Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1949-04-08

THE MAN OF THE YEARs-During the past dec
ade in the Pine Bluff and jefferson County COM
munity, Dr. Clyde A. Lawlah has pursued the prac-
tice of the profession Of medicine, and aside from
the great contributions he has made to the thous-
ands of sick and afflicted, he has set high example
of community spirit in making himself secure for
the DAYS of rain which are to come. Coming
to Pine Bluff in the early thirties as college ply
stefan at AMIN he built practice which is to be
envied He has succeeded and achieved as though
he worked from the blue print OF the great HIS
persistent strivings to get ahead make his record
one worthy of emulation. The purpose OF this Item
is to point out where it is seen that he placed most
emphasis, and dear reader, you are requested u
bear in mind the common noticeable, ana olseoui-
aging signs which most OF us emphasize 10 MAXI US
BIG, - In the depression days, 1t was almost
unthinkable for person of ordinary means 10 ooy
a big automobile; and yet the record shows tha'
most of us, as finances warrant purchase
those things which could be postponed for quite a
wbiet DIR Iawlah drove the little black seated
Chevrolet car until two years ago when he got a
1e4l model Chevrolet This has been replaced by a
Buick which his wife owned when she retired as
Supervisor of Home Demonstration Agents IN the
United States Department of Agrcultures Extern
sion Work So his emphasis has not been too nouce-
able in getting the rolling stock which might LEAD
one to think that he was getting along alright NO.
the doctor didn't do that but he did build hlmseH
home and my dear readers, he has made marx
for Pine Bluff Negroes which has yet 10 De sur
nassed, - The beautiful Lawlah home at l4oo
Georgia Street represents the best IN Negro nous
inc in Pine Bluff in the field of private housing The
house built in 1899, and when his plans were
materializing, it was common gossip conversation
opI f,at he
nav for it. The house didn't cost too much say "a
bout Seven Thousand. l don't have to ask MN
whether it is paid for as remember too we'll when
he Joined few of the grateful alumni OF his be-
loved Morehouse and gave ONE THOUSAND DOL
LARS IN COLD CASH to further the program OF
expansion for the education of more men at More
house, So he certainly has paid for the house Inc
investment of Seven Thousand Dollars in home is
small matter when thinks in terms OF the
present emphasis now being placed on THINGS
IMMATERIAI by men in positions OF leadership
For instance know three professional men VINO
own brand new automobiles which the total cost
represent at least TEN THOUSAND and the hous-
ing situation as confronts them makes one sure tha'
public or private funds should come to thelr rescue'
The bad part of it all is that the men VINO are looh-
ed upon stimulate the continued extravaganza Vi
Negroes and the spending of huge sums OF money
on things not SO IMPORTANT! Can you imagine
what the reaction would be in the community II
the owners of Ten Thousand Dollars in AUTOMOBILES
had invested first class housing which each neeoS
Such an act would be by far of greater interest
and inspiration to Negroes than owning big SHINY
automobiles, Clyde Lawlah has set an example
which the young of the professions shouio lol-
low and it is the fervent hope OF your columhst
that this can all be retracted as to the owners OF
the Bucks. Lincolns, and Packards! Well you
guessed right I am mad because don't nave a
new car and I'm mad because don't have fine
homo TO walk into but ladies and gentlemen OF the
State Press YOU are assured that I'm working like
HOUSING FOR NEGROES in our city Is nothing
less than DISGRACEFULi 1t is a shame that SO
.,,olo l,,r, La