Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1951-01-12
DOWN OUR WAY
PINE BLUFFS JIM CROW LIBRARY


hax been dedicated by the leaders of the
ermmlnity who did not thrust upon this
generation their great abilities and moral
force to help wipe out segregation How
ever, oddly enough the Jim Crow facility
has been labeled as the Pullen Street Branch
of the Pine Bluff Library, and ii may be that
this will prove to be significant in the years
to come The question may yet arise as to
whether or not white and colored may use
the PulIen Street Branch, Control of the
library is vested in the Pine Bluff Library
Booard an all white organization. A Me-
gro advisory committee is functioning In
cooperation with the board for the purpose
of giving some dignity to Negro manhood
and womanhood in Pine Bluff. But, may
he. the disgruntled will get busy and ask
the city government for the appointment of
Negroes on the Pine Bluff Library Board,
which will probably bring about a set-up
such as the Negro Park Commission.
TT Is REPORTED THAT DIR. w. E,
OBRYANT made a great speech at the
dedicatory program. The good doctor was
q Spearhead in the movement to raise funds
for the building. His vigor and enthusiasm
are largely responsible for the sum of
money spent for its construction, despite
the fact that one-third of the money is
reported to have been raised by Negroes,
With one-third from the city; and the final
third given by Jefferson county government
But, an all white board Is running the in
stitution with an advisory committee made
up OF Negroes. DR.. O'Bryant was left off
the advisory committee vice versa volun-
tarily or Involuntary. But it seems a
shame that after so many years of being
denied the use of the downtown facilities
of the main library on West Fifth, that
Negroes have not achieved even decent
segregated set-up But we must have some
problems, and don't we have them?
NEGRO PARK COMMISSION is re-
portedly busy on plans, as it has been
since inception Malvin E. Moore well known
tailor. heads the group. During the winter
months no facility is provided for recrea-
ton for Negro citizens The chief asset of
the set-up is a swimming pool, and the
weather has been rather inclement in these
parts for swimming. But the commission is
working quietly as usual. One day there will
be . separate field house or gymnasium for
Negro citizens in Pine Bluff. And, it may
be sooner than we think, shall we hope?
THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEGRO
DEPUTY SHERIFF is said to have been a
campaign promise. Allen Nixon assumed
the duties of office on January 1, and upon
leaving for active duty with the U. S. Ma
rines. he has designated, according to Ar
kansas Law, his predecessor, Garland Brews-
ter, to serve until he returns. It is hoped
that Sheriff Brewster will appoint quail
fled Negro as deputy sheriff. However. as
It appears from here, based upon the Cos
sip and discussion heard during the past
few days. the disunity Of the Negroes in
Tire community, will afford convenient
excuse for Mr.. Brewster, in the event no
Negro Is named during the present admin
istration. II might be pointed out here that
the power to appoint and name resides with
the Office of Sheriff, and that the Negro
electorate will not accept as an excuse the
difficulties encountered by the sheriff,
should he fail to name Negro. There is
hardly a Negro who might be appointed
who would meet the approval of all the
people, and it certainly is not the duty of
the people to name such person to serve,
If so, we might as well make the offices of
deputy sheriffs elective, and everybody
would have fair chance. However, we do
hope that the sheriff will make the APP
pointment and that it will reflect credit
pom his administration and wholesome