The Miami times. [volume] (Miami, Fla.) 1923-current, 1949-07-16
Urban League Acts ToPrevent
Spread OF Racial Disorders
Action Program
Offered

Calling attention to the recent ra-
cial disturbances that have occurred
during the past fortnight in widely
separated areas of st. Louis, Miss
ouri, Youngstown, Ohio, and Wash
ington, d. c., Lester b. Granger,
Executive Director of the National
Urban League, an interracial, social
agency, in a statement today directs
the attention of the nation to the
present grave problems in which
racial factors are deeply involved
The National Urban League de.
mands vigorous and constructive
measures on the part of govern
mental officials, federal, state and
municipal, to prevent similar oc.
currences in the future.
The status of Negro citizens, Mr.
Granger states, is the most sensi
tive barometer of American democ-
racy. The prestige and honor of our
country depend upon the degree to
which every citizen. Negroes in
particular, is granted full partici-
patton in our national and COM
munity life, and equal protection for
his social and economic well being.
Other nations of the world are look
ing to the United States for the
leadership necessary to create good
will and better understanding among
groups and nations.
The disturbances in each of the
three cities centered around the
basic question Whether the right
of all the citizens - without dis
elimination to use publicly-own-
ed and operated recreational facili-
ties is to be upheld" states Mr..
Granger. In all three instances SINH
lar patterns of events reveal the
vicious and INSCRIPTIONS prompt
ings of white youths by white
adult city employees to prevent Ne
groes from using swimming pools,
thereby causing racial antagonisms
and conflicts.
Responsible leaders in each of the
cities report that these attacks were
planned beforehand and instigated
and fomented by the very city en-
ployees that were entrusted to main
tain discipline and protect life and
property in the swimming pools.
Furthermore, Negro and White
youths before these violent out
breaks had used the swimming pools
together in a very peaceful manner
Condemning the nefarious role
played by city employees in these
incidents, Mr.. Granger points out
that the impartial administration of
regulations, and the similar dis
charge of governmental responsib-
ilities would have prevented these
outbreaks.
City officials have questioned NOR
al responsibilities for improving race
relations and for dealing effectively
with situations which jeopardize
the life. liberty and happiness" of
any of it's citizens. The National Ur-
ban League firmly believes that any
courageous stand taken by state
and city officials will be supported
by the majority of the citizens and
will assist immeasurably in the de-
velopment of healthy and sound com
munity living in a democratic so
ciety.
1t is significant to note that in
none of these cities, according to re-
ports, were there any laws, ordi'
nances or rules which denied the
free use of these facilities by citi
zens on account of race, creed or
color.
Each racial incident underscores
the utter disregard on the part OF
public officials and employees. Mr.
Granger states. for the laws guar
anteeing the rights and privileges
of Negro citizens. These unfortu-
nate happenings point up clearly the
urgent necessity for all Americans
to insure their own freedom by ac-