The Detroit tribune., 1949-03-19
from the shoulder
BY Luther webb

but to understand the real meaning Of all or dferens.
other words, within our language has been one
unsuccessful tasks. down through the years.
However, as we listen around the neighborhood. W.
get an klinr Of what some Of the politicians whste
they are say politics From what they here in De-
troit as compared with what they say in Chicago New
if there Is such word as politics or such persons
politicians. among Negroes in the city OF Detroit
Talk on the curbstone, the bars, around various
clubs and other "soapbox hangouts, lead US to believe
that there is such animal politician among our
group.
and by whom.
We bit suspicious
We don't believe that there one, in the city of De-
troit that get decent group of citizens together
(about 4OOl long enough and often enough to prove M
can be heard above whisper.
What? Ok then if there is one we wish that he wouA
step right to the front and his presence bash
ful, then well accept his name through peanut proxy.
What we're trying to get at in laundering manner
not being cigar-smoking. fast soapboxing gentemM
is discover why city the size of Detroit with Neo
population of approximately 100000 has one two
three four people even organization that 'h
voice above whisper-politcaly?
Negroes of Detroit have set the pace IN the bushes
world for members of their race.
Negroes, in the arts sciences and similar professions
have proven beyond expectations the widest
gnatOns, that quite capable of holding own
among the latter endeAvors of n rushing matropoit
livelihood.
Especially in the field of sports have Negroes Of t
city shone i'm the meght and in many instances excel
ed the exploits OF other racial groups.
Anyway the yearly election results in our opinion
evidence that there is such animal The consderatN
given Negroes of Detroit by their elected officials both
county city and state refutes any talk of such person
persons.
Is not there a need?
We feel that might as we'll get in the boat that
carries the passengers from to another II pocI
is 10 at least few of the courteses
located to the population if politics the bet
ter housing municipal and state jobs for Negroes
and other considerations granted other racial groups
the community, then advocate Negroes parie
pating in politics.
Although we know nothing of the workings of poll
tics, convinced that should take active
role in all elections
From the Shoulder" it appears that those would be
politicians OF our elders have set pretty bad examples for
They have failed achieve anything politically that
could be pointed to- something for them to shoot
their quest for leadership of the race.
They (yet talking about our elders) have fought
among themselves for so many until their energy
consumed not in fighting for those things which the Negr
community NEEDS but to who gets the recognition
as being dubbed titular head leader of the group
Ladies' and gentlemen "in opinion, there is nOtI
one in the city, of the than of Negroes who
claim to be political leaders who say 1--WE have
ough power to command demand force passage I'll
any single ordinance or have Negro appointed to an
influential and respectable position.
OF course have few Negres who have landed
Jobs in the past and yet retain them However during the
last four or five city administrations and state there have
been only token appointments.
There are few deputy sheriffs and other minor JOBS
held by Negroes in Wayne County few clerkshps and
what have you But really worthwhile authoritative
jobs have not trekled down our way.
1t IS time that received Of the lucrative JOBS
in the city, county and state.
With the undivided leadership of the present moment
we can expect very little. Out on the curbsone the boys
who know. tell us that there to politics Younger
Negroes must Immediately get in to their heads the idea
that they have job to do.
Ihat they are going to become more active IN the
many civic, social and political circles that lead more
and better jobs, better housing and what have you.
The young men of Detroit. in our estimation have
practically every example of "Know-how in a community
the size OF Detroit except upto-dae" knowhow in poll
ties.
Those young men trained in the social and political
sciences should not lose their talents amidst stumbling
careless elders, who "bunge" the political Job that the
Negroes of the city entitled to- and must do anything
is to be salvaged.
Now the time to enter the firing line and take an
active part in the organization of political clubs all over
the CITY, that are devoid of the bungers and stumber
IRONICALLY We suggest that politics. as such be KEEP
out OF the initial meetings and organisations Most I'M
porant thing at this time and for some time in our estma
uon frm and sound practice of the methods and teen
nques OF organization consolidation of ideas efforts ee
II should not matter much what political party one
tnought ne should identify himself with; nor what the IS
sues 10 winch the various Qroups will support