Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1953-02-25
Dr.. Common and Segregation

For decades there have been many
among the white race in this country
who have claimed friendship towards
the Negro but have always ended by
saying that he is not ready for full
citizenship. They rarely admit that
there are numbers among their own
group who because Of ignorance, anti
social characteristics, or insolence
should likewise be deprived Of equal
status with sound citizens. Also, they
are unwilling for even those Negroes
who are ready" to be entirely freed
Of the letters Of segregation or other
aspects Of the full opportunity. Their
argument is really insincere and sub
terfuge which gives them the benefits
Of straddling.
DR.. Gannon's letter on February
under the caption, Segregation" dis
closed that he is member of that
group which, while not openly hostile
to the Negro. has not yet fully accepted
great, basic truths: That the Negro
must be among those accepted on equal
status in the world trend towards the
brotherhood of man; that Negroes, as
in all other races, differ individually
and cannot rightly await a mythical
time when they are all ready; and
that, as group, their readiness will be
accelerated in proportion to their full
participation in all the privileges, bene-
fits and opportunities Of national and
world citizenship.
know DR.. Cannon personally. He
has done much constructive work as q
member Of our Board of Education.
He expressed his views in his article
frankly and Internationally. However,
he is very much in error, and to the
extent that his philosophy in this area
has affected his decisions on the board,
he has contributed to the retardation
Of racial harmony in the Capital Of
this great democracy which is braking
urge towards world unity. A cold war
between whites and Negroes is pro-
portionately as waSteful of energy and
resources as is the cold war which the
program of communism is forcing upon
the world. Walker L. Savoy.
May I take this means to commend
DR.. Gannon's classic Interpretation and
analysis Of segregation as expressed in
his letter to you recently? Undoubt-
eddy DR.. Cannon applied the wisdom
that is his out of his superior training,
vast experience and keen insight into
sociological problems. Never before do
recall more honest and more COM
plimentary statement, not only to the
Districts colored citizens but to all our
citizenry combined.
My one regret is that at the time
when DR.. Cannon was member of our
District of Columbia Board of Educa-
ton and was in that position which
assured him the ear Of the public at
large. he did not come forth with his
much-needed and wise analysis Of this
same issue which is paramount in the
Board of Education's deliberations of
the next several months.
It is my hope, however, that he still
has the ear of the general public and
that his valuable statement. especially
his Interpretation of social equality"
as different from and not inclusive of
society equality" will be digested by
many Of our not-too-well-i
citizens on this vital social issue.
Leon s. Calhoun,
President, Southwest Civic Association.
I must say for DR.. Gannon'S letter
that found it to be unique in my ex-
perience.' have never before seen the
arguments of supporters OF racial big
otry presented in terms of such sweet
ness and light. It Is, believe, sign
of progress that such tone should be
used in discussing so controversial
topic as race prejudice.
But even this less offensive approach
is not persuasive. "The implication Of
inferiority" is, in fact, declaration in
a loud, penetrating voice. And it is
one supported by no evidence. If all
the Negroes of the District Of Columbia
do not have the education. culture and
good citizenship" which DR.. Cannon re-
quires of them before admitting them
to first-claSs citizenship, could it not
be that the practice of segregation in
the public schools is the reason? So
long as that custom prevails, 1t is dit1-
cult to see how the mere passage Of
time will effect any material change.
Recent improvements in the quality OF
education for Negroes have come only
after considerable struggle.
Negro children have to be educated
in professionally adequate buildings
that are populated within their capac-
ity and stated by a sufficient number
of teachers, just as do white children.
Yet less than 5000 Negro children at
tend schools that furnish these funda-
mentals, compared with 10000 white
children. It is unlikely that this con-
dition will be corrected in segregated
system There will always be the tend
ency to house the maximum number
of Negroes and educate the minimum.
How do Negroes become f1rst-class citi-