Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1946-08-31
SOMETHING ABOUT THE LETTER FROM
THE BIRMINGHAM NEGRO EDITOR

One of the most significant contributions to the creo
ton of wholesome public opinion the stote ond to the
furtheonce of interrocio confidence respect and good
will of time when explosive incidents OF on
nterocio character lend themselves to the disruption
and disturbance of the muo existing spirit of confidence
and goodwill between the people of goodwill in both groups
in the toe and when many forces that seek to abuse pub
lie opinion are set to work. the letter from the Bmng
ham Negro Editor given wide publicity in the dolly press
here last week. fact that could be costly recognized by
every reoder regardless of roce who read the letter.
affected by passion prejudice the considerations of
fixed purpose
Robert Durr the writer of the letter is the Editor of
the Birmingham Weekly Review, Leading Alabama Negro
Weekly He is Stoff Writer for the Washington News
Bureau of the Negro Newspaper Publishers Association
He an able and experienced Public Relations Advisor
in which capacity he has served most of the largest indus
tries in the Birmingham in matters affecting the wei
fare of Negro Workers. He gifted and obe speaker
His services speaker, especially the general sub
ect of the future of relations the South and in the
notion widely sought by Leading colleges ond universities
in all sections of the country.
Siqnificont as the letter must be regarded in contr
butno to the creation of wholesome public opinion in
the sote at this time it's greotest significance lies in the
fact tho for he first time incident happening Mssis
sppi moy be publicly related TO God to peoee TO
the future of monkind ond to the future of the world
through the wide publicity given the DUR letter.
In Mississippi as we'll throughout the states of the
South the Jealous eourdne of the doctrines of Stotes
Rights we souherenes have created for ourselves kind
of sootionsm hot hos oil but blinded the foct thot
We Mississippi and the rest of the states of the south have
responsibility equo TO that of the other sections and
stotes of the notion to contribute something to the
tons chorocter The notions character being the esmo
ton in which is held by oil other and notions all
over the world
Behind the isoIotionism which we have created for
ourselves here in Mississippi and throughout the states Of
the south we have sometimes been wont to hide
wonton deeds calling forth the doctrine Of States Rights
the Dr. JekyI and Mr. Hyde of our political philosophy to
protect us in isolation and resentng with bitter
prooch the suggestions Of o no matter how noble and
sincere their intentions so long they do not dwell and
think with what energy Mississppons and those from 9th
err stotes of the south eprooch those whose influence and
efforts they would condemn being the Weddings of out
sders what happens in Mississippi longer be hid
den from the rest of the world and willingly unwingy
Mississippi contributing to the character Of the nation
and that contribution is being measured by the character
of the incidents that take place within its borders
This nation is now in contest for the highest esteem
of all the other and nations Of the world with
ton Russo who has the plane of the contest upon the
high principles of world equality for OF oil races and
creed deoIogicoy but in proctco realism that some
times seeps from behind teh propaganda with which we
are want, from time to time to beguie ourselves.
When Hitler first appeared in Germany he was laugh
ed by the rest of the world but the incidents in Ger
many become and widespread and brutol the
ouohter of the world turned horror and fear and Ger
mony in the eyes of the world become monster to be
DESTROYED less the entire world be made its victim.
From out of Russia the writings Of yo Ihren-
berg the Russion journalist who recently returned to his
country offer visit in the United Sotes Writing about
American race and color prejudice he is oreody pokng fun
of this country attempting to moke the world start ough