Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-06-17
RACIAL :
REPORT
by The Mayors
Committee

A SUPPLEMENTARY report
"A of the Mayors Inter-racial
Committee. hitting more forth
rightly and specifically at tke
problems of racial friction tlf
did its report issued earlier tn
week. was brought to light
today.
In contrast TO the softly.
phrased generalities of the
earlier report. the new one--not
originally intended for public
release-spoke out plainly on
the hazards which must be
overcome IL Detroit Is to escape
a repetition of the disgraceful
violence of a year ago.
On housing, for example. II
said:
1.-THE entire problem Of hous-
Ing Ii confused TO . point Of
being almost chaotic. No two
groups or agencies seem to
agree on proposed action. Real
estate restrictions, restrictive
covenant protective associations,
private builders, both white and
colored, deep-rooted prejudices,
all add to the toughncss OF the
problem.
"To these realistic difficulties
are added the exhOrtations OF
idealists who advocate full
indignation or nothing. The
problem has become emotional
TO 4 point where any proposal
to build houses In any area 10
instantly the center Of . heated
controversy.
Rising above this maze Of
conflict II the indisputable fact
that the need for Negro hous-
ing Is acute"
THE report, presented to
L Mayor Jeffries May %, was
released. today by Committee
Chairman William J. Norton.
Although giving the various
inter-racial and intercultural
conferences credit for "enlarg-
ing the circle OF sympathetic
understanding" the commitA
warned that "the public utt
ances and actions of few ioekI
white and Negro leaders have
stiffened the attitudes OF other
groups who. TO say the least,
are ANYTHING but tolerant"
However, IL added:
This committee does not
have any DEFINITE evidence to
Indicate that there IL any or
ganized movement afoot to
manifest expression by violent
action"
An announcement was prom
ised soon on program designed
to improve general department.
for which an organization II
being set up.
THE group commended the
l. work done by the Board OF
Education's committee on inter-
cultural and inter-racial educa-
ton. and expressed hearty
approval of the boards pro-
gram to place qualified Negro
employees in positions OF leader
ship. 1t also urged that ade-
ouate facilities be provided for
the training of Negro nurses.
and postgraduate work for
Negro doctors.
Appointment OF additional
Negroes 10 the police force, and
an increase in social studies IN
the police training curriculum
were other recommendations.
The committee added:
1T II generally recognized
that Negro leadership In Detroit
has confidence In the present
management OF the police de-
partment."
CPECIAL attention was urged
~ for problems OF the DSR,
especially on the question OF
placing uniformed leaders AT
important loading centers N
factories at times when empty
ment shifts take place.
Trouble may well start among
people milling to get into street
cars, and which trouble could
easily spread" said the COM
mittee.
The need for additional recre-
alton department leaders was
also stressed.
In summarizing its findings
the committee declared that
"whAe government has . def
mite responsibility In the held
Of racial relations. the major
responsibility lies with the citi-
zens at large"
II proposed well conceived,
long range educational program.
not overlooking emphasis on
good citizenship"
1.-THE benefits Of these efforts
would not he realized even In .
=. small way until later" IL added.
But in due time they may well
get US SWAY from periods ~
i Apprehension of imminent con-
f1ict."
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