The Tribune. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1951-19??, 1954-01-09
Negroes Are
Disappointed
Not Divided

The common saying that Roanoke Negroes are hope
lessly divided gross Misrepresentation fact By no
means the Roanoke Negroes divided as some would
have it believed Roanoke Negroes very much &C
cord many points of city and community interest. A
more factua description of the situation is, Roanoke
Negroes have been sorey disappointed in who
arrogated to themselves the responsibility leadership
particularly in political and civic affairs.
Roanoke Negroes not the militant type that may
be found many cities Their culture and religious
piety will not permit them to become embroled in
troverses with uncouth revengefu and dctatora per-
sonalities Hence there thousands of Roanoke
who refuse part in the local political and civic
affairs.
Were it not for the fact that it would be far more
manly to stand up be counted lift their voices until
they heard matters vital to the well-beng
the people in general would say those people are
Justified in going into secluson and refuse any part
the wranging for personal recognition congratuatory
pat on the back for some personal achievement.
But compelled to at least sympahize with those
good people when we hear of the most vocal of the
seappointed leaders stand up say Thank Goodness
we have gotten rid of Woodbury.; have gotten rid of
Lonne JONES' and that Rev Simmons is leaving the
city, (then after brief pause if to say when get
rid of others whose not menoned this party
continued by saying perhaps will be able to get
something done" In other words, after all the people
who would dare offer opinion of their gotten
out of the city, then the King control the pond
Some people to overlook the fact that toget rid of
all the potential great people does not make the left
great To be great in the midst of great personalities
accomplishment of merit
Roanoke suffered a great loss when each of the
above mentioned leaders took up board elsewhere Not
only Woodbury. active in political and civic affairs
district manager of of great insurance companies
active and influential official in of leading
churches but the loss of Woodbury. also meant the loss
of his wife who of the most respected women OF
city She had held many offices of prominence in the
church and community. She employed in the City
School system and had endeared herself in the hearts of
thousands through her column "Over The Back Fence
written for The Tribune And then there the lovely
and promising children of the Woodbury. family.
L. w. Jones, native Roanoker, of the best
trained teachers in the Addison High School, active in
political and civic affairs of the city Without doubt Mr.
Jones is young of many friends in his hometown
who will always wish him well wherever ne may be-
Rev William James Simmons was one of the best
trained ministers in the city of Roanoke pastor of the
historic Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and active
in everything for the beerment of his people and the
city in general Aside from his church work. Rev. Sim
mons found time to engage in educational civic and po
tcal activities There is question about it, Rev.
Simrnonss wife is of the best loved of the
city The whole family is credit to Roanoke Nothing
but seishness jealousy and fear could any leader
to rejoice over the loss of such capable and influential
people to our city.
1t is that arrogant and vindictve spirit that has
caused hundreds yes thousands of good Negro citizens
of Roanoke to go and play hands off But the sleep
ing giant is beginning to awaken The people begin
ming to the light and ask out loud who has appointed
and to be dictator the people of Roanoke? With
what right is it that people all over the city being
called to give reason for doing this thing that? Not
only do the Woodbury., Jones and Rev Simmons friends
that attitude but it is inevitable that the people
all the city firing Of that situation But they say