The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-06-23

color irritstions-that have been
made significant by an erring ma
iional history-is the dominating
fact OF Miss Washington's exist
ence: that she is in the first place
an American, with the same emo
tons, reactions and desires that
motivate people throughout the
world. Let anyone dispute that
and he or she will And out that, as
Fredi puts it, Il Tight"
Fredi. who is a writer on Har-
LENS Peoples Voice, told me that
as we sat in Fraziers, a quiet little
restaurant in the heart OF Harlem.
There were four Of Us. news
paper people, taking luncheon at
the time. and ! had no thought OF
interviewing Fredi or doing
story about her until suddenly she
CHANGED to say. Il fight" and
as she uttered it. the whole aspect
Of her particular social situation
struck me forcibly and presented
itself a. one more American
Viewpoint"
Does 8he Heo8g
"Ssy," ! asked, do you have any
trouble passing in the = white
world. or do you pass! That IL,
what happens when you 20 into .
white hotel or restaurant"
Nothing happens" she answer
ed. Il just 90 in, il it's hotel. and
get a room; or il q restaurant !
eat"
Well then. you pass" I re-
marked. 4 little puzzled.
Pass" she replied. Well, ]
suppose you might call II that, but
! don't think about il one way or
the other. II a place is open 10 the
public that means anyone who can
pay the tariff"
I looked at Carl Dunbar Law
renee. reporter for the New York
Amsterdam News. Carl sat at my
right. You couldn't do that Carl"
observed.
No. couldn't" he said. and he
gave Fredi q look not much less
curious than my own.
Why Not White:
Fredi has often been asked why.
since she could move about
freely in the white world she has
not become white" in the theatre.
She might have gone farther, as
an individual, and could be useful
TO the Negro group in many ways.
Because I'm honest. firstly" she
snswerew. and secondly, you don't
have 10 be white 10 be good. I've
spent most Of my life trying "a
prove that TO those who think
otherwise"
studied Fredi's appearance as
she talked. She has light brown
hair. the complexion that usually
belongs 10 a blonde. light blue eyes;
and she is slightly built. She wore
gray beret. which sccentusted
her French appearance; and her
suit was OF some simple. brown
material which gave emphasis TO
her slimness Her speech is precise
English, as IL might be spoken in
the North rather than the South
What happens when you are in
the company OF whites and they
start talking about the Negro"
wanted to know
Il give them plenty Of rope" she
said. Il let them talk. hang them
selves and then quietly say, I'm
Negro
Anything Can Happen
What happens then"
Anything Is apt 10 happen" she
explained, and she told this story
TO illustrate.
Once, when she was in Paris al
The home Of Jean Psiou, q wealthy
and famous couturier and pertumer
colored band was providing the
entertainment. Fred Vas Ps,ous
guest, and 50 too vas Gwynn Van
derbilt, member 81 the well.
known Vanderbilt family Of real
estate and banking association
Gwynn Vanderbilt approached
Fredi and remarked Why must
there always Be M entertainers
a, these parties"
I'm Q Negro" Fred replied
what" Vanderbilt exclaimed IN
surprise You're lying
Fred Washington then called the