The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1940-01-06
A NEW YEAR-A NEW GOVERNMENT

A new mayor and new city government usnerS
In a New Year for the citizens of Detroit. The de-
pression decade which has already been dubbed the
'terrible thirtes" has become history and we hope
that some of that history will never be repeated
in American life. The citizenry and the new city
fathers have dedicated themselves to the great task
of turning over bright new leaf symbolizlng pro-
gress and prosperity for the uncertain years ahead
Detroit tackles its problems today with new resolve,
with new optimism and new ambition 1t is the
fervent prayer of all of US that these new EFFORTS
will meet with many successes.
II seems that most of mankind gravitate between
two popular fears the fear of getting into the rut
of things old and the fear of making change INTO
things new and different. It was an English writer
who said that when Englishmen are delivered at
birth each one is born little Tory little Wing
Whether nature makes us so or not, we too may be
said to exhibit the same attributes at an early age;
we are little liberals or little conservatives. Some
of us are passonaely afraid of the new and some OF
us have genuine distrust of the old When both OF
these fears are dsspated there is real opportunity
for progress. Then retain the good things OF the
old order and strive for finer things in the new. We
substitute faith for fear and look destiny in the face
There is tremendous task before city gov
eminent today-before the whole nation for that
matter-the task of creating through democratic pro-
cesses an orderly peaceful and prosperous society.
Our city government therefore, demands leadership
that is, above all, passionately in love with democ
racy leadership that honestly believes in democratic
processes leadership that will fight any infringement
upon democracy leadership that isn't afraid of being
truly democratic Then, too we must have leader
ship that will brush aside the fear of the Things
must be done today that have been done before
Besides being inevitable change is necessary.
With these considerations in mind, we look to-
ward our new city government for some sign of re-
cognition of these elementary principles. number
of commendable appointments have been announced
and the removal of the police commissioner has not
come without appreciation For these changes the
citizens have fought vigorously The Mayors accep-
tance of young men who have proven ability is GER
tainly meritorous Most significant of ALL however,
is the representation of Detroits vast Negro popu-
lation in the city government. This issue is not
question of choice, but of necessity 1t also ques
ton of democracy.
This New Year the colored citizens have spirit
of optimism born out of their conscious contribution
to the municipal change which has taken place. Our
manifold problems demand understanding and our
cause must be well represented. Indeed, many of us
expected the announcement of several colored ap-
pontments to important commissions along with the
announcements last week. The Negroes of Detroit
however, are confident that what has taken place in
Chicago and New York will take place here Our vast
community has arrived at a keen consciousness of
democratic principles and of their responsibility for
saving democracy by eeaselessy fighting for it. It
is with high hope and great faith, therefore, that
we negro citizens join all of Detroit in welcoming our
new government and our year.