. Williams Clifford, Special
Representative Washington, ID. ~.

ton. Inc barriers which have nept
our people i'll subJcctiua are giving
way and an era oi real freedom ana
better days are dawning. 1t may be
said that while the Civil War caused
the abolition Of slavery, tho World
War has been instrumental in open
ing wider the door Of opportunity to
the co!orci race. We all feel that
change is taking place and that it is
q change for the better for the $4,000
GOO people which the present census
will show to be the colored popula--
ton of the United States. The colurcd
race in America Is slowly but surely
working out its own destiny. That
our people will rise to .;rcatcr and
greater things is the belief OF all
thoughtful observers.
From the lowest depths OF misery
In which our ancestors struggled un
der the inhuman fortunes OF the lash
and degrading conditions on South
crn plantations. the Negro race IS
rising to its proper place in accord
ancc with the divine law OF compcn
sation. God works through individ-
uals his wonders to perform. Bcnc-
fits to the race cannot come of their
own accord. The great ltsson which
the past teaches Is that our people
must cooperate. They must work to-
gether for tho advancement OF the
race. There must be racial solidari-
ty to accomplish the results we all dc
sire. Our forefathcrs blazcd the way
out of the jungle Of slavery, leaving
their children a heritage which they
themselves did not enjoy.
At recent gathering Of rcprcscn-
tative colorcd men in Washington, ID.
c., a number Of whom had served the
country with honor and distinction
in the American Expnditionary Forces
in France, it was the cOncensus OF
opinion that the time had arrived, to
begin an active propaganda for the
bcttcrmcnt Of the Negro people. 1t is
authoritativcly stated that no less than
100000 Negro Americans wore the
National uniform in the Army and
Navy and contributed to the final vic
tory Of making the World safe for
Democracy.
The time has arrived when sclfde
Termination should be applied to the
Negro race in America. which out
who are enjoying more freedom ms
reforms are necessary for the color
cd race and numerous battles remain
to be fought in the hall of legislation
and elsewhere for n better degree Of
cquality-for the innlienable rights
guaranteed to all American citizens
under the Constitution 1t Is cheering
TO know that n group Of inspired and
aggressive leaders are at work on
various problems Mt tho National
Capital.
They are seeking tho cooperation Of
other leaders or tho race In Boston,
Now York, Chicago. Atlanta. Phila-
delphia. Baltimore, New Orleans,
Montgomery, st. Louis and elsewhere.
The foundation Of n broad and pow
erful propaganda Is being laid, which
will have n far-rcnching influence. 1t
is proposed to extend this campaign OF
education and enlightenment into tho
newspapers and magazines Of the coun
try into churches, schools, moving
pictures, etc. The lenders Of tho move
mcnt have learned valuable lessons
from the manner In which forms OF
propaganda have been carried for the
education of tho white American.
1.-THE Struggle" Is tho title chosen
for a ten reel motion picture which
will portray Negro life in this coun-
try In its true light. Into what will
prove @ drama OF transcendant in
terest, 1t Ia proposed to weave a
most powerful and gripping appeal for
justice that will BIO shown In prac
tically all Of the twenty thousand
moving picture theatres Of tho Unit
cd States. This will result in great
service to tho colOred race in max.
Ing them better understood and no
moving race prejudice whorever 1t
exists.
Tho Washington leaders cannot be
cla"sed az dreamers or Missionaries.
They are men of practical experience
who have the courage Of thoir convic
lions. They arc mon Of actions rath-
or than words. They believe In suit
ing" tho action to the word, the word
to the action" They possess energy.
self-r eliance and decision OF charac-
ter.
Appreciating the Importance of NOV
ing pictures. they have already enlist
cd tho aid of leaders In tho motion pic
ture industry in New York and have
been assured that the best talent in
the country and tho most successful
business management is at the service
cf tie colorHd race in the production
oc one or moro motion picture dramas
that will be tho talk Of tho nation.
The present movement, which had
its inception in Washington, Is spread
ing to all parts o fthe country and is
looking to aid not only the present
generation, but to build for tho future
as we'll. It looks forward to the time
when members Of the colored race
will not only preach but practice
race solidarity; when Negro citizens
will practices selfreliance and on
courage enterprises among their own
people: when they will prove by their
actions and Investments In advance
ing the upbuilding Of tho race; when
they will not be envious OF the sue
ca$: Of their ass ~ciatcs in business;
whom they will mako sac ifices, IL nee
G., airy, for .he good OF the racn and
to improve conditions for the benefit
q: their children and grandchilfre
With n population exceeding fourteen
million colorcd people in tho United
S'otcs, the time is not far distant
will