Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1941-02-14
Started From
Scratch"
BIZ DR.. CHARLES STELZLE

1t is generally assumed by some
otherwise informed Americans that
the progress of the Negro race in
the United States began at zero on
January l, 1868, when President
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclama-
ton became effective. 1t is true
that more than four million slaves
started from scratch at that time,
but nearly half million Negroes
were already free, many having
purchased freedom through their
own efforts.
When the Civil War began,
great numbers of Negroes had al
ready become skilled workers, and
while undoubtedly many owed their
training to experience obtained in
America, they had an inheritance
which dated to an African back
ground, where for centuries many
Of their forefathers were skilled
artisans.
In music they made a distinct
contribution to American life. In
religion, they swayed the life of
millions. AS humble workers on
farms and plantations they made
possible the dominance Of the
South in the production of tobacco,
rice, sugar and cotton, to say moth
ing about service in other fields.
Their devotion to America as
soldiers has been shown in every
conflict in which our country has
been engaged. During the first
world war, $4,000 Negroes en-
rolled for service, and they were
the first to get into action. And
while hundreds of Americans were
accused of disloyalty, it is said that
there wasn't a single Negro among
the number.
And what may be said about
those who, in spite of prejudice and
opposition have excelled as poets,
teachers, journalists, artists, ac-
tors, artisans, physicians, bankers,
businessmen, scientists and in
many other occupations? Given
the same opportunities enjoyed by
others, hosts of Negroes would to-
day be in the front ranks among
the people of our country. Sooner
or later the people of this country
will realize the unfairness of the
barriers which stand in the way of
the Negroes of America, and when
that time comes they will be pre- !
pared to take their places shoulder
to shoulder with all those who hope
and work for the progress of our
great nation.
ST. THOMAS NOTES
By Mrs. Katherine Mitchell
Enightening facts concerning
the true meaning of the word
christian" comprised Father Ho-
garth's sermon last. Sunday. In
these troublous times, it is all too
easy for us to forget what it means
to be good Christians, so Fathers
timely message was gratefully re-
ceived. Welcomed were the Wis
itors, Mr.. and Mrs. L. B. Lucas,
Mr.. Martin Brown, and Mr.. An
drew Clark, Sr. &. The Crusaders
Club deserve a lot of praise for the
splendid success of their dinner
given on Feb. 6. I understand
they're going to use the proceeds
to start refurnishing the Guild
Hall of the Church. There will
be Deanery Tea Feb. 18th to well
come Rev. and Mrs. Lloyd Clark,
new Chaplain at the University of
Minnesota. 1t will be held at Holy
Trinity Parish House, 316 4th Ave.
S. E. All are invited to attend. >.
We're proud of the way our Boy
Scouts are progressing. Earl Bow
man, Phillip True, Robert Worm
ley and Roger Thompson are all
sporting new uniforms and look
very nice. Before long all of the
boys will have their uniforms and