The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-08-05

Bluffs? And what of the hiking
did you take them along as you plan
ned? We're looking forward to some
hiking ourselves down on Nantucket.
Grand fun land exercise, JayD i.
and do forgive US, will you?
Until another year and another such
guest column, We'll be seeing you'll
AS ever, TOKI.
Dear Jay:
Now that you've given me the OPP
portunity to wax literary, you and
yours have got to grin and bear it for
there's no telling where Pm going to
stop. For long time I've harbored
host of ideas and notions that have
cried out for expression, so here goes.
But remember, you asked for it. E.
Lay-offs and reductions in the WPA
ranks emphasize once more the seri-
BUSINESS of the economic plight of our
people, especially so here in Boston.
There is much that we could do to-
wards more openings for our own, but
it calls for vigorous and concerted
effort. Something besides so much
talk. Colored citizens in other cities
seem more alive, alert-fully cogniz-
ant of the situation confronting them,
and are making desperate efforts to
combat and cope with them. But here
IN Boston, we just talk and drift, ex-
pecting something to drop into our
laps. What we need is a good shaking
up, and hope this is the first straw. d.
1t seems to me that one thing we
might do is to encourage the develop
ment of more race business in the
Humboldt Avenue section; to keep the
bulk of our spending power circulat-
ing amongst our own, which would re-
suit in few more jobs and openings
for some of our young folks. Another
situation that should be looked into
is the fact that every time we have
vacancy in worthwhile position here,
certain of our responsible leaders feel
it incumbent upon themselves to go
afeld for trained and qualified persons
to fill those positions. We have many
persons of proven ability in all lines of
endeavor right here in Boston, and
think it only fair that our own should
be given first consideration. What do
you think ?-As a small minority
group, | think we should realize the
fact that we are not the only under
privileged ones. That there are
other racial groups similarly situated,
having the same problems to contend
with. | believe that it would be to
our advantage to work in close har-
mony with these groups, to acquaint
and impress upon them the fact that
we have a great deal in common, that
our problem is the same as theirs. In
unison there is strength, and much
could be gained.
Congratulations to the National
Federation of Women's Clubs for their
splendid showing in Boston. Our
women are rapidly forging ahead, oc-
cupying themselves with problems of
national Importance. One Won
ders just what our men are doing? Is
it that they are so occupied with the
races, ball games, and what not, that
they are content to sit by and let the
weaker sex take up the cudgels of bat
tie? For shame!
Things l would like to see happen in
Boston:
The day when we will have dis
tinguished and capable representative
among the Judiciary-A colored Pro-
baton officer attached to the Roxburv
Court.-The day when we will decide
issues on their merit and how they
affect US as a group and not as Demo-
Gratis and Republicans.
Here and There:
Madeline Bernard browsing about a
souvenir ship in old Nantucket.-At-
torney Joseph Mitchell escorting a
blind man across the tracks at Dudley
st. Terminal. (This happened months
ago. but for some reason has stuck in
my memory.) Charming Gladys Nc
Adoo hurrying along the avenue
Congratulations and success to Herbie
Jackson on his new venture.
Well, Jay, as one scribe to another,
guess I'll fold my tent and crawl in.
Hope you and your Missus are having
a fine time, and thanks for the oppor-
tunity.-JOHN SANDERS.
..:,n +:ou