davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
THE YMCA MESS

We know of no institution dedicated to finer
cause and potentially able to do greater work than
the Young Mems Christian Association and we know
of no institution that is doing less to promote its
cause than the local downtown YMCA. As Chris.
tian youth movement if the practices reported to US
are true, and we have reason to doubt it, the
downtown is a scandalous failure If a Christian
movement refuses to countenance the exercise of the
principle of the Brotherhood of Man" and, to the
contrary actually promotes hatred between men,
that movement is affront to.the faith and an in
suit to 1t should be abolished in the name of
Christ and the principles He espoused as quickly as
possible.
The executive head of the YMCA in Detroit has
been accused by the people of being a veritabe
tyrant who made" the YMCA in Detroit and who is
determined that the YMCA worship it's creator We
insist that the citizens of Detroit the big ones and
a lot of little ones, made" the YMCA and we believe
that most of them thought they were building a
Christian institution. The time has come for the
citizenry to decide whether they want a Christian
institution or lot of monuments of brick and mortar
dedicated to heather practices.
We who are witnessing daily crumbng of vast
edfices of stone and steel under the bombings Of
of i'll will in this world war are singularly unim
pressed by imposing structures that betoken mate
rial achievements. We know that unless these struc
lures are used to promote good will and to build the
Christian spirit which may redeem the world from
allconsuming hate, they count for nothing and are
utterly worthless. The time has come for US to at
tack and eliminate the hypocritica Christian lead
ershp which permits and perpetuates abuses of oul
Christian faith.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05

forefront. when there are confer.
ences with employers, labor, COM
mon council. in Washington, or
anywhere, Reverend Hill is there
At present he is chairman of the
Citizens Committee for Jobs In
War Industries. This committee
is a non-partisan body which con.
Germs itself with discrimination
against minorities in var indus.
tries. Its next big job is prepar-
ing for the FEPC hearing to be
held in Detroit soon. Our honoree
led the delegation to Washington
last week which precipitated this
hearing by the Federal government
here.
Our guest has announced his can
didacy for the presidency of the
local branch of the National Asso-
citation for the Advancement OF
Colored People. The election IL to
be held Dec. 10 at the Y.MC.A
at $3.50 pm.
The Chronicle expresses its deep
gratitude for the untiring efforts
of Reverend Hill in trying to make
2emocracw work at home.
Detroit is proud to claim as her
own, the most outstanding citizen
of the year, the Rev. Mr.. Charles
A. Hill.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
A GREAT BEGINNING

The announcement last week that the Presidents
Fair Employment Practice Committee would hold
hearings in Detroit in order to publicly indct en-
poyers in war industries who guilty of discrm-
mating against Negro job appl cants represents a
real victory and great beginning for Detroit citi-
zens who want to see democracy work. The efforts
of the Citizens Committee on War Jobs and the
local FEPC council in overcoming the opposition to
this public hearing reflect credit on these organlza
tons and their leadership. No job is too big for
those who are courageous, who have confidence in
the validity of their cause and who above ALL have
the interest of the masses of the people sincerely
at heart
While we are not afraid of exaggeratng the
Importance of this scheduled hearing on discrimina
ton in employment we must admit frankly that the
fight thus far has had only good beginning the
first round only has been won. The tremendous task
of oberang the color line in local industries strikes
at the very base of the superstructure of rate hate
in America. This question of economic equality or
of equal job opportunity is fundamental to the
achievement of true democracy which, we must
remember many Americans actually fear despite
their intrepid fag-waving
We are coming to grips with a problem that
cannot be halfsoved, for between freedom and
slavery there is no middle ground. This FEPC hear.
ing provides us with an excellent chance to split the
fascist bloc which is challenging democratic progress
wide open and to drown the race-baiters who are
fomenting trouble and public scorn. A duty there
fore devolves upon us to bring to book every cor
poration or employer, no matter how large or how
small, that insists on drawing the color line. The
Citizens Committee must have record of every
case of job discrimination and all the facts in each
case Church, social and civic groups and surely
will cooperate in turning up every bit of evidence
which will permit proper prosecution of prejudiced
employers. The FEPC is new broom and we must
the dirt in order that our town can be swept
clean of the vicious practices and the filthy tricks
by which we Negroes, along with other minorites,
are robbed of the most important freedom in de-
mocracy the freedom to work in order to live Let
us get the facts and give them hell
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
BOOK NOTES
GERTRUDE SCOTT MARTIN

THIS is AMERICA &c. P. Put
mans Sons, New York. City, $500
with commentary by Mrs. Eleanor
Roosevelt and photographs by Mrs
Frances Cooke McGregor, is
beautiful book and one that has
caught the spirit OF democracy as
It should be. The first part Of the
book gives a general idea OF the
country as whole, the Pacific
coast, New England, the dust bowl
and the desert The remainder is
devoted to the activities and indi.
viduals found in bingham, Massa
chusetts, a small New England
town near Boston founded in 1898
Perhaps more than any other
aspect Of our country Mrs. Roose-
welt emphasizes the diverse stocks
which make up our population. In
bingham as she points out the diff
ferent nationalities have been
more integrated into the town life
because unlike the situation in
large industrial centers there have
not been enough of each group to
set up the islands OF different ma.
| tionalties. The town meeting is
an example Of democracy al work
in New England as is the diversity
OF religious beliefs all practiced in
complete freedom.
In her general statements about
America as well as in discussing
bingham, Mrs Roosevelt points
out that Negroes have advanced
far under democracy but that they
are not yet completely free. The
book underlies the solid, enduring
aspects OF American lie rather
than the tensions and strife OF
one kind and another which make
for bitterness and distrust on the
part of many. These are the
values to which we must hold and
upon which the new world after
the war must be built. tolerance
and freedom for all in the full
sense Of the words.
Under the heading. "A Univer-
sity," Mrs. Roosevelt shows what
rapid strides have been made in
higher education in this country
Her statement: The state and city
universities are open TO all who
can conform TO the scholarly re-
quirements;" is not true Of the
South and not completely true OF
the North where certain types Of
specialized training are not always
available 10 Negroes and to Jews
In fact the South has been neg.
iected by the authors In the FIRST
, part. We agree that the South is
poor example OF democracy al
work but it is nevertheless an i'm.
portant part OF our country and
Southern ideas are to an increasing
degree dominating our lives. The
recent defeat OF the poll tax bill
IS only one example out Of many
Of the power Of the South in oui
government.
Despite these omissions the pur
pose Of the book is sound. Tn,
democratic principles repeated
often by the authors must be mad,
10 override the petty prejudice,
and limitations practiced through
out the country. For newcomer
, TO this country and for those o.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
With The Post
OldYtermaSteY
BY CORP. GEO. HUBBARD


Last week we predicted that some
changes were 1ue TO be made in
our company, Before the news had
reached the Chronicle office, the
greater portion OF us had been at
tached TO the Post Military Police
This work requires strenuous and
careful training and II was remark
able to see the boys snap into this
training with a great enthusiasm
and will, which shows they are
eager and willing = tackle any as
signment that will help the cause
Of victory and democracy.
We're sure that all will do as
good Tor better) ir this company
as they have done on other assign
ments and In other companies. In
view OF this fact the work will be
new to most OF US. 1t will take some
time for US TO become adjusted to
the changes.
There was much surprise among
the boys when they learned they
would be able to spend Thanks
giving in various cities. Most OF the
boys went to Detroit and announc-
ed their plans Of attending both
the football and basketball games.
It hasn't been announced yet, but
I, is rumored the boys are planning
to celebrated Xmas before Xmas
or either have an after Xmas party.
The party may be held in Detroit
where the boys will play hosts at
one Of the big mite clubs there.
IF at first you don't succeed, try,
try again" seems TO be the motto
Of Pfc Leroy Clark who is making
his second attempt to attend the
Oficer's Training School. We're all
behind you 100 percent and wish
you success in this endeavor.
We believe you have the makings
Of an officer and sincerely hope
you can prove to yourself and "a
US that We are not wrong.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05

Its monthly meeting at six with
Mrs. Dista Johnson, leader.
Mrs. Marguerite Martin. guest
soloist, was delightful. Mrs. Anna
Bankhead, and Mary L. Square
also appeared on the program. Mrs.
Kathleen Bright made an interest
ing talk to the women Of each
circle. stressing the necessity of
more earnest study and friendly
fellowship in each circle.
THE SUB-DEB GIRLS
AND YOUNG BACHELORS
Are hard at work on their lines
these days. The time is short for
their presentation OF The Play
Without a Name" See pretty
Joyce Webster played by Barbara
Gorden as she tries to convince
Rosemary that a date with Jerry
is far more important than pack
ing the box for missions.
Granny steals the show; see
Jewel Hill in this role. Grace
Miller is very charming as a social
worker. Rosemary is sweet and
is the comfort of her mother and
aunt. Bernice Davis is a credit in
the role of Rosemary. Elizabeth
Randals will be seen as Mrs. Eddy
Jean Bankhead as the wealthy
Webster. Freddie Parker's first
stage appearance will be in the
role Of DR.. Hall who has kept his
love for Joyce a secret. \ will
see other amateur players in the
production that is original.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05

dom they may expect to reap
the whirlwind
There is no question about the
wrongs they have visited upon mil
lions OF Gods Children" The rape
OF Africa, China, India has been
carried on exclusively by peoples
whose lands are dotted with
churches and whose preachers
have freedom Of speech and liberty
Of action
CHRISTIAN NATIONS have
their last chance now 10 prove
themselves worthy OF world lead
ership. There is a deep skepticism
seeping through the non-white
races OF the world . skepticism
born of the realization that the talk
about the crucified Christ and the
mounting Of beautiful platitudes
mean nothing when these nations
desire expansion . wealth
and power. christian Nations -
these are they who make war to
end war" and who regard 'praising
the Lord and passing the smmuni-
ton" as necessary concomitants il.
their fine idealism is TO be achieved.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
WE HONOR . .

This week the Chronicle salutes
as one Of the most outstanding
citizens OF the year. Rev Charles
Andrew Hill. pastor OF the Hart.
ford Avenue Baptist church. and
chairman OF the Citizens COM
mite for Jobs In War Industries
Possessed with a keen sense OF
humor. and the knack for getting
things done. Reverend Hill is well
liked by the citizenry Of Detroit
for his non-partisan leadership In
civic affairs Of the community.
Our honoree was born, reared
and educated In Detroit He re-
ceived his training In the Detroit
Public schools. Detroit Technique
institute. cleary Business college.
Ypsilanti. Mich. and Lincoln uni
versity In Pennsylvania,
At one time the Rev. Mr.. Hill
served as an associate pastor Of
Second Baptist church. In 1920 he
became pastor of Hartford Ave-
nue. Baptist church where he is
at present.
Our guest is treasurer OF the
Wolverine Sunday School conven-
ton. treasurer OF the Metropolitan
association, member Of the Nation
al Baptist Convention. Inc, the
Wolverine Baptist convention. He
is also a member Of the Detroit
Pastors alliance, a member of
the NAA.C.P. executive board,
the Y.M.C.A. and the Masons.
Reverend Hill is gifted with a
very strong social sense, recogniz-
ing from an early day importance
of organized labor and the role
that it would play in helping 10
carry and strengthen the fight for
Negro rights.
Ip the drive to organize Ford
Motor company he was one OF the
few people who openly supported
the campaign and assisted per-
sonally In the trive.
Our guest will long be remem-
bered for his excellent leadership
in the Sojourner Truth fight. He
has and still is devoting much time
to the fight FOL democracy on the
home front When there is to be
hearing on discrimination, Rev.
erend Hill is there. when there is
to be a picket line. he is in the
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05


other countries interested in 8
bird's-eye view the book is espe.
cially valuable. The photographs
are brilliant and the commentary
sincere and to the point.
X X X
E Simms Campbell enthusiasts
will welcome CUTIES IN ARMS
with open arms II We can be for.
given a poor pun. This collection
OF drawings many OF which have
appeared in magazines and news.
papers is published by David Nc.
Kay company in Philadelphia and
sells for sl.00. Mr.. Campbelrs
cuties have gone into uniform in
some cases but are no less attrac.
tive than ever. Mr.. Campbelrs
drawings and gags are well known
and here he Is in top form.
X X X
Books rank very high as a means
OF influencing public opinion and
we think that the quality Of ju.
venile books is especially import.
ant Those dealing with Negroes
are uniformly poor with the few
exceptions only helping to prove
the Ile TEN LITTLE coboREE
Bows Howell, Soskin Publishers
New York City, is case in point
1t is designed for very small chill.
dren and little can be said in II,
favor except that It might helr
the child in his counting. It will
certainly do nothing TO give 1t,
small reader or hearer a heslthy
attitude toward those of another
race Instead it will serve to EN-.
phasize in the youngsters mine
the fact that little colored boy,
are different. Children are borr
without prejudice but very earl,
IN life they are introduced TO then
one form or another. TEN
LITTLE COLORED BOYS will
reinforce any prejudices the chile
already has acquired and will
prepare the way for them In tn,
mind of the child who is still oper
minded.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
Philander Smith College
On Three-Semester Basis

LITTLE ROCK-The faculty Of
Philander Smith college has just
announced its "speedup" program
which places the school on q three
semester basis, the change result
ing from the desire OF officials to
place the institution and its re-
sources at the services Of the gov
eminent in aiding the war effort.
All holidays and vacations have
been reduced to a minimum and
the new schedule will enable stu
dents to complete the four-year coll
lege course within two and one
half TO three calendar yearA
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
HIGHLAND PARK

Sunday morning, Nov. %, Luz
Their Flanagan boy minister OF Be-
rea, delivered the message. His
subject was THE Friendship Of
Jesus" Dorothy Daniels sang a
solo. THE Latin American Exhi-
bit" on display In Fellowship hall
is bringing parents as well as
children TO study our neighbors of
South America which will be the
course of study for the coming
year.
DR.. Rice, a long time friend of
gave his annual lecture Thursday
the members Of Berea, and their
minister. the Rev. S. W. Bankhead,
night which was his seventeenth
year on the same date at Berea.
Dr.. Rice spoke from the topic THE
Battle Of the Bottle" He brought
out ever SO many interesting
points on the curse of strong
drink. The lecture went into the
dangers ahead in this country il
the young people, as well as adults.
continue the drink habit, that is
outstanding in social life. To-day"
declared DR.. Rice. there are more
drunken women in America than
men,"
Mrs Alberta Harris and her
group Of singers rendered the mu-
steal touch necessary to make the
evening colorful as well as enjoy.
able. Mrs. Harris. and her singers
are known in outstanding musical
circles throughout the city and
county. It is the hope OF ours to
present Mrs. Harrie and her ac.
complished daughter. Gloria, in
piano recital soon.
Grief and sorrow have visited
our community. bringing sickness
and death in our midst Mrs. E
Daniels Of LaBelle, wishes to
thank Reverend Bankhead and the
entire community for your kind.
ness shown her during her recent
bereavement, the passing of her
son, Edward.
Our sympathy with that Of the
churches of the park goes To Mr.
and Mrs, J, Snodgrass and their
children. Death has taken their
only little grandson.
Mrs. C. Rutledge Of Twelfth
street. has returned from the sad
mission Of paying the last respects
to mother. Mrs. Bury Brown
and her brother left Friday night
TO be at the bedside OF a dying
father in Birmingham, Ala.
HOME OWNERS ALARMED
Last week street crawl took
place in the Twelfth district
across the tracks, said to have
caused some Of the home owners
IN that section great alarm. The
fight from what we could learn
was between two girls, but the
parents took their stand, and one
Of the girls received a cut from
a knife used by one of lie parents.
am sure II these parents had
heard The lecture by DR.. Rice last
Friday evening they would get a
new lease on life and the bring
ing up Of their children. II is
news that trouble is now breeding
in the school in that area where
until recently the conduct Of race
children has been a credit. Is il
fair to say that every neighbor-
hood race people move into sooner
or later there will be trouble?
Sunday. Nov 20, was a very
busy day at Berea. The Reverend
Bankhead was filled with grateful
ness as he spoke to his people al
the morning service. The progress.
OF the church, financially has been
grand success. The Mississippi
club held its annual program Sun.
day afternoon. At these service.
the newly trained girl ushers were
very attractive. The wS.cS. held
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05

CHRISTIAN NATIONS today
fight for the right TO control Africa
and her millions OF human beings.
Whoever wins will lose. however.
unless they are prepared to respect
the aspirations Of the African peo-
pie.
II those who fight for control OF
Africa are motivatea by the desire
to rule and exploit Africa to satisfy
their own selfishness and greed
peace is a long way off.
Africa today is listening 10 "holier
than thou" talk from both sides.
Everybody claims to be lighting for
right ;. justice fair play
and the freedom of every people,
whatever their color, creed or
civilization. When the fight is over
and freedom is being passed around,
somebody had better pass Africa
her share :. il there is not to start
all over again the passing of am
munition.
X
ONE WOULD THINK that
Christian Nations" obligated vol
UNFAIRLY to "love thy neighbor as
thyself" =. to do unto others as
ye would that they do unto you
and not to "covet anything that is
thy neighbours" could be trusted
without any fears whatsoever. to
deal right and just by all peoples
But not so. The history OF Christian
nations shows that as often as ma
tional interests dictate, and greed
and avarice insists, statesmen of
Christian Nations" have gone forth
with little regard for the rights of
others.
Upon the pretext Of Christian.
izing backward peoples these
Christian Nations" have pushed
themselves into other peoples coun-
tries, robbing and exploiting
them to gorge their Unsuitable greed
for wealth and power. They have
made the Bible an excuse for the
bsyonetI and pious zeal a cloak for
ungodly lusts.
X X X
THE AMAZING AND AUDA.
cIoUS christian Nations" which
profess a passion for the saving Of
men and nations and all the while
keep busy brutalizing the lives and
souls Of these same people have
sown to the wind. II they fail this
time to live up to all the promises
made to the millions OF the earth's
people whom il has promised free.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
GAS RATION
LINCOLN GETS PORTRAIT

JEFFERSON CITY. Mo.-Memo-
ries Of one Of Lincoln university
most devoted and beloved work
ers. Anderson NJ. Schweich, were
recalled last week. with the pre-
sentation Of a portrait OF the late
Mr.. Schweich to the university by
the remaining members of his
family. -.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
We~, Tbe~
Negro
eY WILLIAM L. SHE RalLL

PRINCE AKwEKE a Nigerian
Prince informs the United Nations
that africans Demand the Four
Freedoms" and that there will be
war all over again in Africa II the
rights outlined In the Atlantic
Chatter are not granted. "We want
independence" says the African
Prince, mot alone for Nigeria but
for the Gold Coast and other parts
OF Africa" I'VE want an inter-
probation OF the Atlantic Charter
for Nigeria and -ssurances that
freedom will be granted us at the
close OF the war II the principles
OF this great document are not ac-
corded US then the brave Charter
is a fraud"
WAR SPEEDS PROGRESS. In
spite of all the pain, and sacrifice.
humanity makes gains which would
have required many, many, years
=. under the easy going influences
OF peace.
The dropping OF bombs and TIE
zoom OF planes have awakened AZ
RIGA as nothing else could have
done in SO short a space Of time.
Prince Akweke> speaks today be-
cause he sees much that was hidden
from view few years ago. Africa
has had more awakening since the
beginning of the Second World
War than could have been brought
about by any other means in a
whole generation. Her leaders be-
gin to demand independence while
the African prepares to die for it.
Nothing would have prepared Al
ricans for. this step as quickly as
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05

be helped by the money we raised.
The whole campaign was a sue
cess, The War Chest went over the
top by more than $500 10000
With thanks and appreciation,
am - Sincerely, John c. Dancy.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
A RECOMMENDATION

No problem in Washington is more perplexing
to government officials than that of properly allo
eating the nations manpower in conformity to the
needs of the effort. According to press reports
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
LETTERS TO
THE EDITOR
~~~N~~~~~~~>~S~~~~.
Mr.. Louis E. Martin,
269 Eliot Street.
Detroit, Michigan


Dear Mr.. Martin: am sure that
you will be interested to know that
our War Chest Campaign Division
was successful In making its quota
which was set at $500 90 To date,
better than 100000 has been turn
ed in to the Chest.
This was a real achievement and
was due In no small measure to
your efforts 1t required the work
OF all Of US TO put this Drive over.
II is stimulating too, that Negroes
responded as they did. We proved
tina, our people would give to
worthy enterprises.
It was a patriotic undertaking
and our needy at home, as well as
our boys In the armed forces will