The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1944-04-29
HARLEM PASTOR
CONCEDED BIG
EDGE IN R ACE.
"A. Philip Randolph Does
Not Choose To
Run
BY LOUIS MARTIN

Although political observers in
New York agree that the Reverend
Adam Clayton Powell, dynamic
pastor OF the famed Abyssinia Bap-
fist church. will be elected to Con-
gress from Harlem on the Demo-
cratic slate this year. they also ad-
init that he will have to overcome
growing opposition.
Last week young Powell was at
tackled by the powerful pro-Dewey,
Harlem newspaper, The Amster-
dam News, which wound up its edi-
torial attack by stating. I'VE fear
he is not yet ready for the respon-
sibility the position would impose
upon him." Reverend Powell. how
ever, is in a position to counter
this press attack through his own
newspaper, The Peoples Voice.
Some observers insist that there
Is strong Republican sentiment
growing in Harlem and that Gov
ernor Dewey, despite his recent
plumbers. has important Harlem
backing. including The Amsterdam
News which is the largest Negro
paper in the city. Young Powell
faces strong opposition from some
members Of his own party, Herbert
Bruce. etc. and from the Dewey
Republican crowd. However, he has
the unqualified support of practi-
cally all important labor and left
wing groups.
II has been pointed out that Pow
ell through his church which is the
largest in the world has tremen-
dous edge over his opponents and
that he has always been able to
hold the allegiance of the masses.
A month ago he was given the
Tammany Hall endorsement and he
is assured OF the American Labor
Party nomination which helped him
win his first political venture in
the New York City Council race.
RANDOLPH OUT
For several months Powell's po-
liucal opposition sought 10 run
name candidate against him and cf-
forts we're made 10 induce Chan
ming Tobias. A. Philip Randolph and
other we'll known New York Ne
groes 10 get in the race. All de-
clined and last week A. Philip RAN
dolph made public statement say
ing that ne felt he could do more
effective work for his people in his
present position,
Powelrs opponents have attacked
his tie-up with Tammany Hall and
particularly with Clarence Neal who
is regarded by some as the Tam
many ruler Of Harlem"
POWELL'S PLATFORM
Two weeks ago Adam Powell is
sued a statement in which he said
that il he were elected TO Congress
be- would represent Negroes first
and all other Americans second.
Last week the Amsterdam News In
q lead editorial took him to task by
stating the following:
The Reverend Mr. Powell, in
saying he will represent Negroes
first has not expressed the attitude
we believe good public official
should have. We most vigorously
disagree with his point OF view. first.
because we think il is wrong. and
second, because IL does not repre-
sent the opinion of the majority of
Negroes. The minister during his
public career. has made many blum
ders. some OF which could be over
looked as being attributable 10 in
experience and immaturity. but this
latest mistake appears 10 stem from
q twisted concept OF mission and
what this war is all about Such
bungling does not commend the
man for the support of the voters
for so important position as men,
Der Of the United States Congress
and we fear he is not yet ready for
the responsibility the position would
impose upon him"
POWELL GOES ON
Despite these attacks Adam Pow
ell is winning new support every
day and the odds are still on the
young minister whose life ambition
is 10 get UP in Congress and reply
To- the speeches OF Rankin and other
anti-Negro Southern demagogucs.
He is one Of the greatest orators
In the country today and il he wins
the Congressional seat, he is ex-
pected TO make Congress national
sounding board for the Negroes
cause.