The Omaha guide., 1935-05-04

In every major strike in this coun-
try Negro union members have fought
with their white fellow workers in a
struggle for economic survival. The
bodies of ten Negro strikers killed in
such strike struggles offer mute testi-
mony to this fact. Even the vicious
policies of the leaders Of the A. F. of
l.. in discrimination against Negro
workers is breaking down under the
pressure for solidarity from the ranks
Of the whites
Nationwide Conference Scheduled
For May
This heightening of spirit among all
elements of black America and the
seriousness Of the crisis for them make
doubly necessary the consideration Of
the social and economic condition of
the Negro at this time. 1t was a real
ization of these conditions which ave
rise to the proposal to hold a national
conference on the economic status of
Negroes under the New Deal at How
ard University May Is, 10 and 20
At this conference, sponsored by the
Social Science Division of Howard
University and the Joint Committee
on National Recovery, a candid and
intelligent survey of the social and
economic position of the Negro will
be made. Unlike most conferences.
it VII not be a talk-fest. For months
nationally known economists and other
technicians have been working on pa
pers to be presented. Unlike other
conferences it VIII not be a one-sided
affair. Ample opportunity will be af-
forded for high government officials
to present their views of the New
Deal" Others not connected with the
government, including representatives
Of radical political parties, will also
appear to present their conclusions.
Not the least important phase will be
the appearance on the platform of
Negro workers and farmers them
selves to offer their own experiences
under the New Deal" Out of such
conference can and will come a clear
cut analysis of the problems faced bv
the Negro and the nation.
But a word of caution ought he
expressed with regard to this signif-
cant conference. In the final ANALYSIS
1t cannot and does not claim to be
representative of the mass opinion of
Negro citizens in America. All it can
claim for itself is that it will bring
together on a nonrepresentative basis
well informed Negro and white teen
nicians to discuss the momentous prob
lem 1t has chosen as its topic. It can
furnish a base for action for any or
ganization which chooses to avail If
self OF the information developed by
it. It cannot act itself.
National Negro Congress" Suggested
Thus looking beyond such a confer
ence one cannot fail to hope that it
VIII furnish impetus to a national ex-
preston of black America demanding
a tolerable solution to the economic
evils which it suffers. Perhaps. If is
not too much to hope that public opin-
ion may be moulded by this confer
ence to such an extent that already ex-
listing church, civic, ~fraternal, profess
slonal and trade union organizations
will see the necessity for concerted
effort in forging a mighty arm of no
test against injustice suffered by the
Negro. 1t is not necessary that such
organizations agree OF every issue.
On the problem of relief Of the Negro
In America from intolerable poverty
there is little room for disagreement.
The important thing is that through
out America as never before Negroes
awake to the need for a unity of
action on vital economic problems
which perplex Us.
Such a hope is not lacking in foun-
dation upon solid ground. Such an in
stance as the Gail India Congress, of
British India furnishes an example
land there are many Of what cypress
ed groups a do to better their social
and economic status. Perhaps. a
National Negro Congress- of dele
gates from thousands of Negro organ
lzations (and white organizations will
ing to recognize their unity of inter
est) will furnish a vehicle for channel
ing public opinion of black America
One thing is certain: the Negro
may stand still but the depression will
not. And unless there is concerted
action of Negroes throughout the ma
ton, the next two years will bring
even greater misery to the millions of
underprivileged Negro toilers in this
country.