The Phoenix index., 1941-10-11

Digest
Negro Press
Discovered
Bv L. BAYNARD WHITNEY

Bv L. BAYNARD WHITNEY
TO WHITE PEOPLE in general
throughout the United States, such
an institution as the Negro Fourth
Estate does not exist, and the tew
who hear of US for the first time
arc resentfully. amusingly or serl-
o''sl-' surprised.
In s~itn of all that has been ac-
complisGcd or the front OF inter
racial cooperate or necessity, the
average American white person IS
totally ignorant OF Me- thought
achievement and aspiration
do not know just how long
the practice has been in Ope-
ration, but official Washington
set up a staff this year to read
and clip items for cOlOred news
papers, magazines and peri
odicals. However, for many
years, three or four (hardly
more than six) of our best Ne
gro weeklies have been ham,
mering away at the Capital.
but have exerted their best and
most constructive influence
during the Roosevelt Admin
instratiOns.
I'm sure that many Negroes felt
a certain gratified amusement, not
unmixed with pride, WIN certain
U. S. Army officials in Washing
ton let out a loud squawk against
certain reports in the Negro press
on the shame of Fort Bragg.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS; it is
just one more good sign that our
press has become of age.
Again I say, the Negro Press
should start to concentrate upon
the missionary work of gaining
more and ever more white read
ers! It should make THEM think.
CALVIN SERVICE GROWING
September 1941 mai Sed the sixth
anniversary of the Calvin's News
papers Service which was found way
back in 1885 by Floyd j. Calvin.
But, September 1941, years after
the death of Mr.. Calvin, also marks
the second anniversary of his serv-
ice under the new leadership of his
widow, Mrs. Villa Lee Calvin, and
his brilliant daughters.
The Calvin Sisters are best
known for their piano concerts
Of classical music, and are an
nual prize winners of the Phil.
harmonic awards. 1t Is obvious
that these young ladies live a
crowded life wherein they find
time for active journalism, ad-
vanced musical training with
daily practice, and regular day
time school work, Dolores at
high school and Bernice at COL
lege.
Floyd Calvin alone did the work
Of three busy men in the conduct
of his news syndicate Aside from
assuring and promoting the mu-
sical education of Bernice and
Dolores, he taught them the ele-
mentaries of journalism. Under the
guidance of their capable mother,
the Calvin Sisters are making a
tangible, growing contribution to
the improvement and success OF
Calvin's Service.
Here is the flesh-and-blood ex-
ample of the supreme value OF
racial self-dependence through the
medium of Negro Business.
A NEW CIVIL WAR
Those who argue in favor of evo-
luton vs. war to settle public ques-
tions of finding much evidence in
their favor in what may be called
a new civil war in America, viz.
reationaries against progressives,
capital against labor, New Deal
eeaipst Old Deal and white
against black. Of the latter, the
Ft. Bragg disgrace is clear
symbol.
1t was inevitable that the
South would sieze every oppor-
tunity to block and avenge the
Negroes progress during the last
decade.
The reported shake-up of the :.
officer personnel at Ft. Bragg
is merely an artificial and
temporary remedy of the grave
situation.
Many people are deceived or
perhaps mislead in thinking the
Federal Government as distinct
from various officials, both ma
tional and local, who are respon-
sible for the execution Of govern
ment rules and order. We have
often boaSted that racial discriml-
nation is not a policy of the ma
tional government. But since those
who are responsible for law en-
| forcement and the maintenance OF
civil rights, are prejudice, it is
tantamount to national policy.
WHAT is ANIERICANISM?
This new civil war is being waged
between 2 definitions, or ideologies
| of Americanism On one side we
| have those who interpret the U.
S. Constitution simply and plainly
as it is writtn-for the benefit of
the people. regardless of race, creed,
| color, religion or social position.
On the other hand, there is that
vast unawakened majority who in
terpret the Constitution according
to the oppresSional bias and emo
tionsl instability. IT,, include all
those who insist on teeping the
Negro in his place." witch means
! lowest down.
This conflict must end in VIC
tory for one side or the other.
Our various interracial COM