The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1939-04-15
Resolution introduced In Michigan
Senate By Senators Diggs, Ludington

A resolution urging the estab-
lishment Of unit OF the Michigan
National Guard composed entirely
OF colored. was introduced In the
Michigan senate last week by
Senator Charles c. Diggs. Detroit.
and Senator Allen Luding,on.
In the resolution the senator's
point out that other states like
Illinois and New York have had
Negro units. and that they have
operated successfully for many
years"
II was also brought 10 the at
tention OF the senate the dlstur-
bances In Europe. and that there
Is growing need In Michigan and
the Nation for more mili;ary-train-
ed men because OF the continued
unrest among the nations abroad"
The resolution reads as wollows:
WHEREAS. there is growing
need In Michigan and the nation for
more military trained men because
OF the continued unrest among the
nations abroad: and
WHEREAS. over the years many
OF our country's best officers and
men have been trained In the vari-
Gus state units OF the National
Guard. including Michigan. and
prepared 10 meet any emergency;
and
WHEREAS. under the constitu-
ton and statutes OF Michigan.
authority is given the Military and
Naval Affairs Commission 10 orga-
nize state military units, such
authority being given under Article
XIV, Section OF the Constitution
OF 1908, and in the Compiled Laws
OF 1929, chapter q. paragraph $50.
section OF Michigan National
Guard composition. also paragraph
651. section 20; and
WHER EAS, In other states OF the
Union. particularly New York and
Illinois, the military authority has
operated successfully Tor many
years with a Negro unit OF it's Ma
tional Guard and
WHEREAS. there Is both popu-
lar demand and need for such a
Negro unit OF the National Guard
in this state. because OF Michigan s
peculiar value as possible mill
tary center for war materials and
its geographical location. adjacent
10 another country; and
WHEREAS. the military training
OF Negro youth Is essential TO the
preservation OF his proven and
continued loyalty TO the flag: and
WHEREAS, this training will not
only prepare the Negro youth for
service in an emergency. but Is al
so essential TO his physical. moral
and mental well-being: and
WHEREAS. Negroe OF Michigan
and America have fought loyalty
in every American conflict with
glory and honor to their country.
not one ever having turned trail
tor: and
wHER EAS. a resolution has
been passed by the American
Legion In convention In Michigan.
favoring Negro National Guard
unit: therefore be II
RESOLVED. by the Senate that
a committee OF two members OF the
Senate be appointed by the Presi-
dent OF the Senate TO work with the
Governor and the Military and Ma
val Affairs Commission with autho-
rity TO establish a Negro National
Guard unit and arrange for the
training OF qualified Negroes In
other departments OF national de-
tense operated by and In the State
OF Michigan: and be 1t further
RESOLVED. that such committee
shall serve without compensation.
but shall he entitled 10 the neces-
sary mileage and other incidental
expenses.
According 20 Senator Digs, the
Senate Ia expected to acf on me
resolution before adjouring this
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