The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1943-06-19
PROBLEM OF
J|TTERBUG'
AROUSES CITY
Leaders Becoming Aware
Of Needs Of Youth;
Plan Action
BY T. JOHN WOOD

Widespread interest in effort to
combat juvenile delinquency and
the so-called "jitterbug" problem
was indicated here this week as
representatives of social agencies,
the Juvenile Courts, churches,
youth organizations and mothers
clubs reported formation OF several
youth groups and plans to continue
the study of recreational and other
needs of Detroit youth.
On the West Side. where juvenile
delinquency has held the spotlight
for several weeks with reports
of violence by young people, COM
munity leaders and other individ-
uals are at work among the youth
of the community and it was re-
ported this week that at least six
organizations among the younger
people have been formed These
organizations were effected follow
ing reports Of committees as to the
needs o. the youth Of the commu-
nifty.
Council Presents Plans
Called by the West Side Human
Relations Council Of which the Rev
J. NJ. Pettigrew is PRESIDENT, repre-
sentatives OF the Juvenile Court,
the Urban League, the Council OF
Social Agencies. The West Side
Youth Organization and Mothers
club met last week at Lathrop Ii
brary 10 map plans for constructive
work among the youth OF the COM
munitv.
Reports Of the committees indi-
Gated that there is a belief among
most residents OF the West Side that
an increased number OF Negro
policemen who are sympathetic "a
the problems Of younger people
would aid in the solution OF the
youth problem. Policemen. II was
pointed out. must not only make
arrests of young offenders OF the
law. but must also share the re-
sponsibili,y !or curbing violations
Formation Of Big Brothers" and
"Rir Sister" clubs was also recon-
mcnded as n means OF directing the
energies Of the younger people INTO
more constructive channels. II was
suggested that an appeal should be
made 10 all mothers. not forced tc
work because OF economic condi-
tions. 10 remain al home and care
for their children as well as inc
children of parents now engaged
In defense work.
Organizations At Work
The West Side Youth. Organiza'
ton. under the leadership Of c. L
Evans, president, pledged TO make
personal contact with as many
young people as possible and al
tempt TO bring them together te
discuss plans for clubs and rccrea-
ton. Cooperating with this agency
are Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson and
George Garrison who assumed The
responsibility for organizing base
ball teams and other forms OF rec
rcation.
Following reports Of violence
several weeks ago. Mrs. Della
Leonard personally contacted
young people who later met at her
home. SOFT Woodrow. where soft
ball teams were organized and
young peoples clubs formed. Ap-
rroximately IS youngsters attended
this first meeting and like num-
Der was in attendance al subsequent
gatherings. From these meetings
appeals were made 10 others inter
ested in the youth problem To CO.
operate in the development: Of use
ful hobbies and encourage the use
Of Kronk Community Center and
its recrcational facilities.
A community Mothers club has
been organized with Mrs. Claire
Bailey as president and this or
Canization is making an effort 10
secure the names of young boys and
girls who arc invited to become
members Of the Finer Youth Or
Canization. A Junior Mothers club
has also been suggested by group
Of young mothers.
Others Solving Problem
In other sections Of the city .ef-
forts arc also being made 10 solve
The youth problem. In Highland
Park, the young men themselves
have undertaken the formation OF
youth organizations in cooperation
with social agencies. AT the Home
a. young Ben Mullen, l59 Labello
street. a group OF young men met
Wednesday night and discussed
recreation and other community
needs and made plans for organized
youth activity in their community
At Peace Baptist church. North
Detroit a meeting is being held to-
night Thursday at. which young
people will discuss their problems
and means Of solving them. Headed
nv Miss Fannie Pat;man who is act
b. i've among youth workers in the
community, the young people plan
20 form rccreational organizations
and community clubs To lay the
groundwork for a better young
peoples community.
II