The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1942-12-05
frs 7 LAD Y
SAYS NO RACE
BIAS OVERSEAS
McAIpin Tells Of Visit
To White House For
First Interview
BY HARRY McALPiN
From City Edition Defender
Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON had been 10
the White House before, but then
it was n large group. l had met
Mrs. Roosevelt as passed down the
reception line. Even that was a
thrill.
But this time, there was no com.
parison. | wasn't nervous. but
frankly was a little awed by the
privilege l had been granted This
was perhaps the first time a news
paper man, white or colored, had
been granted an exclusive inter-
view with the First Lady of the
Land in the White House.
The fact that no representative
Of the Negro press is qualified I'M
der existing regulations to attend
the press conferences held in the
White House by either the Presi-
dent or the First Lady no doubt
contributed to my successfully OBJ
tanning the interview. Who makes
these regulations. l don't know.
They provide, however, that these
press conferences shall be limited
to accredited Representatives Of the
metropolitan daily press and the
wire services that feed the daily
press.
Special Rules
All efforts OF the Negro press to
gain admittance to these press con-
ferences have proved futile. The
has been advanced con-
stantly that il the Negro press, a
weekly press, is admitted. II would
be necessary to admit all the coun.
try-weekly representatives, the
news representative of all other
special-interest groups. and the
number would be too unwieldly,
OF course, this argument falls
flat on the ears of the Negro press.
who more than anyone else realize
how many special rules and special
regulations and special provisions
are made for Negroes, when it
comes TO excluding them. They feel
that a special regulation for ad-
hitting the Negro press to these
press conferences would be estab-
fishing no precedent or special
treatment but would make avail
able to a large segment of our
American population lot of in
formation they should have. Moth
ing is avoided in. the daily press SO
much as constructive news con-
corning or affecting Negroes.
So, 1 wasn't particularly proud
that the abserce of the Negro press
from the White House press con-
terences contributed to my getting
an exclusive interview. But my al
ready great admiration of Mrs.
Roosevelt was increased when she
granted me the interview, because
It demonstrated her understanding
and her interest and her apprecia-
zion Of the fact that the Negro, too,
had an interest and a right to be
served.
Armed with an appointment for
2:30 in tire afternoon of last Friday,
I drove Hp-tte III House gate.
A guard challenged me and asked
for Identification. My press card
was not considered sufficient, so l
presented my draft registration
card. He checked in the guard house
and returned to inform me that
everything was all right l was de
rected up the main driveway, where
| parked and walked toward the
main portico of the house that is
the hub of the universe.
A six-foot doorman, Immaculate
'Iy groomed in white tie and tails
yes, a Negro-greeted me as l en-
tered. He knew my name by the
time of my arrival. He took my
hat and coat. Another attendant,
white, approached me and greeted.
me by name. | was directed into the
Rose Room and told to make myself
CONFERENCE.-The. Roosevelt would
be with me in a few minutes.
Only Occupant
| was the only occupant Of the
room. and sat & one of the beau
tfui rose-covered settees. Chairs
Of rose ard others of ivory were
placed abour the room in pairs.
thought as l sat there of the many
dignitaries who from time to time
must have occupied those chairs.
An ash stand right in front of
me invited me to smoke. so l lit
a cigarette. A book lying very un-
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