St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1947-01-10

Negroes, but as
human beings and
citizens Of the
state. - 49, ''''''
Governor elect
James E. Folsom has asked The
State Press Association to do thi.
preparatory to a conference with
him after his Inauguration on Jan
20. Incidentally, for the first time
in the history of the state, the
Governor-elect has stated that he
expects colored people to partici,
pate in the inaugural parade.
The membership of the Alabama
Press Association is at present 10C
per cent colored, but the raciaI
labelling was left off because any
regular newspaper man is eligible
for membership in it regardless OF
race, creed or color. This is indica-
tive Of the APA's stand, as a whole
against racism. Most Of the mem.
Der newspapers editorial stand is
against racial labelling in names Of
organizations. They hold that such
labelling promotes the very thing
against which we fight when we
fight division based on race.
The Alabama Press Association
has on its agenda for its meeting
such topics for discussion as the
ballot, civil liberties, labor, educa-
ton, health, housing, recreation
veterans and the participation Of
colored people in the making and
administration of the laws under
which they live. The latter means
that the APA membership will
probably strongly urge that definite
steps be taken toward Indignation
in spite Of the infamous Boswell
Amendment to the Constitution of
Alabama, which was supposedly de-
signed to prevent colored people
from voting in masses, but, as a
matter Of fact, it was urged and
passed to keep the states elector-
ate small and comfortable by a
minority Of professional politicians
and white supremists.
Governor Folsom has been told
that people of goodwill were heart
ened by his great victory and that
good people, without regard to race,
creed, or color, are praying that
under his administration more
progress will be made to the pre-
vious administration in the State
Of Alabama; that his success will
serve as a stepping-stone to a high
err place for him in the affairs of
the nation; that insofar as the APA
has been able to see, we see eye
to eye with him on vital issues, and
that he is a wonderful man with a
most wonderful opportunity.
In the larger sense of the word,
colored people have no opportunity
to participate in the making and
administration Of the laws under
which they live, and without better
educational opportunities and par
ticipation in the organized govern
mental set-up of the state as well
as its defense set-up they are
doomed to drawers Of water and
hewers of wood in this and many
other deep Southern states, where
in they constitute 40 per cent of
the total population.
The incoming governor has been
requested and will be re-requested
in view Of the fact that colored
people constitute the largest voice
less minority in the state, to estab-
lish a Commission on Minority AT
fairs to be composed Of colored and
white men and women Of character
and good will, who believe in equal.
ity Of opportunity for all citizens
of Alabama.
The Commission on Minority AZ.
fairs would set up area sub-com
mittees through which facts might
be obtained on conditions or ques,
lions affecting the welfare of min
ority groups in order to enable the
State Commission to make con-
structive recommendations for leg
islative or administrative remedia
action.
1t has been further suggested
that the proposed Commission have
as its executive officer, a fair
minded colored person of character
one without prejudice, consecrateC
and dedicated to the proposition Of
seeking greater opportunity for the
development Of colored people with
in the state, and their natural in
tegration into the administration Of
every set-up in the state having t.
do directly or indirectly with theil
welfare; that the executive Officer
have clerical and other necessary
help; that he be the recognized
interpreter Of the colored peoples
needs to the Governor and other tor
officials of the state, and the state'l
offering to Negro citizens; anC
that his expenses be paid out O.
state funds.
For the first time in the histor!
of Alabama, opportunity will b
sought for appearance Of some out
4 II