The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1942-08-01
Americas Democracy On The @spor'

Americas democracy Un Ine ~cpOt'
YOUR COUNTRY'S so-called Democracy" which
guarantees all citizens the same protection with
out regards to race, creed color is the spot to-
day more than ever before. Many OF the hardships
that you and as members OF the black race. have
been forced to endure for because OF our race
and color disappearing slowly; hundred OF doors
that have always been closed in your face in the
field OF employment being opened the ropes
that used to hold the bodies OF your brothers hang
ing from tree in the Southern forests are not being
used often, but enough to keep you reminded that
you are still just "coored people" and South
whites have the taste of ynching In their mouths
yet without regarding worldly conditions.
Such speeches made last week before thousands
OF your people by the First Lady, Mrs. Franklin d.
Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie bear out this writ
er's statement that Americas democracy is the
spot"
Addressing a group OF your race women at the
State Federation OF Colored Women's clubs down in
New Jersey last week. Mrs. Roosevelt declared that
Democracy really means that basic rights should
be enjoyed by all without regard to race. creed
color. After the war, am sure we will have more
mutual respect among human beings one for another.
only in this way can future peace be assured" In
her closing remarks the First Lady continued: Il
hope the day will come when we all meet and
not be conscious Of race, color or creed, but only
of friendship"
Out in Los Angeles. Calf, last week. Mr.. willk.e
struck the keynotes OF Americas so-called democ-
racy, when he addressed the NAACP convention. II
you heard the part OF Mr. WILKES speech that was
broadcast by CHS from coastto-coast or II you have
read this splendid address in the pages OF your
papers, you knew his speech was q song for freedom;
you know the freedom that he was pleading for
for you and me: you know that Mr. willkie and
members of the white race have been enjoying this
same freedom for hundreds OF years; you also know
that 1t was the same prayer that your has been
praying for generatons you also know that II was
the same principles that you and have been. and
are still fighting for, and finally every member OF
Mr. Wilkes race knows that we should receive this
freedom and 10 win this war; freedom in this country
must be enjoyed by altogether we must stand
divided we may fall.
Down in New orleans, La the Louisiana Aircraft
school has adopted that great slogan that ia on the
lips OF every American--"Keep EN- Flying" but to
enter this school to learn arpane construction work.
there is other requirement-you must be white
big sign that stands the top OF the building
where the school Is housed be read Tor blocks
away politely warns that this school IL for white
men and women That means you and ere not want
ed there TO aid in wnnig the war; II also means that
a German or italian who speaks good English could
enter this school spies get all the desired nforma-
ton and keep Hitler posted, In other words.
school like this Is aiding In the defeat OF this coun-
| try. Yes. there hundreds OF black and brown
faces in New Orleans that would like 20 enter this
aircraft school, prepare themselves TO help keep the
Germans and Japs from GU rshores but they cannot
perjudice like that n wholly foolish. II bombs are
ever dropped on New orleans any other American
city. they are likely TO kill many whites coored
or as many coIored whites. From the attitudes
that this Louisiana school has taken against yorr
race. also puts democracy IN this country on the
spot You will probably ask yourself well, what
are we nghtInT for IN this WARP The answer IL that
wa are nRhtlnF a. loyal Americans 20 win the war
that freedom for ell mankind may continue TO live