St. Paul recorder., 1945-01-05
Youths Get
Chiefs O. K. On
Youth Center

"A SIOup VI ClLlLGIlS VI Mill
neapolis and members of the
Du Mareth Youth Club
gathered at the office of the
Superintendent of Police
Elmer F. Hillner last SatuF-
day, Dec. 80, in behalf of the Com
munity Center in the South Cen
trail District of Minneapolis.
The meeting was precipitated by
unfavorable reports about the
Youth club made to the police de-
partment.
Before Chief Hillner heard the
story and statement of the youths
he was adamant in his opposition
to the club.
Spokesman for the youths Of
the Du Mareth Club were Elmo
Jones, Pres; James Brown, Vice
Pres; Alvin Peery, Secy., and
Atherton Hughes, Treas.
The four young men presented
the following petition to the chief.
owe gathered in your office to-
day, Dec. 80, to discuss and smooth
out the friction caused by unmerci-
full accusation and insinuations cast
upon our youth club by reactionary
groups.
"Almost six years has expired
since the birth of an idea to have
community center in the South
Central District of Minneapolis.
Each year brought more and more
outrageous protest until the peo-
pie have segregated themselves into
small forces of corruption and
hatred. Through the past years
this battle has ragged and what good
has it presented toward any GER
tain goal?
eve, the youth, sign this petition
to the Minneapolis Chief of Police
because we feel it is an absolute
necessity to have some sort of
recreational center for ourselves.
Juvenile Delinquency is one of the
increasing detriments to society to-
day and we, as youth, know the
source of this distasteful fruit. We
want it to stop Immediately. The
many bitter things that are being
said of US. To you, we came, not
asking, but begging you to permit
US this one opportunity, a youth
center. Won't you do that much
for us?"
The letter was signed by Alvin
Peery, Atherton Hughes, James
Brown, Elmo Jones, Phyllis Nevils,
Florya Moore, Leonard Carter,
Roger Thompson, Phillip True, Tim
Wade, Juanita Nevils, jeanette
Johnigan and Earl W. Bowman.
Police Chief Hillner praised the
four boys for their initiative and
spirit in which they have tried to
help themselves, but stated that
they needed adult supervision.
Judge Waite spoke in behalf Of
Clarence Hughes and his work with
this project.
Mr.. Thomas and 1t. Magni Palm,
juvenile officer, were asked to meet
with the Council of Social Agencies
concerning the appointment of a
paid social worker to supervise
activity at the center. 1t. Palm
stated that "the youth definitely
needed supervision and I am willing
to work with them" Capt. J. A.
Finlayson of the Bryant Avenue
Station and Chief of Police Elmer
H. Hillner told the youth they were
with them 100 per cent.
Among the older group appear
ing for the youths were Judge E.
W. Waite, Rev. M. Hogarth, Clar-
ence Hughes, secretary of the South
Central Community Drive, and
Henry Thomas, head resident of the
Phyllis Wheatley Settlement House.
Youths present to back their Of
ficers were:
Jessie McElroy, Roger Thompson,
Marjorie Banks, Cornelia Hughes,
Jackie Early, Charlotte Curry,
Leonard Carter, Phillip True,
Juanita Nevils, Phyllis Nevils and
Glorya Moore.
Benjamin F. Peery, Sr., 3724 4th
Ave. So., was the only person of the
opposing group present.