The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-12-20

M
his full attention to
the matter OF de- -
Tending his home - W -
land, the only one Mr.. Casey
he possesses on the
face OF the earth. The Negro will
accept every obligation arising out
OF his citizenship in America and
will do his full part in this war. as
he has In every other war in which
this country has been engaged, to
keep that unbroken record OF never
having lost war. intact. That
record is due the cause OF justice
and liberty being predominant in
every war in which this country
has engaged. The struggle of the
Negro for justice under the law will
go on. but will take no line OF ac-
ton that will weaken the morals or
effectiveness OF our American fight
ing forces. Since the founding OF
this country. the Negro has never
yet produced a traitor Engaging in
all OF its battles. he has never yet
let the flag touch the ground. Even
though our souls have been tried
by injustices and bitterness and de-
malls of rights and privileges. the
Negro has remained ever loyal and
steadfast. World races OF every kind
are lined up on both sides of this
gigantic conflict. completely an
quilting the world. The liberal hopes
OF the world now ride on the wings
OF Africa. Russia and England
A vigorous will to win now lead
the nations and the Negro will
again prove his value to America
in the hour OF strife and conflict.
WHILE THIS WORLD conflict
" strikes up a heavy pace and sub
ordinates all other issues to the job
OF winning the war-We. the Ne
gro can take stock OF ourselves,
"gird up our loins" and seek a
greater cooperation in our com
munity life. whore that cooperation
Is so badly needed.
We said in last weeks article that
for nine generations of slavery and
for three generations since freedom
the masses OF the Negro popula-
ton have been the most ruthlessly
exploited and depressed and the
most neglected group in our Ameri-
can life. They have lived under the
worst conditions, crowded In TO the
worst houses. in the most neglected
areas. subjected to relentless ex-
ploitation. and suffering from neg
lect. poverty, discrimination and So
cial ostracism. When the Negro
migrated to the North, these same
conditions in new form followed
him there in this new haven OF
opportunity. his own Negro leaders
in the political. civic and religious
life OF the community also became
his exploiters. We said in last
weeks article that there were some
! leaders who stood out from the rest
by their high principle and practice
OF cooperation and we told how the
late Father Daniels resolutely fol-
lowed his policy OF cooperation
resolutely smashing down the So
ciety class spirit, from which his
type OF leader springs, demolishing
1t in his own congregation and sup
planting II with the spirit OF CO.
operation. lie worked unselfishly
and honesny for wiler industrial
opportunities FOR Negroes and car
ried forth high ideal Of service
to all the community.
THIS WEEK we turn our attention
10 the Reverend william II. Peck
and his leadership in Detroit. Rev
Peck Is the thinker and philosopher
among our leaders and has struck
the hardest and most consistent
blows at the stagnant and complac-
ent society class in Negro life In our
community life that lives aloof from
our masses. Rev. Peck and Mrs
Peck represent the apex on Negro
culture at which the young Negro
should aim. in their fine example
practicing high principles OF hon.
esty. unselfshness. patience. 10y
atty. zeal, brotherliness. and CO.
operation with all, without regard
to class, color. education or status
in life.
Reverend and Mrs. Peck have
demonstrated their administrative
ability in rescuing the beautiful
Greater Bethel church from the
we'll nigh hopeless muddle in which
1t was left and setting II forth or
a firm foundation with its huge
debt almost retired. This was al
accomplishment OF the first order
They founded and formed into thu
most successful commercial body
The Booker T., Washington Trade
association and Tie Housewives
league to encourage the Negro e
enter the business field and the
rank and file 10 support them
They founded and fashioned you'll
organizations that have become ag
sressive bodies OF inspiration, en-
couragement, education, accomplish
ment and assistance to the youth o.
our city. They have treked up anC