The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1942-06-27
Hindering Our War Effort

THE FREE NATIONS of the world in their valiant fight
for survival. are looking to the United States of
America the arsenal of democracy to supply them with
the weapons of with which defeat the aggressor
powers Our nation also in the fight for survival but
there too many of white fellow citizens who do
not fully realize the seriousness of the situation
The 100 per cent united American effort essential
10 the ultimate winning of victory lacking Thousands
OF otherwise loyal citizens busy keeping alive their
racial preudices and trying prescribe the opportunities
and activities Tor Negroes that they seem blind TO the vital
issues OF war They seem to forget that we are lighting
ruthless and powerful enemy whose burning ambition is
to conquer and enslave the world.
The fortunes of at present not going any too
good for the Allied Nations The enemy making gains
North Africa, Russia and China. The Japanese have
succeeded in making landings on two or more strategic
islands in the end of the A-utans and Just day
two ago Jap submarines heed points in Vancouver
and oregon In order 10 sion these arpressions we must
provide fighting with bombers. tanks. sub
marines ships and bombs. of everything
that takes TO win the But can't accomplish this
gigantic task in time and beat the Axis If large elements
Of white Americans spend heir time trying TO keep Negro
Americans down.
What was it that prompted hundreds of white work
ers TO walk ont at the local Hudson Naval Arsenal last
week when eight efficient Negro workmen hired to
production machines It was foolish preiu
dice on the part OF shorghted Americans who think more
about the color Of their skin than the safety of their skin
Hitler wins he the color of those he won't
When ornaments Of war are so badly needed by our
nation and It's allies and when there such urgent need
for Larger numbers of skilled defense workers those who
would bar Negroes from using their skill in producing the
tools of for but against the nation and should
he viewed with suspicion Thanks to Secretary Knox of
walkoa at the Hudson Naval arsenal nipped in the
lud and The four alleged rngeaders fired. Sparks Of
hatred sh uld be permitted flare up arsena
Another hing that hnders our effort is the kind
of SnobbhneSS which the editor Of The New Yorker
Gently displayed in seeking prohibit Negro residents Of
Harlem ard Jewish residents of the Bronx from having ac
certain public park the state line in Con-
lccu He wanted the park to remain exclusive and for
the Of NE lar beer-t han-thou brand of American
but slch high-brows shouldn't forget that the Jews of
Gotham and the Negroes of Harlem Americans. too
ard thousands # hem helping defend American lib
elfy and democracy IN the present crisis.
The cancer of prejudice is eating at the heart of our
ratOi Here Is another eNanlf1e:
Attendants a restaurant the State Fairgrounds
IL Dcu recently exhibited spirit of intolerance and
rcadi.c toward colorcd citizen. such members Of
tN too often experience. This cOlored business
walked rto the restaurant and asked to buy sandwich
anc although the restaurant property owned by the
ec IL which ho resides and pays the attendants
cnod HIM like dog and threatened TO throw him Of
the place Why Because he is Negro Officials Of
III gan should ioi permit such business concern 70
state property. II tends to break down Negro
Iro.alc and hlnders effort.