The Dayton forum. [volume] (Dayton, Ohio) 1913-1949, 1939-09-01

m quite sure,
VIM. Moore for Mr.. e. 7.
Banks, Sr., has lectured on
nature, and displayed many of
his collections at most of our recre-
alton centers. And if you haven't
been to his studio located at his
home, 645 Randolph Street, you
haven't seen anything, or know
nothing Of his work. But if you
have had the privilege, which is a.
ways yours to look over his place
and remained still unimpressed, then
you are part Of the question am
getting at.
Mr.. Banks (who Is to insects and
other small animals as DR.. Carver is
to plants and their products) ven-
tured into this type of work with
feeling that he could, or might be
able to, contribute something to
Negro achievement in the field Of
natural science, and more so, be-
cause that field, in the phase he ven
tured, being almost vacant so far as
Negroes are concerned. And he is
as rare personality as some Of the
specimens in his studio; and he has
everything from bullrush to meteors.
The most informative topic on
which the scientist delves is the
theory of Mummification. He con-
firms that the principles the Egyp-.
tians used in mummifying are the
same principles used in his method.
Can you mumify man. / inter-
rupted while interviewing his work.
Sure, if they would let me- he as
serted
On mun1mification Mr.. Banks de-
sires to write thesis with the hope
of getting a degree on such.
Mr.. Banks has done and IS doing
an unusual piece of work, which
some realize and many don't. He
has worked, and is working in the
face of and under many unfavorable
circumstances and conditions, with
verv inadequate facilities, but he is
so determined and for no greater
reason than this: that his accom-
ltishments be preserved and contin-
ued for tn good Of the colored boys
and girls Of Dayton, with no dis
elimination in regards to the whites,
and such thing can be done only
by the support Of those individuals
or groups who believe in pro-sociaI
development. And this work viii
be continued and improved for the
people, but it is impossible to main
tain it's normal efficiency without
the aid Of the people.
We have pushed ahead consider
ABLY since the Emancipation a.eas-
ed us from the grip OF grim oppres-
sion and gave US a chance 10 exer-
cize our determinations in social in
terprises that we being citizens OF
these United States, have a right
to. Rut the result of our progress,
up to the present time, shouldn't
be looked upn with bosom full OF
sati. faction, although the conditions
under which we have advanced and
are cntinually moving, are most un-
favorable.
We cry, pray, curse, and plea for
economic, socsas, jpoNtiga Ajuetdce,
and vet when we fan. to achieve our
desires, hopes ac, at time, given up
to the wind. And in many instanc-
es, lik ca baby in its mothers arms,
we whimper because our natural
rights are denied. Don't only reall
rights are denied. We not only re-
alize this fact but adhere to IT;
things to which we are naturally OF
constitutionally entitled aren't IN 2
Tong run, always granted.
None Of US can successfully do,
nor can our organizations efficiently
operate in regards to oeconomIc ana
social betterment unless certain
facts arc faced whiih have been, and
are still. deteriorating elements with
in our rarial makeup like young
ster who accredited his failures to
the outside world without first look
inp within hiinsdf.
But on the other hand, we won't
overlook the fact that certain exist
ing conditions, and changes in our
social order are effected by events