The Omaha guide., 1932-08-06

We are met in the thirty-third
meeting Of the National Negro Bust
ness League. This organization has
gone through many difficulties but
is moving steadily forward, increas-
ing in solidarity and effectiveness.
In the past few years Negro bust
ness has faced the most trying ex-
~perience*s Of its existence. Many of
what we supposed to be our most SUBJ
stantial business enterprise have fail
ed, but / have not found as much
encouragement among Negroes as
might be expected. Then, too, the
Negro is not by himself, what he is
facing our whole business world is
facing. Indeed many governments,
national and state are facing the most
trying experiences of their existence.
Oftentimes what seem to be disadvan-
tages may in the long run be turned
into advantages, especially where
men have courage and an honest pur-
pose to succeed.
The Negro, like the rest Of the ma
tion is down" but / am unwilling
to believe that either the Negro or
the nation is "out." This may be a
naive statement but / am frank in
saving that | do not feel as bad a.
bout the depression as perhaps l
should. |. personally, as weH as
the institutions with which | am con
nected feel the financial difficulties
but | am not as much disturbed as,
perhaps. | should be. The situation
through which we are passing issolid-
flying the thoughtful, altruistic OPP
inion Of thinking Negroes in a way
that | have not witnessed before. We
are increasing now in solidarity and
in constructive desires for the sue
cess of the entire group. There is
less suspicion and jealousy within the
race. There is less suspicion and
greater appreciation by the black race
for the white race. There is a
stronger and saner desire on the part
Of the white race to be fair in its
dealings with the black race. This
is true in business as in all other
phases Of life. There is increasing
patriotism and more evenhanded jus
tice towards all groups weak as well
as strong, poor as well as rich, black
ever as white. There is truly great
er tolerance intra-racially and inter
racially with a wholeome and in
creasing disregard of color and creed.
The nation is looking today as never
before, for character more than for
color and this is all happily illustrated
in the marvelus success that our Sec
rotary, Mr.. ALBION l.. Holsey, has had
in the progressive and effective or
~ganization of the Colored Merchants
Association which has been sponsor
ed by the National Negro Business
League.
This is the largest and most for
ward-looking avenue of business eff
fort among Negroes; it has had the
finest cooperation and backing from
white business men and organizations.
1t is not a competitive movement. it
is rather meant to bring organized
Negro business into the channels of
trade. $685.
The Negro spends for groceries
roughly more than a billion and a
half dollars a year. When that spend
ing power is properly organized it is
bound to make an impression upon
the American business world to the
disadvantage Of no one but to the
very great and substantial advantage
of white and black people.
l am sure the Founder Of this or
ganization, DIR. Booker T. Washington
would take satisfaction in the fact
that after thirty-two years the or
ganization would seem to have evolv-
ed through the whole-hearted and
thoroughly unselfish, yet very wise
and persistent efforts Of Albion L.
Holsey. In spite of handicaps that
would have thoroughly discouraged
most men, Mr.. Holsey has persistent
ly plugged away, Not always with
the encouragement and backing Of
many Of our own people who might
have helped. While there are yet diff
ficulties to face there is every reason
for encouragement and congratula-
lions. If the colored business men,
large and small, give their hearty CO.
operation and backing to this move
ment, its success is assured. White
people are cooperating