The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1959-02-07


The masses of Negroes had
been Unanswered out Of their
newly won rights by 1876. In
return for crumbs from the po-
litical table. INSCRIPTIONS Negro
leaders assisted in the brain
washing of Negro masses. over
80 years passed after 1876 before
the Negro History attitude began
To spread.
A few years after the founding
of the Association for the Study
of Negro Life and History. col
lcgcS began offering courses in
Negro history Teachers who
studied these courses gave new
insightS and ambition to Negro
students BY 1926. with the initia-
ton of the celebration of Negro
History Week. interest in Negro
history was spreading over the
country Negro history clubs
were formed. Individuals began
reading Negro history books and
magazines
AS the years passed, authors
began using themes from Negro
life. a subject area formerly
taboo. Even in court arguments,
lawyers cited materials from Ne
GRO history. A new day had
arrived. Negro history had gained
at least some recognition.
II is not surprising, that one
by one the oId-styIe false Negro
leaders we're repvdisted with
the spread of the Negro history
movement. a new type OF lead
ership arose which for the most
part is influenced by the Negro
history point Of view.
In general. this new Negro
leadership has genuine interest
in the Advancement Of the Negro
and in the progress of America.
II it were not for the undermine
ing activities of the forces of
reaction, the Negro and America
could make most rapid progress
under this new leadership.
Because Of the strength of for.
ceS seeking TO block advancement
Of the Negro. it is necessary to
speed the spreading of the Negro
history point Of view among the
masses of Negroes II is net
enough for the leaders TO have
this point Of view. while masses
of NEGROES do not fully under
stand il.
Leaders must convince the
masses of the hard work and
years of study that are required
to gain The better l.fc They must
use the magic lamp of education
and they must rub il with the
motivation that is furnished by
the Negro history point of view.
n is the purpose OF Negro
History Week and Negro His
tory Clubs TO develop the Me-
gro history point Of view: the
belief in the basic equality OF
individuals, in the need TO un-
dersfand the nature CT en-
vironmental influences, and in
the determination Of the Negro
10 learn what is necessary TO
qualify for full social accept
ance.
II is the duty Of every teacher
and leader of Negroes TO support
the Association by securing mem
borships. subscriptions TO its
magazines. and sales of its books.
II is their duty. also. TO spread
the message during Negro History
Week. and to organize and work
with Negro history clubs through
out the year.
The Negro history movement is
a missionary activity in which
dedicated people interested in
human advancement can be of
great service. They must not be
like those who write the Asso-
cation asking that all about Ne
gro History be sent by return
mail They must be those who
understand that billions of words
tell the life and history of the
Negro. Each such dedicated per.
son will begin helping to sponsor
this systematic search for knowl-
edge in his own community.