davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
HOW STRANGE FRUIT BEGAN

tine was impressed with my learn
ing, until discovered that too
often word is only a mask to
cover up the real meaning Of life.
Peeling Oft masks was full time
joo for a while In the pro-
cess, ! learned 10 be unimpressed
by the phrase Negro problem:
and race conflict" began TO seem
10 me an euphonious term for
painful and profound struggle that
was tearing the breast of the white
man; and Jim Crow" was only
a devil mask for elaborate cere-
monlalS by which the troubled
White man tried 10 wall himself
of from infection. That ne
called this infection" the Negro
problem did not mean that the
negro had caused il Il meant only
that the Negro was handy thing
on which 10 project II. We do not
need the word paranoid' 70 give
US understanding of a habit OF
mankind so common as this OF
thrusting out upon an external OBJ
Ject his internal feelings. But il
Is not an irrelevant word.
To understand what is troubling
the white race so deeply that a
great part OF its culture is devoted
10 walling away this trouble. one
might have 70 take a long journey
that would lead down interesting
by-psths. We nigh; have 10 look
long and hard at certain road
signs: at Calvinism, monogamy. at
the Western small family. at the
high esteem Nordic culture puts
on sex purity" which in practice
becomes autoeroticism instead Of
mature genitality. We might have
10 look also az the Protestant God
the-Father image in contrast to the
Catholic Mary-M OF h r-of-Chris,:
and We might need 10 travel 10
countries where love and mature
sex life are honorable and race
prejudice is dishonorable, for there
may be a close connection between
The ;wo-a far closer connection
than between poverty and race
prejudice.
| think. along lie way. we would
discover that over-esteern OF ones
skin color. whether in individuals
or IN masses OF men. is a regressive
nareiSn,. symptom of psychosex
| / na!adJuStment that involves
sex. religion, family life. and YES
money also We might have 10 look
al ne whole 81 white culture ana
travel backward in time far be-
NoHi that date when the tirst Ne
gro was enslaved by the frs; white
Cn-.susn
After many years Of travelling. :"
| was ready 10 go back 10 Max
well. And wrote down in
Strange Fruit VIVA, found there
! thought OF my book as fable
about a son in search Of mother.
ABOUT race in search OF surcease
from pain and guilt-both finding
what they sough: in death and de-
s;~uction.
So when people ask rs Strange
Fruit a race book; is i about the
Negro problem" 7 saw. 81 don't
mink so" For u seems 70 me a
book about human beings Jour
neying across deep chasms. and
down into forbidding areas but
'NJrncv.ng also back 10 childhood
always back 10 the room where
'1eN were born. seeking 10 fnd
WHe-evo- they travel. tina. which
Trey 'eti there. so long ago.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17

cookies, and then they're of 10
their activities.
In the music room. for instance.
one finds a group Of eight 20 ten
year old girls singing folk tunes.
Their teacher, a graduate OF the
Juillard School Of Music, is lead
ing them IN a gay little song called
Way Down Yonder in the Paw
Paw Patch" and the girls are sing
ing with great gusto as they romp
through the steps OF folk dance
The gymnasium is bedlam OF
shouting boys. playing fast same
OF basketball Council House turns
out teams Of championship cali
bro Grouped around table IN a
meeting hall, little girls with seri-
Gus faces are reci,ins the Girl Scout
pledge in unison. In a large studio.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17

present ana future status OF
Negro citizens in America.
The stories coming back
from Italy about our 92nd di-
vision have not been hearten-
ing. Milton Breaker of the
New York Times service has
stated that the 92nd is disap-
pointing in its performance
and that officials in Italy do
not quite know what TO do
about it. He more than hints
that the Negro press has con-
tributed to the situation by
exalting the men for their
service and by failure TO rec
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17

barefoo, children are prac,icins
the graceful rhythmS Of a modern
dance
Eight rooms on the ,op floor. f1r-
nlShed with pnt-Sized tables.
chairs and cots, are devoted 10 the
care Of children between the ages
az = 10 The nursery school is
open from an. 20 $40 pm. and
Nifty children OF working mothers
spend their days under expert care.
doing finger painting. PLAYING
games and learning 70 get along
with one another
For Studious youngsters who
prefer 10 read. there is a we'll
stocked library where they can
browse 10 their hearts content. The
social hail is open every night,
where boys and girls come 10 play
checkers. ping-pong and other
games On Wednesday evenings.
there IS a canteen for adolescent
youn Ssters A NeCTo History CLUB.
drama groups. glee club. summer
play groups, story hours. handl-
crafts and other activities a. the
House. An extensive program FOR
adults is also being DEVELOPED.
The popularity OF the House may
be judged bv the fact tina; IN The
past year attendance has doubled
Last year he House served the
children Of 1000 families, and the
list Of registered members Is STILL
increasing by leaps aud bounds.
| Miss Lillian Strauss. who has
been director since 1890. says, We
want the people Of the neishbor-
hood TO feel that Council House is
here to serve them. that II is a place
where they are received with afiec-
ton and understanding, and where
they can have fun ard wholesome
reCTeation.'
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
,.l9R THE TENS

Dear SirS We are studying race
discrimination. We are studying
II all year. II Is interesting but
terrible to find out what hardships
the Negroes. Jews, and other min
critics are going through. We got
very much concerned when a Nc
gro boy went to one Of the boys
houses who Is In our group. The
elevator man made him walk up
the back stairs. The white boy
felt very bad. So he started q club
called the A.L.C.O, which means
Abraham Lincoln Carries On. We
would appreciate II n you would
print this In your paper to help
US In the fight.-Geoffrcy Brothers.
For the los. Little Red School
House. New York, February IA
The Nation.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
GOOD WILL At WORK

There is a house up in the
east Bronx, New York.
which thousands of Negro
boys and girls think Of as a
kind OF Second home" 1t is
Council House. a community
center operated by the New
York section Of the Council
OF Jewish Women, where
youngsters 20 every day to
have fun together under the
guidance Of teachers and
social workers.
The story Of Courcil House had
It's beginning in 1929, when the
Council Of Jewish Women recos-
nized that a community center was
needed 10 serve the underprlvi-
legged Jewish people OF the east
Bronx. A large modern building
was erected 10 provide extensive
social rccrea,ional ard educational
facilities. and constructive pro-
cram was developed 10 keep chtl-
dren of the streets. From the start.
Il was the policy OF the House 10
welcome people OF all races, colors
and creeds.
Within the past few years. the
population surrounding Council
House has changed; the neighbour
hood is now composed almost en-
tirely OF Negro residents. Here was
an opportunity for practical DEM
orStration Of good will. Instead OF
transferring its activities 10 another
area. the National Council Of Jew
ish Women continued to operate
The House, feeling that the need
for a center OF this kind must be
met. After consultation with Ne
GRO and white leaders, il was de-
cided TO broaden the sponsorship
and change the name TO Forest
House. An intcrracial committee
was formed. with Negro and white,
Protestant, Catholic and Jewish
members. To this Board OF Man
ayers. the Council OF Jewish
Women is turning over the land.
building and equtpmeus 'Icd at
n quarter OF million dollars. The
Council will also contribute toward
the financial support Of the ins'itu-
ton for the next two years.
This move has been hailed By
Negro and white leaders as mag
nifccnt example OF mutual under
standing al time when the enc
mics OF democracy arc attempting
10 SOW prejudice ard disunlty
among racial and religious groups.
All-Day Activity
The eager response OF the COM
munity is evident TO anyone who
visits the House. The building
huns with ACTIVITY from carly
morning through the evening; but
the big rush begins when school
lets out. When the after-school
crowd arrives. they have snack.
perhaps q glass OF milk and some
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
SHOULD SWING

NEW IORK-B.nny Goodman
and Count Basic fans turn up in
the most surprising places a re-
cent report from the French front
nv Reuters said that many Of the
German prisoners being taken nv
the Allies were Less Interested in
the war and the peace than in the
possibility OF hearing some good
swing records bv Goodman and
Basic. These had been denied them
in Germany under the Mari regime
on NJ least two counts: tal neither
maestro is blonde Aryan and
III swing Is decadent. democrat
iIing Down Beat.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17

There is no denying that aboli-
ton OF the poll tax as a prerequi-
site TO voting will be a boon 10
Negroes. Four million of Americas
darker citizens are victims of this
barrier 10 the exercise of their
right OF franchise. Thirteen million
OF them suffer as result OF the type
OF representation sent from poll
tax states 10 the Congress of the
United States. They see bills de-
signed TO implement the Consli-
,utional rights guaranteed by the
18th, l4th and 18th amendments
sabotsged by The filibusiers led by
poll-tax senator's. They see deals
pulled with the reactionary ele-
ments OF the Senate and the House
spearheadtd by poll tax elected
representatives of the people"
The poll tax issue is not solely a
Negro issue. II is an American
issue. II is an issue OF the vote
free franchise or a controlled and
limited franchise.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
>NTl-LABOR LAWS
SPONSORED BY POLL TAKERS

Seven million white people in the
poll tax states are distranchised
And 100000 Americans suffer
as a result.
Labor, particularly. suffers from
the existence OF the poll tax as a
limit on the vote. Almost every
piece Of reactionary legislation
aimed al labor is sponsored by the
poll takers. or passed by a coalition
OF poll-taxers and reac,ionary ele-
ments from other sections OF the
country. One OF the most glaring
examples is the Hobbs labor
racketeering" bill, Rep. Sam Hobbs
OF Alabama, the author Of the bill.
mas been elected by as little as
hree per cent OF the population
Of his district. And in the vote on
his bill, not single poll tax vote
vas cast against the measure.
Like labor and the Negro. the
welfare of all the people OF America
is affected by the legislative activi-
lies OF the dle-hsrd poll takers The
majority OF the committees in the
mouse ana senate are today ruled
by poll tax southerners, most Of
whom are clingins desperately 10
4 traditional resistance against lib
eral and progressive developments
In their own areas.
These committee chairmen.
elected by a pitiable minority OF
heir states population. WELD.
nevertheless, a controlling power
over the votes Of many Of their con-
stituenis-through trading. etc
and consequently exercise control
over the lives and welfare Of the
people OF Michigan. Pennsylvania.
Illinois. Ohio New York, California.
and every other state.
Labor. In its new-found power
and Its attendant interest in the
welfare OF the nation and for the
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17

poll tax was the only sure way
10 Gu, down the peoples vote
-
NOW GEORGIA
North Carolina abolished her poll
tax IN 1920 Louisiana followed suit
IN 1894, Florida in 1897 And
Georgia has just joined the parade
Of democracy m this regard
But IN seven states. Alabama.
Arkansas, Mississippi, South Caro-.
lima, Tennessee. Texas, and Vir-
sinia, the tax still stands guard
over the ballot box. In these states.
'ederal action seems the only
speedy method OF bringing democ-
racy 10 their DISTINGUISHED citizens
In Tennessee. for example. where
an aroused people finally forced
the boss-controlled legislature to
abolish the poll tax. the state SUI
preme court put il back or with
the solemn pronouncement that q
legislature cannot reverse It's own
action, Now the political machine
Is on the alert, and antl-pol tax
bills are being Kept out Of the
legislature by any means al hand.
by the rules or not by the rules
The south waStS "a snake loose
from these shackleS Is the bitter.
enders In Congress who want TO
preserve them.
As the ST Louis Star SAID or TINS
issue: the poll tax is not pure
ly a domestic question What We do
about II has significance for all
the people OF the world. who are
looking for signs that the great
democratic powers understand the
spirit OF the new dav, when neither
race creed, color nor economic
status can limit the exercise of
freedom"
The truth OF that observation
makes the anti-poll tax fght ?
most urgent war measure. a mus
postwar necessity, an implement
Of peace and passport TO security
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
the WHOLE TRUTH

The citizen went to the sugar.
rstioning board and attested: MY
wife has no sugar ,at all In our
house. not an ounce Of L."
Remember. now. you're swear.
ing To this" the chairman Of the
board warned him. You've ret
to tell the truth or you'll 70 10
Jail"
In that case I'll tell you the
truth. We amt married. "-wiehi.
Ia Kan. Democrat.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
Breton Woods
Aids COlOnials

NEW YORK-"The adoption of
the Breton Woods Agreements by
the nations OF the world can have
profound effect upon the eco
nomic well being Of colonial peo-
piles everywhere" H. d. White. as
sistant secretary Of the United
States Treasury, stated In q tele-
gram received today by the Coun-
Gil on African Affairs.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
TOKYO TELLS EN-

The japanese have their ideas
about a draft board greeting. The
commanding officer OF the COM
pany to which the new draftee Is
assigned writes:
Greetings to the Father and Ed
er Brother. We have learned that
YOUR son and brother will shortly
experience the greatest JOY and
satisfaction possible To one Of our
nation nv joining soon our sacred
company. We congratulate you
Christian Science Monitor.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
LABOR ONCE PROMINENT IN
SOUTHERN POLITICS

SOUTHERN fOLIIICS
Once labor played a prominent
part in politics IN the south Once
labor and low-income farmers
voted IN the south. That was dur
ing the reconstruction years from
1866 to 1875 when the common
nan in the south voted and passed
some of the most progressive legls-
lation that region had ever known.
Through their influence. provision
was nfade for better schools, better
health measures, better transporta-
lion. more equitable taxation
But the plantation aristocracy
before the Civil War had shown
little interest in providing educa-
ton TOR low-income. non-slave-
holding whites whom they called
poor white trash. After the war
naturally, they were not anxious
70 see themselves taxed 10 provide
free education for everyone Such
expenditures by the legislatures
provided the basis for the stories
about the extravaganza of the
Reconstruction governments IN the
southern states.
Negroes were part Of the picture,
100. The planter aristocracy did not
like TO see Negroes and working
men and farmers sitting in their
legislatures passing laws and help
ing govern the states. SO. when
ever laws were passed that helped
The poor man or taxed the planta-
TONS. they spread the story that
Negroes and uneducated white
trash and corrupt politicians"
we're running the south TO the dogs.
So. IN 1877. when the withdrawal
OF the last federal troops from the
polls had been accomplished. the
chance Of the Negroes, laborers,
and poor farmers TO vote disap-
peared The southern states once
more got home rule" which meant
big planter rule combined with
that OF northern Wall Street indus
.~.,f,e4e
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
PLANTERS AND WALL
STREET CLAMP DOWN

In order 20 cut down the low
income vote. high literacy STAN
dards and difficult registration
rules were clamped on. These were
partially successful. But, after a
growth IN the late sos OF the Peo-
PIES Party ,the .Populists). COM
posed Of working men and small
farmers, the ruling planters decided
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
Film Forum At
Main Library

The fifth Film Forum In the
series World War ii and After.
which Will be held in the Detroit
Main Library. Tuesday. March "a.
at 800 p. m. takes up the problem
of soldier and civilian rehabilita-
ton. The film. "Psychiatry in Ac-
ton" depicts the wartime organi-
cation and psychiatric techniques
employed in one OF Britsin's seven
large neurosis centers.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
The WATCHT0WER

THIS COLUMN keeps talking about segregs.
ton in the armed services because we believe
the Jim crow policy is affecting our nations eff
fectiveness on the war fronts, will affect our in
fuence at the peace conference and all prelim-
mary discussions, and Is definitely affecting the
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
The Color Of Democracy

Brazilian army units serving
in Italy mix their Negro. mu-
lAtto. meStiIo and white citi-
IenS without distinction. thus
presenting delicate social
problem to our army. with its
segregated units and its segre-
gated eanteens. II we exclude
Brazilian blacks and brows
from our white canteens. we
offend our good neighbors from
south Of the Rio Grande. n
we do not. we irritate our good
neiehbors from south OF the Po-
tomac.-Free World.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
'DYUNESIES'

There are no speakeasies I'm New
York. according 10 infermants whs
travel In smart company. Places
that sell liquor illegally are nsw
known as Byrnesies.
And the eurfew isn't q eurfew.
It's Q Byrneout. - PM.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
BY MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE

was amazed and chagrned the other day when one of
my friends an effective worker in the labor
told that many union members believed that the anti
poltax fight strictly and solely Negro issue.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17

general welfare. must interest IT,
self in the poll tax question. For
labor TO exercise It's liberal In
fluence on a democratic America.
IL must spread into every section
Of America. Newly organized
labor in the south must have
voice In choosing its political
leaders.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-17
TUE WEEKLY DIGEST
The Poll Tax Crosses Racial Lines

a poll tax was the only sure way
20 Gu, down the peoples vote.
Detroit evening times., 1945-08-19

cakes tenderer, lighter Yes, even lighter than
those made with the most expensive shorten
ing! And pure, snowy Crsco is fresh and sweet
as new-churned butter. 1t brings out the full.
rich flavor of your cakes.
New Crisco is the last word in cake short
ening, whether you use an old favorite recipe
or new speedy method. But if you want cake
at It's most delicious best-make this Birthday
Gold Cake with pure, all-vegetable Crisco!
Detroit evening times., 1945-08-19

you'll SHOUT with JOY when you find out
what new improved Crisco does for your
baking! Just compare one of the new Crisco
Success Cakes with the cakes you used to
make =. for richness-Hght texture
and moistness. You'll agree that Crisco cakes
win out on every count!
These brand new easy recipes have been
perfected specially for new Crsco Crisco has
developed a special baking secret 1t makes
Detroit evening times., 1945-08-19

Blend by hand or in mixer (medium speed for 2
minutes. Pour into two g or deep 81 layer pans
which have been Criscoed and floured. Bake in
moderate oven (375'F) 25 to 80 minutes Frost
with your favorite boiled icing and decorate.
All Measurements Level.
'Double action or phosphate type (Calunlei,
Ddris, Rurl1ord CldbJer Girl etc.,. Wih tar
trate type (Royal. etc.,, use ! tsps.
Detroit evening times., 1945-08-19

new csHco COOK sooki Send 1ot in coin and a
Crsco label (any size) to Crisco. Dept. A, Box
837, Cincinnati l. Ohio, for 64-page cook book
including recipes for many more Success Cakes.
Offer good in the United States.
Detroit evening times., 1945-08-19

Don't worry II you've never made cake this
way beforel Measure ingredients exactly .
follow the simple directions carefully be sure
20 use Crisco. Only with new Crisco can we
promise you better cake on every countl
Measure into mixing bowl:
cups cake flour tsiFtsd before meosUrlnsl
va cups sugar "a cup cSiseO
tsp. Sah "a cup milk
Stir vigorously by hand or with mixer medium
speed) minutes. Now stir in (yes, all by ITSELF:
isPs. boxing powder
Add: egg Yolks tUnbsofsnl
Va cup milk "a tsp. lemon sSsroef
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-03-09
The Red Cross

Red Cross time Is here again, the annual
campaign 1t is time when there should
be no holding back on the part OF people.
They are contributing to the men overseas,
to prisoners of war, to the help Of those in the
armed service everywhere. This help m y
mean the difference between life and death
for many.
1t is not time for niggardly contributions
There are many worthy causes, many drives
and campaigns for funds, but this is different.
The aims are quite clear, the results easily
SEEM Don't calculate too carefully, too closely,
in giving to the Red Cross. Open the old
pocketbook or get out your checkbook.
The money is for those who need it, and
need it badly. 1t is for those who are helpless;
help them. It is for services that cover the
needs Of our men in many parts Of the earth
1t must be spread over the nations, so, be
generous to the limit of your ability to give.
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-03-09

have to be passed along to the consumer.
Now everybody is a consumer OF coal, or
NJ products which use coal in the manu-
featuring process. And somewhere along the
line everybody would feel the result Of that
price rise in his pocketbook.
This is not only nflationary. 1t also is in
effect taxation of the public by labor union
for the benefit of small segment Of our
wage-earning population.
If Mr.. Petrillo and Mr.. Lewis can do it
and Mr.. Petrillo has demonstrated that he
can-there seems to be no reason why more
and more unions cannot tax employers and
thence consumers, creating an expensive sys-
tenn of hidden, private taxes without being
obliged to account to the public Tor their
expenditure.
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-03-09
Sunday Ride

People once went to ride on Sunday after
moons. piling the children in the back seat
md sallvins forth on any inviting road. 1t
was a national pastime. Some never got PACK
all in one piece, striking other cars or
pole or rolling down an embankment. 1t was
fun in a way, although rather tiresome Gaso-
line rationing ended all that.
But there is a regular Sunday afternoon
ride now dreadful one It is the rush OF
the BIOS to Tokyo and return It's getting to
he habit. There are no speed limits, no traffic
lights, no highway patrolnen to interfere. And
it lust spoils the entire day for the Japs.