davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
Building Stone Barriers

n EDGAR HOOVER head of the US. Secret Service,
VI announced this week the rounding up and of
alleged espionage ring of twenynine persons, mainly of
alien birth. charged with collection confidential national
information and transferring it to foreign powers 1t
also announced that the majority of the accused ndvd
Jals employed on national defense jobs.
1t is difficult to comprehend why this nation at time
Of international crisis like the present continues to permit
workers of doubted loyalty TO hold important positions in
key defense industries while loyal and efficient Negroes
barred from such Jobs Is color prejudice in
try deeply rooted that ndusrasts and defense officials
prefer hire foreign spies and saboteurs in their
nent plants rather than allow competent and trustworthy
Negro workers to fill such positions?
The United States is democracy and such its pol
ces should be broad 20 discriminate against group
of its citizens account of religion class color
Such policies essential to national unity II is time TO
building barriers between minority groups Amer
ca, and the sooner, the better will it be for all.
While are preaching interracial unity in the ma
ton there those here in Detroit and elsewhere who
insist upon building nteracia stone barriers. One
such barrier is being built in this city Brwood avenue
at West Smile road--a stone wall eight feet high and
half mile long to separate white citizens in the area
from the proposed Negro defense home project to be
erected the site bounded by Birwood Smile road Penn
froke and Greenawn streets
Such barriers not productive Of nterracial good
VIII should be protested by all fairminded citizens Of
the community.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
JULY a les YEARS HENCE

IULY Fourth one hundred and
sixty-hve years ago Declare
ton OF independence was signed.
Each year on that date We haul out
flags and "Reminiscences over how
our forefathers fought SO glorious
Is and vallanlly. that all men
would be free and equal in these
United States. This year will no
doubt see an unprecedented, I'M
bounded fervor in observing this
day which established q govern
ment OF the people, by the people
and for the people. But for some.
this freedom celebration will be
more farcical than real. Farcical
because part OF the people tNe-
eroes) are not enjoying the freedom
for which our forebears tCrispus
Attacks and hundreds of free-born
Negroes) fought so hard and sim
cerely. As a minority group We are
being segregated In the Federal set
up OF our Democratic ca Govern
ment in the Army and Navy. die
eliminated against and barred in
many instances In National De-
Tense and Private industry This .
despite the fact that we are pre-
pairing to defend democracy
democracy that has a double
standard, or worse yet, wears a
for white only" sign.
Negro youths come out OF school
year after year. only to find that
they have been studying just the
theory Of Democracy. For the
practice OF democracy not only
does not allow the Negro to vote
and limits their economic oppor-
tunities, but supnresses and ghet-
toes them as we'll. And yet. won
dering at the mockery OF II all &C..
they realize that the reality OF the
much Wanted celebration lies in
the fact that there is hope that
some day the Negro will he recog-
rized as an American citizen who
has definite contribution To make.
Reprinted from the June IS issue
Of the Louisiana Weekly.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
BIRTH PROOF
CAN BE HAD AT
DC. BUREAU

WASHINGTON - All persons
desiring proof OF birth and not
having birth certificates would do
we'll TO apply 10 the Bureau OF
Census in the Department OF
Commerce when occasion arises
demanding the birth pr o Z.
Through census tracing, the de-
partment upon application furn-
ishes the applicant with the de-
sired information, now so neces-
sary in many instances.
A regular form letter has been
prepared by the census depart
ment to give the information nee
essary and Is available upon APP
plication TO that department. How
ever, IL is necessary for the per-
son applying TO know the exact
place Of residence Of the individual
on the date OF the federal census.
II living in a city, the name OF
the street and number OF the
house or the name of the cross
streets between which the house
was situated should be furnished.
II living In the country. the
name OF the township, town. VIII
lage or other minor civil division
Of the county should he given. The
bureau should be furnished also
with the names OF the parents
OF the individual or the persons
with whom he resided
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
NO TIME FOR PREJUDICE

NEGROES are being Disseminated
IN against in defense industries.
This discrimination. as President
Roosevelt pointed out in his memo
randum TO the OPM. is entirely un-
related to efficiency and productiy-
ity." II is the result OF unreason-
ing preiudices on the part OF either
workmen or employers. IL is not
confined TO any one region, and II is
perhaps more systematic and uni
vcrsal in the west Coast aircraft
Industry than in any other place.
Fundamentally the Negro has
about as great stake In the fght
between the New Deal and the New
order as any other group The
snactre of q Hitler-dominated
world with repression and cruelty
aimed at every racial minority.
falls heavily upon him.
The American Negro has demon
strated a loyalty and willingness
to bear his share in the response
bilties ahead. This time. as %
years ago, selective service calls
upon him to serve in direct pro-
portion 10 his numbers.
There is small wonder that Ne
gro leadership has been concerned
and at times angered. by systema-
tic exclusion Of members OF his
race. This is an exclusion entirely
unrelated 10 questions OF social
need 10 maintain health economic
or is based on the WITNESSES OF col
or prejudice.
To turn away a skilled work
man simply because he ~ a Negro
is "A blow against the cause for
which all OF us are lighting. In the
first place, our nation needs every
ounce, OF its productice energy:
TO sacrifice TO any degree the con-
tribution that this one-tenth OF our
population can make Is foolish. We
need TO maintain a health economic
system during the emergency. and
this cannot be done II the rayages
O, unemployment fall dispropor-
tionately on single population
group. Finally. and of Importance
TO all of Negro IS a blow against
the cause for which all of us are
being called to sacrifice for, is the
survival Of democracy. Now, more
than ever before. we need 10 strive
10 he unlike. rather than like. the
sewers OF hatred and prejudice.
II some Negroes are TO called up
on to risk their lives for S2l a
month. simple justice requires that
other Negroes be given an oppor-
mnity to FIJI jobs building ships.
guns and planes. Ability. not color
must determine fitness 10 serve
Reprinted from the June IL issue
OF the Montgomery (Ala) Adver-
tiser (white)
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
\ NON-PARTISAN
NEWSPAPER
Other Editors Say

a white block" or this cAu,,A
carrying the name "Chrlstians w
lending shelter to such a cans. NY
wonder the Savior once M. -
Forgive them for they know MN, w
what they do y"
Since the owners and re.,a,...
interested In this restriction =,
the church are not to be sh,r.
out OF their purpose. lets NO..
OF practical steps which M.
might have taken with better rr,.'
Kansas City has not had bu,l, \.
its 10000 Negro inhabitants !,
average OF ten new houses per VA.
FOR the last quarter century Ala.
same time, old housing in the ~
gro area is being torn down 10 u,, |
taxes. The conditions create hou..
hunger.
This housing need is an "A
story in Kansas city. Time ,,s
again Negroes have asked the ~,
TO make liyeable the areas wh.r|
they now are. they have asked a,
real estate investors to relieve then
of the super costs charged on \.
gro housing. Those reasonable \.
quests have been given little atls,.
ton. Always the community hu|
been the Pharises. never the goM|
Samaritan. The odds against them
have been TOO much for Negroes lo|
overcome. AS n result individu,h
of their own initiative have gone lo
white owners outside present,
areas and bought a. they have
every right TO do under the lss
Then these protest meetings sr
called. Strange. IS il not. that Nj
never occurs 10 these people u
spend as much effort getting Ne.
groes good homes somewhere sla
IL they do not like them as neigh.
bors? white blocks, Is is TO laugh.
Africa is the dark continent. But
from Cape to Cairo j, has ito
whites,
II Is time that these white Kar.
sas Citians think. II is either he
Nazis new order in which CERTAIN
people are on top and the rest are
their slaves. or the American way
in which one man is as good a
another provided he practices N
golden rule. Reprinted from As
June IS issue OF The Kansas CIV
| Call.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05

stand, everything. what I'm trying
TO say is this--I may say things
that TO you seem terrible and UNI
fair, but please Try 10 remember, Id
rather die than really ham you
IL don't understand" she said.
surprise in her voice.
NO. and you never will he
answered and turned TO go. Good
by and good luck"
He started to leave the little cell.
then whirled suddenly and took
Madelines hands in his. held them
tight. Her fingers were almost
crushed from the hard pressure
but she was unable 10 draw them
away. The look on his face fascin-
ated her, 1t was so filled with pain
and hurt.
For one insane moment Philip
fought TO keep his self control. The
longing 10 draw her close in his
arms was almost beyond his en-
durance. But reason came to him
and he dropped Madeline's hands
and left her. The cell door changed
behind him.
The guard quickly took his place
at the door and waited.
Madeline didn't move after Philip
had gone, she stood in the middle
Of her tiny cell and gazed curious
ly at her hands. rubbing them
absently. stretching her fingers
slowly. For Philip had not been
aware Of the crushing force OF his
large hands.
Chapter ~
The trial OF Madeline Day took
on the aspect of Roman holiday.
An hour before the trial was
scheduled TO start, the halls OF the
court house was filled with people.
The elevators we're only carrying
them to the fourth floor OF the
building where the largest court
room in the building was located.
II was to be presided over by Judge
Amos Pemberton.
The morbidly curious was anxi-
Gus to see Madeline Day. the beau
tiful Negro girl OH trial for her
life.
1t was like the premiere OF a
long awaited play. The excited ex-
pectancy brought fourth nervous
laughter-much whispering and
showing OF each other
Rapidly the long benches filled
up. Women with large hand bags
containing sandwiches or cookies
and other viande to nibbe on while
they watched the free show.
A bright sun shone thru tall
windows and the roofs OF some of
the citys fullest buildings could be
seen. Thin cOatings OF melting snow
covered some OF the buildings. In
the distance faint mist curled up
over river like thin spirals OF
smoke. A large American flag
stood by the judges desk. And
clerks and police officers were
standing ready to start the days
work. This was merely routine
business TO them and they looked
the crowd with dis-interested air
A tall robust looking police off,
Ger was stationed at the door "a
hold IN check the crowd trying To
elbow its way in 10 the court room.
Gosh, I'm tired" sighed a
heavily cushioned lady az she sank
YEARLY into her seat. I've been
here for hours its shame IN
make people wait 40 loag. Why
couldn't they have let us In a. long
as we were standing around and
the court room was empty. These
politicians think they own every
thing"
yes, ils true" agreed her friend.
a thin little woman wisps OF gray
hair falling from under a faded
brown hat. I'm q tar payer and I
was just telling my husband last
night these politicians iust walk
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
AMER. NOR CHRISTIAN

THE GHETTOES OF Europe, be
come concentration camps I'M
der the rule OF Nazis. were horn OF
the thought that people OF different
races must be kept separate. To de-
stroy that ideology we are about TO
enter into war, and have already
begun a preparedness that puts a
huge burden upon every individual
and business. Yet with that the
fact. the Central Christian church
at 9th and wabash streets In Kan
sas city was the meeting place OF
persons whose purpose is 10 en-
force restrictions against the en-
croachment OF colored people into
white blocks"
We hardly know whether to con-
denim most Of Americans who main
tain that there Is such q thing as
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05

Chapter IL (Contlnued)
To His Excellency, The Gov.
ernOr:
II j. with deep humiliation
f. and chagrin we write you, fol-
law ing the disclosure oi the
Mayors veto III the approprla-
ton for the school for the East
ide District.
However, we feel this mat.
ter can he settled In an AMIGA
bile way.
In all fairness we wish 10
state that we are prepared 10
tight for the school and moth
Ing can or shall stand In The
way of its fuliillment. We hope
you understand our position.
The Service elevator episode
We deem unworthy Of discus
sion hut we do feel, ~ n group,
II WAS out III harmony with
the high Ideals OF the Cover
nOr's office.
OuFN truly
Rev. VIM. Barton Press.
Reading the letter through Brnc,
knew that his ship of state wa
head for stormy weather.
The afternoon papers did no
add anything TO Bruce's peace o
mind when he read
The Friendship league will
meet tonight 10 discuss the
best step 10 take 10 secure the
new school for their district.
According 10 Rev. Barton.
their leadership will he no
compromise on the school
situation. The present school is
q fire trap and unfit for human
beings
The situation was a delicate on
and no one was more aware OF tn
fact than the governor.
Although the Negroes boycott q
the governors banquet and thei
caustic comments concerning IN
discrimination esplode at the elf
ton Hotel and the vetoed appropria
tion for the east side distric
school made front papcs OF m
newspaper. still the coming trial q
Madeline Day. accused OF murder
Ing Anthony wallberg. her en-
ployer. took precedence in new
value.
The morning OF the trial foun
Madeline more calm than she ha
expected TO he.
Since Barry's declaration OF love
Madeline had emerged from he
dependency and despair. His low
had given her strength. lifted he
head high, had cleared the bite
tears from her eyes. II Barry care
then everything else must RICH
itself.
Madeline had found a new philo
sophy that was guided by love.
The day dawned clear and colo
She could not see the snow cline
ing 10 buildings and trees. For he
tiny cell carried no windo'
that allowed her TO see the out
side world. Her windows war
built high. only the cold gray SIX
crossed her range OF vision.
Mrs. Davis. The Jail mairon ha
Insisted on Madeline eating a goo
breakfast.
Nothing like n full stomach 4
help In making things look brieh
ter" she said.
Ruth had brought her nav
blue suit. with y large white cola
OF crisp orfandy. A tiny blue ha
with a single white feather tina
iuted out iauntily from her prett
head
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
EDITORIAL PAGE
WHY | DISLIKE
THE WORD,
NEGRO


Continuing my policy from last
week. l am not going 10 say very
much regarding the word Negro
The title OF this article speaks for
me personally. But. would like to
know what Is your opinion on this
subject. While II is true that the
mum Der OF letters reaching this
writer's desk from week 20 week
numbers into the hundreds. II is
with regret that not one letter in
this number ha~ come from our
leaders. and educators here in De-
trnit. or elsewhere. While this
writer is aware OF the fact where
most OF the So called common
classes" stand on this "Colored-
Negro debate. would like To
hear from members OF the other
group Surely YOU are taking time
10 read such important discussion
rs this. or is Il that you call II the
hunk Regardless. am going
10 continue 10 invite you IN for a
little chat on this subject, and ! am
confident thar + will hear from one
in this group before many more ris-
ing and sitiings Of the sun So
much for that. &C., so lets turn TO
he two letters of the week. The
first came from Canadian. His
letter reads as follows:
Fletcher, ont, r. r No. l
June I. 1941.
Dear Mr. Jones:
received my first issue OF the
May Slst number OF the Detroit
Tribune. am pleased TO learn
that 4 discussion is underway in
regard To name OF dark race.
would like TO say that "Colored' or
negro Is neither the right name.
Individually. Colored can and
should be used as Group name.
Bur no race can take "Colorcd' as
a paiionaliy. | know Of no Negro
land, or country. Therefore. see
no place for this name nationally.
The ancestors OF the dark race
were overpowered and brought
from Africa as slaves. Their name
nationally would be African, or to-
day. -Atro-American.'
White is taken as group name
by other rates, hut II IS far from
nationally. An Englishman Is an
Englishman no mater where he
dwells on earth. Why not an Afri-
can or Ethiopian? But, II they come
10 America, they are just Ne
gro
see no reason why the Colored
people should be disseminated.
ana called Negroes" simply be-
cause they we're oyerpowcred and
their land divided for gain.
one OF the greatest sins which
must be repenied OF before the Just
Judge. into him. every knee shall
how, and every tongue shall con-
Tess.
Yours truly.
PHILIPS SHADD
This letter comes from Detroit
II reads as follows:
l DISLIKE THE WORD NEGRO
Dear Sir:
am one person that can't stand
the word Negro But our own
people call themselves Negroes. II
is our educated people that call
themselves a Negro" All Col
ored Newspapers use the word
Negro" They are the ones that
can Kill the ~ord. Charity begins al
home and spreads abroad.
MARJORIE COLLINS,
9O6 Nj. Vernon street
Let me hear from you, you and
you next week. =. my Office address
is 575 East Columbia Street.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
The Knight Was Blacks=s.=.1. ,-.


Il declare" Mrs Davis cried adj
mirlngly you do look real movie
siarish."
Madeline smiled Il feel like one
getting ready for her first big role,
but not so happy for my is read
and not make-belieye."
Left alone with her thoughts a
few moments before her trip across
the corridor that led 10 the court
building where the trial would be
held
Madeline felt somewhat like a
patient who was about 10 undergo
serious operation where the
chance for recovery was slim.
She was thinking OF Barry. He
would be in the court room waiting.
fighting this battle with her. Then
she had Ruth and her brothers en-
couraging letter. she was not alone.
Madeline was determined not TO
let those who were fighting so
valiantly for her freedom become
discouraged because OF the strong
case against her. II they could see
ray OF hope why should she de-
feat their efforts by assuming a
frustrated and bringing manner.
AS these thoughts flashed thru
her mind. Madeline unconsciously
straightened her slender shoulders.
threw back her head dehantly.
all not allow myself 10 act the
role OF guilty person she
reasoned to her self.
Engrosed in her thoughts. Made
line did not hear her cell door un-
lock. and gave a quick start as she
turned and looked into the eyes OF
Philip Conrad the prosecutor. The
man who would fight for her con-
viction.
Philip didn't speak for moment.
He stood AMI looked earnestly at
the beautiful girl before him.
Madeline could not understand
the gaze he bent upon her. For Il
was unreliable, puzzling.
To Philip. the sight OF Madeline
brought into reality the wild
thoughts that had filled his mind
since the night Of her arrest The
memory Of her brown scented hair
touching his cheek. The soft slen.
derness Of her graceful figure. rest
ing inert in his arms. She brought
II all back.
There was so much he Ionged "a
say. so many things could whis-
per in her ear. lie could tell her OF
the love that had taken hold Of
him-held him fast.
She no doubt would think him
mad. and rightly so. For he wa.
mad. mad with the burning hurt In
his heart.
Madeline Miss Day" he began
II have something wish TO tell
you something about which be.
lievc you should know ~"
what is Il. Mr.. Conrad?
Madeline asked quietly.
She was fghtine back the fear
this man always gave her. Every
since her brothers trial. she had
stood In awe OF him SO big. 50
terrifying In the court room And
so. she struggled for calmness.
when the people OF this county
elected me district attorney. they
laid n heavy burden Of responsible.
~ on my shoulders. accepted a
trust. a duty. ~ did not live ur
10 that trust. I'D be a criminal ol
the lowest sort" lie paused and
looked at her for a moment. ~ II
imploring her to give him under.
standing.
lie continued "Many times I have
found this course OF duty distaste-
ful. even CALLING. Your coming trial
happens TO be one OF my bitter
tasks"
why should Il be" Madeline In.
quired.
THAT can't tell you" he smiled
sadiy. III I did you would under
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05
Editors Mail

Detroit Tribune:
Dear Sirs:
Just to let you know that have
been getting your paper for six
years and must say I anxiously
await the weekly issue. Here's
hoping you may continue for a long
time 10 come
Yours truly.
Mary Hudson.
ASA Chestnut street.
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05

over us and We pay them to do II.
whew, its warm in here" she said.
"Yes, It's true" agreed her friend.
removing her hat and settling back
In her seat.
do you think this girl II
guiliyg" asked the first lady.
Her friend nodded, Il think so.
You know these women get away
with anything. Including ones hus-
hand" she laughed. i've never APP
proved Of hiring pretty girls for
maids. Too much temptation for
the man Of the house"
Continued next wesk)
The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-07-05

Iniurlated by Governor Arnold's
failure to Keep his promise by
giving the much-needed school 10
the Negro district and by his at
tempt to segregaie Negroes nj his
inaugural banquet. the Rev. Mr..
Barton, Barry's father, writes
Evening star., 1941-10-07

gio misludged a rebound OF the
center field wall. Dickey was
kayoed by foul tip and Bonhar11
almost was knocked out. the way
Fitz was when Riggs liner hit his
foot with a smack that could be
heard clear up to the "strato-
liner" press box on the roof. And
twice the Yanks hit into double
plays with nobody out. One
trouble was that the stands
caught fire instead of the teams.
When a small blaze f1ared up be-
hind the press box just after the
Yanks scored their first two runs,
someone remarked: Don't worry,
bows. It's Just MacPhail."
Crowds eye view-ThQse Brook
lyn fans are moicurial but leryal.
Sunday it was owen, va bum"
Yesterday it was "Attaboy.
Mickey" owen got a big hand
during batting practice and an
other when the lineup an
nouncer called his name. After
that the boys didn't have much
to yell about except when
Durocher and Wyatt raised a
beller about a pitch and then
when Di Maggie and Wyatt
almost tangled. That's what they
Evening star., 1941-10-07
Only Two Brooks Could Make Yonk Squad

the their bats we're 100
Yankees got on
the other side That
Yankee team IN the
smpand beat them over ecn OF games
is a For one
exhibition argumentatWe and hao ts
the photographers box and the nre
Yesterday on the fire yesterday which ate
up huge the hed stands
viii
apparent hard chances the base
of good hands O Maggie
Brooklyn mistakes laid
end to-end White Plains One
died in willingly waited for days in the
privilege.
We have been trying final comparison by way OF
of Archibald Hedgemore
quoth Mr. Mcdonald
squad
the Johnny Strm That's
giving Cam it. And the only other who cod SUCK
he'd probably SUBSTITUTE only
ideat that enough for