The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1937-07-31
THE NAACP AND UNIONS
lBy LONNIE CARTER)

That the 2Sth annual Conference
Of the N. A. A. c. p. recently held
In Detroit. was one Of the most
successful gatherings In the history
Of the organization can hardly be
denied. II 10 encouraging to see
the organisation rsaliSing. more
than ever the inseparabls connec-
ton Of the civil rights Of the Negro
people and their economic position
In society. As We recall the many
times that representatives OF the N.
A. A. c. p. criticized the A. +. L.
for discriminating against colorsd
workers and for neglscting to send
organizers among US. We wonder
ed why these representatives were
not more outspoksn for endorse
ment OF the powerful G. I. o., that
has not only opened it, doors to us
on the basis Of full equality. but
also sent Negro and white organis-
srs to bring ~ into their ranks.
SAud on u l. u
While We Negro unionists believe
the N. A. A. c. p. would have aided
u IN cur struggle to better our
economic condition By endorsing
the c. I. o., we were glad to see
the free discussion on this subject
which We are sure encouraged the
delegates to study and become bet
ter informed on this vital Issue.
With the great economic problems
facing the youth. It was encourag-
Ing but hardly surprising to see
the aggressive role they played in
these discussions on unions and
there seemed to be greater incli-
nation among them TO endorse some
definite action on these questions.
The out Of town delegates SEEM
ed to be somewhat puzzled that De-
troit was not able to contribute
more constructive information on
unionism since our city has held
the front pages Of the nation for
mohtns about the UAWA. The
browning event during the discus
sion on labor problems, which GER
tainly was no credit 10 the liberal
forces OF our city, was the at
tempt OF certain leaders. particul-
arly Father Daniels and Rev. Brad
by 10 boycott the Conference II the
president OF UAWA which has
thousands OF Negro members, was
permitted 10 speak. Fortunately
this boycott was defeated with the
results that this mass meeting was
one OF the largest during the Con-
ference.
Since the majority Of Negroes IN
Detroit are employed in the auto
industry and other trades that are
rapidly becoming uniouized, the To-
cal people will eventually be con-
fronted with problems that arise
in the unions concerning the rights
Of the Negro workers. The more
recent example of the importance
OF this question is the demand for
Negro workers at the Brewster
housing project, but they must be
union members.
While the NAACP still wishes
TO hesitate and let this vital ques-
ton stay in the studying stage, we
are glad 10 see that the Michigan
section Of the National Negro Con-
gress. which includes a number OF
civic and church organizations that
coordinate certain common activi-
ties concerning the rights OF our
group. Is calling Conference Au-
gust 9Th and 7th at Bethel A. M.
Church to discuss ways and means
to take full advantages OF oppor-
tunIties the workers are obtaining
through unions. The Conference
will OF course take up other i'm
portant problems that confront us,
such ~ high rents. relief and the
prablems OF the small business and
professional people. II Is under
stood that the services OF A. Phil
lip Randolph, pres. OF the Brother
hood OF Sleeping Car Porters I'm
ion. outstanding Negro leader and
orator; John p. Davis National Sc
cretary OF National Negro Con-
gress. have been obtained.
Special appeals are being made
10 the local N. A. A. c. y. 10 join