davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
FIRE DANGER

When neighborhood fire DESTROYS
property and occasionally even causes
tragedies which wipe out whole fami-
lies and cause terrible suffering. we
are apt to accept it as one of the
occurrences some agreeable some dis
tresslng, which make up the inevitable
news of the day, Apparently we fail
to realize that these unfortunate han
penings are multiplied throughout the
country and reach an annual toll of
10000 lives lost by fire and double
that number seriously injured. The
losses are highest in five years, saws
the National Board of Fire Under
writer's. More homes are going IN in
smoke. More business establishments
are giving up to their arch enemy
flre. And this means that more work
men are losing their Jobs.
In eight of the twelve months of the
past year there was definite increase
IN the fire losses. For 1888 there was
increase of $17,000,000 over 1887"
The current census by firemen calls
attention again to the dangers from
fire. With the record before us we
cannot afford to think that fire will
never reach us or our relatives and
property. All of US should cooperate
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
Milt. MnttrnPU rnttrr.
Editor and Publisher
1901 1884
GOOD WORK

Boston citizens were startled when
II was learned that the film, ''Birth of
A Nation" was being advertised to
begin run at a local theatre this
week. They had not forgotten the
serious trouble and rioting the show
ing OF this film had caused in 1915 and
1871. They remembered, too, the fight
IN the legislature which resulted in a
new statute regulating the censorship
OF these shows. The people were in
dlgnant and bitterly resentful that
another attempt was being made to
show this infamous film, reeking with
race prejudice and malicious promo
ganda.
At 10 o'clock on Monday, two hours
before the show was scheduled to start
a large delegation, representing the
National Equal Rights League. Con
gress for Equal Opportunities. Ma
tlonal Association for the Advance
ment of Colored People, and veterans.
and other citizens were at the Mavor's
office registering a strong protest and
demanding that the film be barred
from Boston.
The Mayors Office responded quickly
to the protests of the delegation and
Immediately ordered the film with
drawn. Mayor Tobin and his assist
ants deserve much credit and are to
be congratulated on showing such
sound Judgment. The colored citizens
OF Boston once more showed thew have
the courage and intelligence to fight.
and conduct a successful battle for
their rights and self-respect.
Our city has thus been spared the
spectacle of a section of its people hav-
ing to make proper demonstration
against being vilifed by play written
by Southerner purposely to calum-
mate and humiliate colored people
Here, too, is an example of the eternal
vigilance which alone secures liberty.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
Guardians
To Celebrate

This February 10Th will witness the
anniversary of one of Boston's most
forward social movements-the third
anniversary of the Guardians, a group
of young men who banded together as
a social organization and have since
become a foctor in many branches of
Boston life.
The Guardians, formed originally
to lift the level of their social activi-
ties bit above the average, have re-
cruited into their ranks many of the
most energetic and Industrious young
working men of the city.
Then, about year ago, a surprised
public learned that these quiet, deter
mined fellows had purchased a club
house of their own-one of the few in
the race in New England. Even more
unusual was the fact that the members
Immediately donned overalls-with the
result that the beautiful property is
almost entirely the handiwork of the
Guardian Club members!
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
"Awtt iii @arhanurH

trlgid blasts, unsettled atmospheric
conditions beat down upon an unpre-
tentious building at 1895 fremont ST.
Within its steel framed walls prepara-
lions are made for a lively, soothing
tropical environment. South meets
North and North meets South and all
is blithe, happy and gay.
This occasion is the second annual
Might in Barbados" 1t is staged in
Butler and Jackson halls and is under
the. auspices of the Barbados Union of
Boston.
Featured characteristics of this en-
tertainment are booths representing
the social and economic life in the II
parishes in the Island of Barbados
There is an abundance of West India's
refreshments and tropical apparel and
costumes. Milt Lewis and his Serena
ders, serenade to the delight of an ap-
preciative gathering of 800 men, wo-
men, and children. There is also a
West Indian String Band astrumming
In Jackson Hall which is converted
INTO temporary dining room. An
other remarkable evening of life in
Barbados is exemplifed and patrons
and patroness repair to their homes
with indelible memories of February
3rd, 1889.
The committee in charge of the ar
engagements include: William Tull.
Chairman, Alonzo Davis, Madam Bv,
noe, Rebecca Adams, Willie Belle Kir-
ton, Lester Worrell. Booths and
Scenery were created by William Phil
lips. $3.50
The officers and members of the
committee wish to acknowledge with
grateful thanks the unselfsh support
OF their many friends and we'll wish
K.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
TO BANQUET
JAS. DAWSON

Celebrating his tenth anniversary in
the Communist Party, the members of
that body from all over New England
will gather at Estelle's Restaurant on
Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 22nd, and
pay tribute to James Dawson, we'll
known South End political figure at
banquet and celebration. Dawson is
the oldest colored member of the Com
munist Party in New England, and
one of the best known in the country.
During his ten years of work with
the Communists, spent largely in this
section of Boston, Dawson has partici-
pated in many outstanding labor, eco
nomic and political activities. These
include his candidacy for several major
state and city offices, his leadership in
the trade union movement particularly
among the laundry packing-house and
WPA workers, and his Identification
with number of movements tending
toward the furthering of Democratic
ideals. Among the most recent of
these has been an intense program for
the aid of Loyalist Spain, in which
Dawson directed the efforts of a large
group of Communists in this area.
For number of years Dawson has
been in the leadership of the South
End Branch of his party, and has wit
messed its growth under his leadership
from a few scattered members to a
membership of many scores with hun
dreds of close sympathizers on the
outside.
The banquet at Estelle's will begin
at l o'clock and James w. Ford, mem
Der of the Communist Central Commit
tee, will be present to extend greetings
to Dawson. Phil Frankfeld. New
England secretary of the Party and
many other nationally known figures
will also be present. Music and enter
tainment will be provided, and tickets
may be obtained from any Communist
Party member in this section.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
X. of p. Observes
Lincoln Douglass

At the meeting of Gladiator Lodge
No. 10, Knights of Pythias Ma, S.A.,
E., A, A., A. held Monday eve, Feb.
6 in their castle hall fremont St., Bos-
ton, the Educational committee carried
out a program in observance of the
birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and
Grederick Douglass celebrated this
month.
Grand Vice Chancellor, Fred W.
Riggs spoke on Abraham Lincoln and
Past Chancellor, Jacob Goings on
Frederick Douglass.
At the March meeting, Past Vice
Chancellor Joseph Isles will speak on
Crispus Attucks and the Boston Mas
sacre. The Educational committee was
highly commended for the program
presented to be carried out during the
term.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
FREE WILL COMMUNITY
METHODIST CHURCH, Inc.
107 Cabot Street
Rev. ]. S. Myrick, pastor

The pastor preached Sunday at the
II am. and 8 pm. services. The choir
sang lovely with Mrs. Alzater Moore,
directress, Miss M. F. Ward, pianist,
Misses Alberta Ross and Fannie Ross;
Messrs. James Gaines and John J.
Slater. Sunday School 1890 to 1870.
On Jan. our chicken supper was a
success under the auspices of Mrs.
Alzater Moore and Miss Alberta Ross.
Another one will be given in the near
future.-The pastor administered Holy
Communion to ten shut-in members.
Favorable reports have been re-
ceived from Mrs. Barnett and Sister
Carey in Somerville. Improving slowly
are Sister Ida Matthews and Sister
Greene.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
''Gil" Walker, Jr.
Operated Upon

Gilbert Walker, Jr., Everett High
School football star and all-around
Athlete, was rushed TO the Whidden
Hospital, Everett, for an emergency
appendix operation. "Gil" is doing
as well as can be expected. Mr.. and
Mrs, Walker, Sr., were shocked at the
sudden attack on their son but are at
ease to know that he is out of danger.
Young Walker, a popular Everett and
Boston athlete, will graduate from
Everett High this June and has his
best Football shoes, are being saved
for Boston College. L.B.R. (P.CR.)
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
THE WORK PROBLEM

Because the colored population in
Massachusetts, is relatively small. the
methods of solving the problem of Col
ored employment will differ from the
procedure suggested by larger colored
concentrations in other states. In
Boston, for example, the colored popu-
latlon is little more than two per
cent OF the total population. In the
state the number of colored residents
IS about one and one-half per cent
about $4,000 colored to 1000 OO0
white. These ratios must be consid-
cred IN formulating any program for
employment of the jobless colored.
In other words, the problem must
be stripped of sentimentalitv and han
died realistically after a candid review
OF all the factors. The first step, it
seems, is to reduce the dimensions of
the problem wherever possible. No
matter how much a person may desire
work, If for any physical handicap he
is unempleyable, his case is one fit for
welfare or the old age pension provided
ne is eligible for either. The fact
should be emphasized that although
Boston and Massachusetts have plenty
OF liberty and justice for all people
there is shortage of iobs-not
enough for all the idle who are can
able and want work. We should dis
courage the migration here of the iob-
less from other sections of the country
who come here believing that where
there is plenty of liberty there must
be plenty of employment for colored
workers. ~
Something, of course, can be done to
improve the economic condition of our
people by the opening up of new small
businesses and by bringing the proper
sort of pressure on the utilities and
the neighborhood stores which derive
a large share of patronage from col
ored people. Many of such stores
already have colored employees. Others
can be induced to add one or more
colored workers to the lists of employ
ees. But the main thing is that orr
demands for employment should have
a practical, realistic basis-a uuid pro
quo-for business and industry are
seldom swayed by sentiment but
rather by an exchange of real values
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
Rev. S. NJ. Riley, Jr.,
Morris Taylor At
Morgan Mem'I. Sun.

Rev M. S. Riley, Jr., pastor of the
Fourth M. E. Church, will be the Sun
day morning speaker and Morris NJ
Taylor, director of the Robert Gould
Shaw House, will be the Sunday even
ing speaker at the special Lincoln Day
services at the Morgan Memorial ME-.
Church of All Nations, IS Shawmut
Avenue, on Sunday, February IL. The
Sunday morning service at 10:45 am.
and the evening service 7 pm. Spiri-
tuals and special music will be rem
dered at each service.
On Thursday, February 16, at 8 pm.
benefit concert for the work of the
colored congregation at Morgan Me-
mortal will be held. This concert will
be under the direction of Benz. F.
White and will be held in the Chill
dren's Settlement. The public is in
vited to attend these special services.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
ST. CYPRIAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH
fremont, cor. WalpOle SITS.
Rev. Leroy Ferguson, Rector
LINCOLN DAY SERVICES

St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church will
hold special services Sunday, February
II, for Lincoln's birthday. The Rev.
Edgar w. Anderson, Rector of Good
Shepherd Church, Watertown, will
conduct the worship and preach at the
morning service. Rev Ferguson will
preach the service at Watertown.
Mass. The choir will present special
music.-During the night service at
1870 o'clock a pageant from the Book
of Ruth will be given by st. Agnes
Guild. "The virtues of Friendship"
will be presented and the famous story
retold by living characters.-Next
Sunday night, Feb. 10, the Bishop
elect to Haiti, Rev. Fir. Spencer Burton
of Boston, will preach, while repre-
sentative native citizens of Haiti will
give the Bishop-elect words of well
come to Haiti
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
For Race Relations
Exchange Sunday

The Race Relations Com. of the
Boston Area Council of Churches has
been active in securing opportunities
for colored to address white Churches
and organizations on exchange Sunday
and during Brotherhood Week or near.
by days. Colored clergymen and Law
men and women will be speaking in
seven pulpits and to Mems Bible
Glasses, Women and youth organiza-
lions, mid-week prayer services and a
community forum. 16 different su
purbs or towns will be covered by 10
different speakers.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
LOOKING AROUND
and BEYOND
By
FRANK R. CROSSWAITH

esting to note that neither slaves Of
old, nor present day slaves-bricklay.
ers, carpenters, farmers or any other
type of worker-have written accepted
history.
NOT ONLY HAVE they not written
history, but their respective rulers have
sought to keep them from even learning
how to read and write. They knew that
if the submerged, exploited and brutal
lied majority (workers) were taught to
read and write they would in time re-
cognize the injustice that was being
melted out to them, and by virtue Of
their superior numbers find a way to
end that injustice. The ruling class
of every age has always appreciated
the fact that knowledge means power.
That is why our public school system
had to be fought for so strenuously by
the enlightened forces of organized
labor, that is why the crusade to end
child labor has met with the unbending
opposition of a ruling class and Of
those institutions that serve the interest
of ruling class.
TODAY THE PRINCIPLE of "an
education for every child" is accepted
in theory mainly because modern in
dustry cannot function with illiterate
workers as chattel slavery once did.
Under the older form of slavery the
workers or slave needed Drawn not
brains. With the steady march of the
machine into our industrial processes,
the emphasis has shifted from Drawn
toward brains, from muscles toward
mentality. And although necessity and
self-interest dictate this course, we
note that education for the masses is
still Systematically but effectively be-
ing limited to the bare necessities Of the
situation. For most workers it is still
too expensive and thus impossible to
attend a university or any of the higher
institutions of learning.
THE ASSOCIATION FOR the
Study of Race Life and History, will
be able to render most invaluable ser
vice to our group if it keeps its eyes
upon the economic forces involved in
the making, chronicling and interpreta-
ton of history. If it does this, it not
only will be able to acquaint our own
group in particular and our country
men in general with the important role
we have played in American life, but
it will be making lasting contribution
toward the eventual eradication OF
much of the prejudice which has grown
out of the historical lies peddled about
the race and all workers, and thus help
to hasten the day of understanding be-
tween the working class as such. An
understanding which will enable both
to appreciate the fact that they have
common interest and a common OBJ
iective as workers and that their only
hope is through unity Of thought and
action as workers, regardless OF race,
creed or color.
SOMEDAY WHEN TRUTH gets a
hearing, the muse of American history
will likely choose George Washington
and Crispus Attucks as our greatest
benefactors. She will also select Har-
riet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Abra-
ham Lincoln, Denmark Vesey, John
Brown, and Frederick Douglass to oc-
cupy the most exalted and perfumed
place in the head, heart and soul OF
all Americans.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
CHARLES ST. A.M.E. CHURCH
Rev. Oliver w. Childers, Pastor

The pastor preached another soul
stirring sermon on Methodism to a
large audience, Sunday. Visitors
Rev. Davis of Cambridge. The choir
is doing fine work under the direction
of Mr.. William Rhodes. Future activi-
ties, chicken dinner, Thursday, Feb.
16, at the home of Mrs. Dolly Murray,
81 Humboldt Ave. 5 pm. on. George
Washington dinner at the home of
Miss Ethel Glover, ia Dartmouth St.,
Feb. %, SO pm. Sunday, Feb. II at
7:45 pm, Grand Sacred Concert. Some
of greater Boston's talent will appear
Silver offering. Mr.. Chas. Snowden,
chairman. Church School, 1 pm;
Allen League, 6 pm; Prayer meeting
and Bible Study every night. Every
one is welcome. Sunday, Feb. IL, is
Allen Day. There will be appropriate
services during the day.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
Leigh Whipper
Guest at Y.W.C.A.

Mr.. Leigh Whipper, only colored
member of the east of "Of Mice and
Mem, was the luncheon guest of Miss
Sarah COnyers on Thursday at the
Pioneer Y.W.C.A. Among those pres
ent at his interesting discussion rela
tive to the NEGRO in the Theatre" were
the Misses: Louie Mudgett director of
Y.W.C.A. dramatics), Ruth Perkins
dramatic workshop directory, Mar
jorie Patten (dtr. younger girls dra-
matics) and Hattie Droll (secretary) .
(BhPcR)
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11

lard F. Reid Funeral Chapel, 8 Dart
mouth St., Monday, Feb. 6, 1889. Rev.
w. S. Ravenell, Pastor of Ebenezer
Baptist Church, oficiated. Interment
was at Fairview Cemetery, Hyde Park.
Mrs. Rosa Smith was born in Aug
Ista, Ga, and as child joined Thank
full Baptist Church of that city. A
resident of Boston more than 40 years,
she had made her home with Mr.. and
Mrs. Love, 236 West Canton St., for
the past II years. Many summers she
spent in Newport, R. l., with her sis
ter, Mrs. Sarah Ellen Owens. After
the death of the latter in 1922. she
continued to visit Newport staying
with her niece, Mrs. Rosa 0 Cross. She
was known in Newport and Boston for
her Christian generosity. She leaves
to mourn their loss, two nieces and a
nephew of Augusta, Ga; Mrs. Beulah
Valentine, niece, of Providence, R. l.;
and her daughter; Mrs. Laura Collins,
niece, Newport, R. l., and her son; Mrs.
Rosa Cross, neice, of Newport, R. L.,
and her five children; a nephew. of
Newport, R. l., Cesar G. Owens; a
nephew Springfield, Mass, James H.
Owens, several other relatives and a
host of friends.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
COLUMBUS AVE. A.M.E. ZION
CHURCH
Rev. VIM. D. Battle. Pastor

1920 pm, Morning Worship and
Sermon by Pastor. 1890 pm, Church
School and Bible Glasses. 500 pm,
Young Peoples Society-Varick Chris
tan Endeavor. 1880 pm, Pageant
"The Women of the Bible" sponsored
by the Young Women's Bible Class,
Mrs. Grace Storms, Pres. The choir
Glorious will render music both at
morning and evening services. Prof.
Fred P. White, organist: DR.. w. o.
Taylor, Director. Special prayer will
be made for the sick, the unsaved, and
for the revival of the Christians. Come
and join us in this devotion.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
Trade Association
After Jobs for Cold.

A packed hall last Wednesday
evening attested the interest Of
Colored Boston in Jobs for race
members, especially in public utiIi-
flies. Full account of the splendid
talks by Dick Walker, Morris, lay
lor, Atty. Dorch, Geo. Goodman,
Seaton Manning and Others at a
meeting sponsored by the trade
association, in next weeks paper.
Also account of the formation of
the Housewives League. headed
by Mrs. Mayme cambridge, which
is an affiliate of the Trade Asso-
citation.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
Gard of Thanks

We wish to thank our many friends
and the organizations who expressed
their kindness and sympathy by send.
ing cards and flowers in the time OF
our bereavement for our loving sister
Oracle Vaughan, who departed this
life January %, 1882
MRS. ADELAIDE WILLIAMS
MRS. NORA V. SEWALL, sisters
JAMES j. VAUGHAN, brother
ISABEL VAUGHAN, daughter
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11
CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH
fremont Street
Rev. A. ]. Spratley, pastor

6 am, Sunrise prayer meeting;
1920, morning worship and sermon,
subject, abraham Lincoln and Fred
erick Douglass" 1890, Church school
and adult Bible Class; 100, chicken
dinner served by Church Aid Society;
300, Mary Elizabeth Service with pro
gram; 600, B.Y.P.U. 1870 evening SER
vice with sermon. Subject "Father-
hood of God and of man." Friday
evening service led by Pastors Aid
Society.
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1939-02-11

II 10 INDEED an encouraging sign
to note the growing interest of Colored
America in acquainting itself with the
part we have played in the history and
development Of the United States. The
Organization that is primarily respon-
sible for this awakened interest is the
ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY
OF RACE LIFE AND HISTORY
and of which DIR. Carter Woodson is
the directing genius.
ANY EFFORT TO challenge the
too long accepted notion that Harriet
Beecher Stoves character Uncle Tom
was and is truly symbolic Of the Col
ored American deserves the support of
all who desire to see America move
close to the lofty ideals of Democracy
as reflected in the Constitution and in
the Bill of Rights. To continue to deny
to ten million the advantages Of these
documented ideals is not only to con-
tinue to invite the eventual destruction
of all that is worthwhile in our Demo
crazy, but also to insure the continued
exploitation of all workers, Ask the
average American to tell you some
thing about the race in American his
tory and the answer will be limited
firstly, to our introduction upon this
hemisphere as slaves. Secondly, how
Lincoln freed us and finally how we'll
the race can sing, buck dance and eat
chicken and watermelons. There will
be no mention in the answer of the
many colored inventors, rebel leaders,
poets, organizers, statemen and soldiers
in the war for independence, nor of
the many pieces of constructive social
Legislation sponsored by colored legis-
lators during reconstruction period in
the South.
IT WOULD SEEM to the average
eye that American historians have en-
tered into a conspiracy to bury beneath
a blanket of silence the nuggets of gold
which Colored America has contributed
to the economic and cultural growth of
the United States. This silence is born
not only of race prejudice but can the
better be appreciated when we con
slider the economics of the situation. In
the first place, the following questions
might well be asked and their answers
prove of profit to all concerned! What
is history? Who writes history and
why?
HISTORY is SUPPOSED to be a
record of the struggles, experiences and
achievements of peoples. This record
is calculated to furnish oncoming gen
erations with the necessary equipment
that will enable them to meet and over
come problems arising in their life
time. But, history to become popular,
must always bear the stamp of APP
proval of the dominant ruling class. 1t
must present and interpret events and
personalities in a manner that reflects
the attitude and economic interest of
that class. Nothing that is adverse to
the interest of the ruling class or that
reflects disadvantageously upon its
position of rulership, is permitted to
find an important place in the history
books Of any country. That is why the
history of the colored people in Amer
lea is what it is.
THUS FAR, THOSE who have
been more or less in harmony with the
ruling class. In this regard it is inter