The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-05-12

preston and distortion: the PAM
phlet, The Races Of Mankind, an
authentic. scientific statement. was
banned by the USO and the army.
Strange Fruit, the powerful novel
by Lillian Smith, was censored in
Boston as "obscene;;" Gene Tai
madge featured his tlosing) cam
paign for governor of Georgia by
bonfires burning copies of Brown
America; the USO press agent sup
pressed photograph of Mrs.
Roosevelt with the very dark Mrs.
Bethune as controversial"
The Church. In spite Of the
central Christian doctrine Of
brotherhood, has almost univer-
sally continued TO practice ply
steal and spiritual segregation.
The weak attitude Of the Church
and the easily aroused prejudices
of the masses have made IL easy
for vicious cults to use the Chris
tizn name In preaching hate OF
every minority group.
Calling are the insults and I'M
certainties that individual Negroes
face every day. never knowing
when they may be admitted or
thrown out at theater. a restau-
rant, hotel. bathing beach.
a little colored girl, asked to
name fitting punishment for Hitler.
said. Make him black and make
him live in America.
Resented most of az is discrimi-
nation in the armed forces. Ne
groes-and millions of other people
the world ovcr-simply cannot un-
derstand a war for democracy
fought by an army organized on
CATION and prejudice.
Most shocking is the lethargy
Of the United States army in allow
ing civilians 10 mob and sometimes
murder soldiers in uniform II the
soldiers have dark skins.
CREDITS
IN spite Of all. the war years
have made a huge dent in the old
patterns OF race relations. There
has been a tremendous gain for
democracy
Over SOC. 900 Negroes are in war
industry. many OF them in new
trades. For 1914 the Labor Research
Association reported $500 900 Ne
sroes employed in civilian jobs-a
million more than ever before in
american history.
The greatest asset in employ
ment Is the new attitude Of the
unions. The Congress Of Indus
trial Organizations Is the strong
est force against discrimination
that has arisen In these fervid
years.
Even in the matter of decent liv-
inS quarters some progress has
come. chiefly in public housing.
OF the $4,000 family units built
oy the Federal Housing Authority.
IS per cent have been made avail
able 10 Negroes. In addition. g.. 900
units for Negroes have been set up
in special housing for war workers.
and many other projects are under
way.
In Politics
Politically Negroes have gained
stature and power. n me north
ern and border states there are
two and a half million qualified
Negro voters-enough to be the
balance Of power In these states
which carry the balance Of power
in the nation.
Following the Supreme Cour, de-
ciSion in the Texas primary case.
Negroes voted IN Texas and Arksn-
SaS for the first time since Recon-
S,ruction days. Attacks on The poll
tax continue: Georgia abolished the
tax IN l9l5. leaving only six south
ern states still clinging to this de-
vice for cutting down the votes OF
both Negroes and the poorer whites.
The police and the courts have
moved far toward democracy dur
Ing the war years. Several cities
aud states in the North are revising
their civil Liberties laws. outlswing
more strictly discrimination IN any
public facilities and services.
Following q recent Supreme