The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1940-03-23
ULLE7N
|DOARD.....
By Ulysses w. Boykin
NEGRO CRITICS

How many OF US listening TO addresses and read
ing statements by DISTINGUISHED members or the
white race have noticed that almost Invariably me
Individual talks about the faults OF the Negro says
that after period OF adjustment they Will overcome
these shortcomings some day.
The Negro has his faults TO be sure and the me
thing about IL is indeed, that that IS e
faults are inherent in all minority groups that move
into a community Many OF the successful men OF
the white group In comfortable ard weli-paylng po-
sitions were in the same position that We hnd
ourselves The struggle for attainment In the COM
munty is harder for the Negro race because more
il expected OF him. according to Judge Arthur Z.
Gordon Of Recorders Court. THE Negro is In the
minority the Judge contends "and when he is given
Job IL public service ne is the center OF all public
interest and his dosgs magnihed. More is ex-
pected OF him. and he is expected 10 measure above
the average and when We sponsor person for any
consideration the best should be picked TO represent
us This "a true OF all minority groups the Jews,
Poles. and Italians
The fudge feels that the Negro should not expect
any special favors from the courts on the basis that
ne is Negro, but that he should expect justice and
fairness in court accorded all citizens On the Ques-
ton OF employment, Judge Gordon feels that re-
CARELESS OF color the best person oualined
for the job should he selected and not because he
represents certain percentage OF the population
ale alded the good records made by assistant prose-
cutors Charles W. Jones and John X, Graham who
POLICE MERIT BOARD
Some time around June the supporters OF the
amendment 10 the police merit board plan will start
drafting this new iseue The success OF the amend
ment will depend upon the commission Of police who
has the intention OF seeing that merit IN the depart
ment Is upheld.
We feel that such system OF giving promotion
based solely mans capability would include
some OF our policemen. We certainly agree with
Commise Toner Ia that something should be done
about the Merit Board because so far the thing has
been joke and an extra added expense on the tax
,ayers 40 department can function properly unless
The abilities and qualifications OF the men are con-
IN tai
our advice to the colored organizations interest
cd In seeing that our police officers are given fair
break in the police department is that they should
start Immediately registering their complaints and
objections with the police commissioner and his COM
mitee that we have part In seeing That fair
play is carried out.
This week your columnls interviewed william
Heidi veteran police officer and Deputy Superinten-
dent OF the Detroit Police Department The Deputy
Supernl endent has the city grow into large
metropolis ard has witnessed the growth OF the Ne
gro population in Detroit
Most OF the thirty years OF his service in the Po-
lice department have been confined TO the third pre-
cinct that is the Hunt Street District lie has held
every rank at that station from policeman TO precinct
inspector. and has been quite active In helping the
Negro readustment problem OF the lower eastide.
he enjoys the honor OF being the founder OF the
Bow Scouts at the Hunt Street Station, the number
OF which is 3l5. and is OF the largest and best
equipped boy scout troops in the city OF Detroit.
This troup has contributed great deal to the de-
veopment OF the young Negro youths In the lower
eastsde The Boy Scout Troop AT Hunt Street Sta
ton is under the supervision OF Officers William
Price and Lawrence Johnson.
The Deputy superintendent said that his impress
sion OF our group Is that fine, sturdy citizens
md the only problem that We have Is pettyram-
bling which OF course, is an amusement enjoyed by
all groups regardless Of He impressed us as
being deeply interested In having in command OF
the various precincts who have humane atti-
tudes toward minority groups. He expressed him
self as believing that the present police adminisra
ton will do a lot toward bringing good will between
the police department and the colored citizens.
Mr.. Heidi paid high respect to the colored mem
bers II the police department and hopes that In due
time they will receive recognition for their fine work.
He like his superior officer, Commission Eaman. II
very interested in working out all problems that
tend 10 interfere with Negro businessmen In regard
10 licensed discrimination and supervision. We
pointed out 10 Mr. Heidi that Negro businessmen
have met with difficulty in securing licenses to do