The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1949-11-12
OUR NATION TODAY

Their friendship was founded
mon the principles of Helen's
srtness in Algebra, Latin and
rbsmistrw Consequently. Mary
sIways made il q point Of shar-
Do her homework with Helen in
thsr study periods. As a COM
nensation for helping her friend.
Helen received all Of Mary's old
cast-off clothes. which the former
received gratefully.
Helen's family like all other
Negro families lived on the out
skirts Of town in a rather shabby
bouse Her homclife was still
simple and humble and in the
crowded city. The young Louisi-
anian's mother was very kind
and genial. but financial prob
lens still existed which left lines
~ worry on her face. But. the
week before the Spring Prom.
she had taken the wary-worn
gown that Mary had given her.
and set upon the task Of re-mod-
cling il With some extra ma
terial she had purchased. her
nimblc fingers deftly added gay
ribbons and bows. When at last
she was finished, the gown was
amazingly enchanting
The night Of the Prom was a
peaceful one. indeed. The stars
danced in the sky and the breeze
was balmy and soothing The
telephone rang while Helen was
dressing. and she rushed out 10
answer il. She knew il would he
johnny. the boy who STAYED on
The outskirts Of the west side Of
town Helen did not have a
steady date. but she enjoyed his
company immensely. He was not
handsome. but his charming per-
soaalitv placed him high upon
her date list. He was intelligent.
Industrious and a restless soul.
He was ever seeking an oppor-
tuniiv TO prepare himself so he
could do his bit to make the
world better place for all hui
msnity.
Johnny explained that he was
working late and would she
mind meeting him at the drug
store near the Hall. OF course
not. She understood his situa-
ton clearly because practically
al OF the Negro boys held jobs
after school.
After dressing, she walked out
in the restaurant headed for the
door. Everyone. white and col
ored, turned around 10 see this
enchanting young beauty. Her
hips awayed rhythmically with
the luke Box music as she near
ed the door.
A young white man, who was
very handsome, was so entranced
with her unusual beauty that he
stumbled and her gown made q
perfect target for the bowl OF
chill which he had been carry
Aver her scream. there wa,
silence. She felt little numt
and dazed because she was wei
aware Of the fact that her lovely
gown. the only one she had, wa.
soiled beyond recognition; thai
Johnny was waiting for her al
the drug store and that the
dance was now in full swing
Helens eyes. full OF tears from
disappointment. were gazing un'
steadily at the man Who haC
ruined her evening. She heard
his apologize remarks and man.
aged TO smile. He offered C
take her immediately 10 towr
to buy her a new gown. much
lovelier than the one he hac
ruined.
Her mother gave her permits.
sion and they hurried of to the
dress shop. Helen picked the
most beautiful costume in the
shop. and the young man paid
for II without hesitation. After
leaving Helen. he paused to re.
late the story Of the kindness
he had shown 10 the young Ne.
gro girl. He remarked, Bill,
took that little colored girl tc
that exclusive dress shop down.
town and purchased her a lovely
outfit. Ii cost me pretty penny
but. well. don't have anything
against the Negroes. | didn't
mind because had $4,000 in
my pocket and I might just as
well as bought those clothes as
to throw il away on the race
horses Besides. Lou can really
cook those Creole dishes" The
Young man spoke as IL he had
actually / done Helen favor
when in reality he was only
doing what any human being,
who had any touch OF civiliza-
ton in his heart. would have
done particularly when he is
rich.
In the meantime. Johnny look
ed at his watch and noted that
Il was getting late. He wondered
why Helen was so late. Finally,
she arrived in her new frock.
She explained 10 him what had
happened. and they left for the
dance.
Helen constantly referred to
the white mans generosity all
during the first part Of the dance
and Johnny was beginning TO
become annoyed During inter-
mission Marv came over and told
a. a