Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1947-01-10

ALABAMA, not as
Negroes, but as
human beings and
citizens Of the
state. - - = n y
Governor elect
James II. Folsom has asked the
State Press Association to do this
preparatory 10 q conference with
him after his Inauguration on Jan
20. Incidentally, for the first time
in the history Of the state, the
GoVernor-eleet has stated that he
expects eolored people 10 partici.
pate In the inaugural parade.
The membership Of the Alabama
Press Association Is at present 100
per cent colored, but the racial
labelling was left of because any
regular Newspaper man Is eligible
for membership In II regardless Of
race, creed or color. This il indica-
tive Of the APA's stand, as q whole,
against racism. Most Of the men,
Der newspaper editorial stand IL
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 It's agenda for It's meeting
such topics for discussion rs the
ballot, civil liberties, labor, educa-
ton, health, housing, recreation,
veterans and the participation Of
eolored 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 eolored people
from voting In masses, but, as Q
matter Of fact, II was urged and
passed to keep the states elector-
ate small and comfortable by q
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 q stepping-Stone to q high
or place for him In the affairs Of
the nation; that insofar as the APA
has been able 10 see, we see eye
TO eye with him on vital issues, and
that he n q wonderful man with q
most wonderful opportunity.
In the larger sense Of the word,
eolored 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 20 per cent Of
the total population.
The incoming governor has been
requested and viii be re-requested
In view Of the fact that eolored
people constitute the largest voice.
less minority In the state, to estab.
liSh q Commission on Minority AZ
fairs to be composed Of eolorsd and
white men and women Of character
and good win. who believe In equal
ity Of opportunity for all citizens
Of Alabama.
The Commission on Minority AZ.
fairs would set up AREA sub-eom'
mittses through which facts might
be obtained on conditions or CUES
tons affecting the welfare Of min.
ority groups In order 10 enable The
State Commission TO make con-
structiVe recommendation for leg
islatiVs or administrative remedial
action.
Il has been further suggested
that thu proposed Commission hav'
a. its executive officer, q fair.
minded eolorSd person Of character
one without prejudice, consented
and dedicated 10 the proposition d
seeking greater opportunity for the
development Of eolOrsd people with
In the state. and their natural In.
tsgration into the administration ii
every sst-up IN the stats having d
do directly or indirectly with thsil
welfare; that the executive Offices
have clerical and other necessary
help; that no b the recognized
interpreter Of the eOlored peoples
needs 10 the Governor and other tor
officials Of the state. and the STATS
Offering 10 Negro eiti.sns; ana
that his expenses b paid out d
state funds.
For the hrst time In the history
Of Alabama, opportunity win b