The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1942-02-07

Evidences o. double dealing In
Sojournef Truth Defense Housing
project By Congressman Rudolph
Tenerowicz and Charles Edgecomb
director Of the Detroit
Housing Commission. were sub
mitted a, The macs meeting held
sunday afternoon at AME church.
The accusations were made by
the Rev. Charles Hill, chairman OF
the Citizens committee which has
led in the protest against the as
signment Of the Sojourner Truth
Defense Housing project TO whites.
The Rev Mr.. Hill made the allega-
lions following his visit 10 Wash
ington last weekend with com
mittee 10 lodge protest against the
change Of Negro tenancy 10 white
in the project.
When We approached Congress
man Tenero~icz he said that We
did not come 10 his assistance Va.
the Hamirsmck fight. and that he
Still stands by his decision OF urg-
ing the project for white occupan-
cy.' declared the Rev. Mr.. Hill.
The speaker accused Edgecomb OF
telling Charles +. Palmer. defense
housing co-ordinator. that IL Ne
groes move into this project there
will be race riots
The speaker also told the large
audience who had brayed the ex-
tremely cold weather 10 voice their
INDICATION against the action oi the
Federal authorities. tina, the aid Of
southern congressman had been
solicited by the whites opposing
the project for Negroes, and that
these congressman were exerting
every EFFORT 10 keep Negroes out.
The Rev. Mr.. Hill introduced a
letter written last Aug. 20 by the
Rev. c. Dink. pastor ST. Louis the
King Parish. 1886 ST. Louis. The
letter was addressed 10 Mr.. Palmer.
and 10 prove that racial prejudice
had been injected into the issue,
the pastor read this paragraph
from the letter.
This. my dear Mr.. Palmer.
would mean utter ruin for the
many people who have mortgsged
their homes 10 the FLA. and not
only that. but 1t would jeopardize
the safety OF many OF our white
girls. as no colored live close by.
Lastly. IT would ruin the neighbor-
hood, one that could be built up in
10 a fine residential section. II Is
the sentiment OF all people resid-
ing within the vicinity TO object
against the project in order TO
stop race riots in the future. Can
we then appeal TO your honor OF
fair play. and with your final de-
cision feel that you will prove a
friend OF ours, now that We are
helpless and seek a friend 10 over
ride this project
Gloster Current secretary OF the
local branch OF the NAACP. gave
review OF the work done during
the past We Elk. the pickets lines al
the city in which members OF the
Baptist Ministers Alliance parti-
cipated. and the meeting with the
Common Council and Mayor Ed
ward J. Jeffries.
Many OF your race who resent
as keenly as you do that Negroes
are allocated the places whites no
longer considered attractive" de-
clared Frank X. Martel. president
OF the Wayne County Federation OF
Labor.
This" he said. INTRODUCES a
condition which is a menace 10 the
entire community" because those
who live in the slum areas are con-
stantly rubbing elbows with other
people"
Your nght.' he continued. Is
In the interest OF all people OF the
city because you are fighting TO re-
gain what Is yours"
Martel rea da letter which the
Federation had sent TO the Presi.
dent. members OF Congress. mem.
bers Of The Detroit Common coun-
eli. Mayor Edward ]. Jehries. and
members Of the Detroit Housinf
Commission. II was pointed out n
the letter that the sojourner Truth
Homes had been originally design.
ed and constructed for Negro de
tense workers. and that 10 pu
white tenants in now would be a se
rious mistake.
Ne also read a telegram from
william Green. president OF the
American Federation OF Labor II