The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1937-07-17
THE
Negro Labor Forum

should join The Union or not. rather
we should join the Union. study
what methods We must use 10 night
for our rights inside the Union.
One cannot study a book n ne does
not open II and look inside. Study
Is good thing, our race needs 10
do more Of A. but without practice
II just doesn't make sense When
we 20 TO school we learn arithmetic
from a book, but we also have 70
work OUT problems on the black
board So today We must act 10
solve the practical problems facing
the Negro workingman. Thus II
Will be the realization that the Ne
gro worker has fought for for
many years.
We appeal to all sincere people
who favor progress 10 take advan-
tage OF the New industrial oppor-
tunity open TO the Negro worker
Signed.
Paul Kirk
GIVE ORR Youth A FUTURE
With the coming OF the modern
machines, conveyor lines. speed-up.
etc. only the youth who are re-
servoirs OF strength and energy are
able for a few years TO keep pace
with the terrific speed and strain
OF our present day industry. Today
the youth and especially the Negro
are the main targets for exploita-
ton and proft by the auto manu-
facturers.
Ford and other auto corporations
will not hire men over 40 because
the speed up Is so great. That Is
why the auto industry Is known as
young mans industry.
The rigid and thorough physical
examination that one Is forced to
undergo In applying for work at
Fords Is an indication Of the kind
OF young bodies Ford needs for his
speed up system.
Negro youth In any appreciable
number are practically deprived OF
an opportunity 10 learn skilled
trades. This Is due primarily TO
the policy OF the employers who
have always prevented our youth
from learning skill trades. This
policy was profitable TO them II
kept alive the racial superiority
among the white workers and pre-
vented any sort OF unity. Thru this
the employer was able TO keep the
wages OF both white and colored
workers at starvation levels
A few OF our youth despite all
handicaps and at the cost OF great
suffering and sacrifices were sue
eessful in mastering certain skill
cd trades. With all their'st&ili the
manufacturers with the help OF the
leadership OF the old craft union
didn't allow them 10 have these
jobs, therefore our youth are CIV
en- the hardest, dirfiest Jobs, with
the least pay In the Industry today.
The chances of their living
healthy. happy life and attaining a
ripe old age is very slim. Discrimi-
nation. industrial disease. such ms
tuberculosis. silicosis. etc. stalk
them on every hand.
At last with the coming OF the
G. l. o. a dim light can be seen on
the horizon that points 10 greater
future for our youth in industry
We. the Negro youth, are living
In a very interesting period where
great changes arc taking place in
this troubled world. Great respon-
sibility for shaping the future des-
tiny OF our group rests upon our
shoulders. We are duty bound In
the interest OF the race TO follow
the path forged by our great Negro
leaders. such as Nat Turner and
Frederick Douglas. who champion
ed the cause OF freedom and pro-
gress. We have nothing TO lose and
all 10 lin. Let us march forward
behind the banner OF the c. I. o. in
the pursuit Of future life OF
liberty. opportunity. and happiness.
Signed,
L. Williams