New York Amsterdam News — 1963-00-00269

Springtime Focus Along This Way A New Day In Human Relations Everyone in authority who has any contact with the world seems to understand that there is a new day in human relations except the leaders in South Africa and those in certain areas in the United States, notably Ala­ bama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Last week Pope John the Twenty- third struck at racism in his ency­ clical (circular let­ ter), “Peace on Earth.” From Part III: (Truth) “ . . . WILKINS calls, above all, for the elimina­ tion of every trace of racism.” The condemnation of racial dis­ crimination is equally plain: “Hence racial discrimination can no longer be justified . . . For, if a man becomes conscious of hig. rights, he must become equally aware of his duties. Thus he who possesses certain rights has like­ wise the duty to claim those rights as marks of his dignity, while all others have the obligation to ac­ knowledge those rights and re­ spect them.” This is what the civil rights By BOY WILKINS . forces in this country have been saying since they began speaking out, even before the Civil War. The dignity of the human person was the war cry of the Abolition­ ists. The crusade against racial discrimination has been the mark of all civil rights workers in our nation. It is significant that the organ­ ized church in the United States, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish, has becohie more and more active in the field of human rights. As one concrete illustration of their practical concern, all three sup­ ported in active fashion the various campaigns for enactment of fair employment laws. Slowly the Protestant colleges in the South are opening their doors to Negro students, and the Catholics are continuing their steady drive to ^eliminate racial barriers in all their schools, what­ ever the location. All students of this issue remember the deseg­ regation orders of the Catholic authorities in St. Louis, Atlanta, Raleigh and New Orleans. The Jews have a long history of assistance over a wide area in the civil rights field, not only preach­ ing the moral truth from their synagogues, but working day to day on the problems at hand. Now the Pope, the spiritual head of millions of Catholics the world over, has reiterated and elaborated upon the racial and human stand of his Church. “The chief concern of civil au­ thorities,” says the encyclical, “must be ... to insure that these rights are acknowledged, re­ spected, . ► . defended and pro­ moted . . . For to safeguard the inviolable rights of the human person . . . should be the essen­ tial office of every public author­ ity .. . If any government does not acknowledge the rights of man or violates them, it not only fails its duty, but its orders com­ pletely lack juridical force.” Let Greenwood, Miss., and its police dogs hear. Let Birming­ ham, Ala., and its police dogs hear. Let the filibusters in the U.S. Senate hear. Let the racists, white or black, and those who traffic expediently in racism give ear. Truth, muffled from time to time in man’s struggle through the ages, is again echoing and reverberating down the corridors of history. It WILL be heard. Pulse Of New York’s Public The Amsterdam News welcomes letters on either side of any subject. It Is ‘preferred that letters not exceed 250 words end than must be sianed. Names will be withheld on request. No letters can ba returned. All must be addressed to the Idltor. Thank You! stand why the NAACP hasn't had a Negro president in 54 years. Our Pleasure! 10 • N. Y. AMSTERDAM NEWS, Sat., April 20, 1963 NEWYORK Amsterdam Netos $ C. B. POWELL President 8c Editor P. M. H. Savory, Secy-Treas. - J. L. Hicks, Executive Editor W. E. Best. Comptroller; K A. Wall. Advertising Director; E. M Jarkaoo. Circulatioo Director; J. H Walker. Clip Editor; J. W. Wade. Claaslfled Adver r; D. Sheppard. Brooklyn Manager Published weekly by the Powell-Savory Corporation at 2340 Eighth Ave., N. Y. Telephone ACademy 2-7800. Brooklyn office, 1251 Bedford Avenue. Telephone ULster 7-2500. Mall eubacrlpUon rates: 1 year »700 — « moe , H W Editorials A Promise Kept One of the major tests of a political figure is whether he will keep a promise once it is made, and whether he can deliver on that promise once he de­ cides to keep it. Governor Rockefeller has passed this test with flying colors among Negro and Puerto Rican minori­ ties in his recent handling of a bill to give voluntary hospital workers the right to bargain collectively with their employers in New York City. Months before the legislature convened, Rockefel­ ler publicly made a promise to the underpaid workers of local 1199 (Drug And Hospital Workers) that he would press for the introduction of a bill giving them the right to bargain collectively with their employers and that once such a bill was introduced he would get behind it and work for its passage. Well, they are getting ready for a victory cele­ bration at Local 1199 Friday night for the Governor was as good as his word. Rockefeller not only caused the introduction of this legislation but at a crucial time when the very life of the bill was threatened by powerful employer interests and a split in the ranks of labor itself, Rocke­ feller stuck out his jaw, figuratively put his head down and ploughed straight ahead until passage of the bill was a certainty. It took some doing. It took the combined strength of A. Philip Ran­ dolph, Joe Monserrat and Dr. Gene Reed of the NAACP, Local 1199’s Leon Davis and Speaker Joseph Carlino, who was a lion in the fight. But in the final drive, all would have been losf had not Rockefeller stood like a rock, backing up his every promise with the weight and words of the of­ fice of Governor of the great state of New York. Here was a promise made: This was a promise kept! Fair Play Please! In the musty files of the City’s Park Commission where Commissioner Newbold Morris blends his file of unimportant letters with the unimportant letters of former Park Commissioner Robert Moses, there are several letters in the handwriting of a skinny athletic girl Reading with the Commission to repair and resurface the tennis court at the Harlem River Houses hr-fne vicinity of 152nd Street and -Seventh Avenue. The handwriting is that of New York’s greatest tennis champion, Althea Gibson, winner U.S. Womens singles 1957 and 1958, and Wimbledon champion in 1957. The tennis courts up on Seventh Avenue which Althea begged Bob Moses and Newbold Morris to repair just happen to be the same tennis courts where Althea first learned to hit a tennis ball. And it’s a measure of the callous disregard which Park Commission officials have for the success of the Althea Gibson story that those same tennis courts have not had any major repairs from the time Althea first learned to hit tennis balls on them to the present day although Althea begged the City to repair them when she returned from London as Wimbledon champ back in 1957. And today, here in 1963, with the Park Commis­ sion announcing that it is improving 93 tennis courts in the five boroughs we get word that the 93 courts marked for repairs do not include improvements for the Court of the Champion of Harlem. ? How discriminatory can a City agency be? Please, Mr. Morris—what does Harlem, the home of champion athletes, have to do to qualify for a little fair play from the fair City of which it is a part? Vacancy The nine-man Board of Examiners of the Board of Education faces a vacancy due to the retirement Sir: I am writing to comment you on a very well written arti­ cle I read in one of your last ed­ itions of the Amsterdam News. It gives me great privilege to know that another black man like myself has enough intellig­ ence and courage to defend Min­ ister Malcom X and the cour­ ageous work he Is doing. Please extend your editorials. Finally, Wiliams’ statement that Powell has played the race angle for too long and that his own people are finally getting wise to him — that is only Wil­ liams’ opinion, and nothing more. Since when can Williams speak for anybody but himself, let alone the Negro people. I don’t know about anyone else, but he defin­ itely cannot speak for me. When I "get wise” to Powell, 1 will be You are a man that can see the first to let him know truth and is in position to tell it Keep up the good work sir. Gloria Wills Bronx, N. Y. M. Maxey 470 Lenox Ave. New York, N Y. Powell's Suit* Bocks Stand (The origianl of this letter was sent to the Daily Mirror). Sir: In response to C. Williams’ letter, which you printed in your April 9th issue, what gives him the idea that because the wom­ an who won the libel suit against Congressman Adam Oayton Powell was a Negro, that it didn’t mean discrimination? In the first place, with an aTl white Jury, a gorilla could have won a libel suit against Powell It’s no secret how most white people feel about Powell, includ­ ing the white press. Sir: We commend you for the valiant stand you are taking in regard to the "politics” of Har­ lem. Very often it might seem that people, especially business people are not interested in many civic activities. However. - we want to assure you that we are quite interested in helping the Negro, especially in Harlem, which should rightfully be the center of activities promoting the recognition of the American Ne­ gro. I have recently been appointed president of the Grace Del Marco Agency and I have as a very able assistant, Miss Lois Wil­ liams who brings to us a very rich experience in promotion and public relations. If there is any­ thing oor organization can do to help Harlem and«the "American Negro, please let us know. Incidentally, our top models are in the process of organizing the Del Marco Model’s Guild which has dedicated its first af. fair in benefit of t h e Amster­ dam News Camp Fund. They too have stated that their organiza- tlon is particularly interested in furthering the progress and op. portunities for the advancement of the American Negro Harold E. Carter, President Grace Del Marco Model Agency ~56 W 42nd St. New York, N.Y. Sir: In behalf of Jehovah's Wit- nesses of New York Circuit 2 that assembled ln convention at New Rockland Palace, March 22-24 I would like to express my thaius for your excellent coverage of that assembly. We know that your newspaper is interested in the community and all the news that is of inter­ est to the public in general. We believe that our convention is of such occasion since we hold out the Bible's answers to mankind's problems today. We know that you will continue to bring more good information to the public through your newspaper. Again I would like to thank you for your kindness and look for­ ward to further pleashnt asso ciations with you in the future. George W. Richardson News Service Manager Jehovah’s Witnesses, N.Y. A Toast To Hicks Sir: Your "Giant Killer" ed itorial in the April fourth ed­ ition of the Amsterdam News was more than commendable. Finally a black man, a black brother has had the opportunity and the naked courage to "to tell it like tt is.” It has long been beyond my comprehension as to how the so-called leaders of the Negro people could constantly bicker among themselves. The time has past for that. My hat Is off to you sir, for stating the facts, for putting down in black and white for all ages to see. the call to unity Yet, there are many black men and women who would rather be anything else but one of you and me Let us hope the time for that will pass. More editorials, articles, col­ umns prove beneficial to the New York Amsterdam News, and also serve to alert our people of the dire need to unite, to see the handwriting on the wall. Malcolm X as everything is in his favor from history, or their religion. Mr. Hicks, yours was a very fine and honest editorial and again I must thank you for that. You are a courageous man, an] Danis A. intelligent human being, may God bless you! Mr. Theodore Baxter Brooklyn, N.Y. Our Visitors Sir: Re: Mr. Hicks and Miss Slack, On behalf of the class we wish to thank you for a very cultural morning. We enjoyed touring the main office of the Amsterdam News and learning the history of the Amsterdam News. We were thrilled to icarn how it is really "whtoped” to­ gether. Miss Slack has so much per sonality. We felt "at home” with her as our guide. We will never forget our question and answer period with you, Mr. Hicks. We learned so much. We learned one thing from you that we will always remenjbfr and that is, one vkno ^'‘enthusiastic about his work gets work done and is a success. Please extend our thanks to Mr. Todd for explantion of the duties of an editor and to Mr. Harrigan for his remarks on look­ ing for a Job. We regret we didn't have time to enjoy the cocoa. We enjoyed our visit so much we hope our teacher will plan this one again for us next year Nathaniel Macon Jr. High School Class 8-H Cassandra Kearse, Pres Thomas Johnson, Vic. Pres. Exciting Opportunity Sir: I want to take this opportun ity to thank the many people who wished me well' in my new position as Executive Director of Stuyvesant Community Center in Brooklyn. Giant Killers Sir: Your article “The Giant Killers” which you wrote in the April 8, publication of the Ams­ terdam News was splendid .It took great courage on your part to write it. Please keep up the good work. On page -38, also of the same publication it reads "Who are our Great Leaders Today?” Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wil­ kins, Jackie Robinson. Why not include the Honorable Elijah Mo­ hammed? I am sure the major­ ity of Afro-Americans who seek and know the truth about our great history will agree. Kenneth Douglas Bronx, N.Y. JFK's Action Sir: This has reference to Jackie Robinson and several of his ar­ ticles which appeared in your paper about the Democratic Par ty, and more particularly, “The great masterpiece,” recently on Tokenism. Mr. Robinson speaks of the President's delay in signing the executive order on bousing and felt that he waited until the or­ der was stripped of all its Im­ portant teeth before he signed It. rd like to say to Mr. Robin son, Just as a Democratic citi­ zen to a "so-called” Negro lead­ er that President Kennedy has spoken out and done more on important issues in the two years of office than former President Dwight Eisenhower did in the eight years he was in office. It is also my opinion that President Eisenhower wasn’t neutral in as I want to agree with Malcolm X, I cannot help but agree with I am excited by this oppor­ tunity to direct this, the only- of one of its members. This is the Board which tests and approves In the second place, the timing of the case was perfect. Public teachers and principals in our New York schools. It jgjtoa *8*^ him was running is also a Board which has never had a Negro to sit ln the thir(j pjac<i this was a good way to embarrass him pub­ on it in its entire 60-year history. It is also the same licly, since both litigants were Board which now faces a Congressional inquiry into Negroes, no one could yell dis­ charges that it has practiced racial disrimination crimination. against Negro teachers to the point that not one Negro holds a job as principal from among New York’s 44,000 teachers. We will leave the proof of those charges to the findings of the investigating committee. But we must say that the watered down prestige of the Board of Examiners and indeed of the Board of Education itself would be greatly enhanced if it would shop around and find a qualified Negro to fill the existing vacancy on the Board of Examiners. As for Williams’ statement about Powell rapping the NAACP, Powell was not wrong, I, person­ ally, don’t think he was rapping the NAACP as much as he was rapping the Negro, for not sup­ porting this organisation to the extent that they shouldn’t have to have white people in policy making positions. And I under­ stand that this is exactly what is happening. As a matter of fact, Gertrude Wilson, a white colum­ nist in the New York Amsterdam News, also says she can’t under Letter Of The Week r (An Editorial) Dear Sir: President Kennedy does honor to himself when he picks up the phone and inquires concerning the safety and well being of the Rev. Martin Luther King in a Birmingham, Alabama Jail. For Martin Luther King is no ordinary individual. On the contrary, Dr. King ln a certain sense is the image of the rebelling spirit of black men all over the world. And in that sense in his refusal to grovel be­ fore the humiliating Jim Crow laws of Birmingham, he simultaneously rejects the entire conditions of second class citizenship handed down by the white south. The extent to which nis actions are hail­ ed and approved by other Negroes throughout Amer­ ica is the measure of the Negro’s reaction to second class citizenship. We scarcely need to go further — Dr. King un­ doubtedly has captured the hearts and mind of the Negro like no other American ever has. This in turn clearly demonstrates the Negro’s reaction to second class citizenship. It is to President Kennedy’s credit that he fully understands all this. Many non oppressed persons often find it difficult to understand. They find it difficult to fathom how conditions can reach a point in one's life where one would in­ deed rather die on his feet than live on his knees. Dr. King is that manner of man. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of a common good which he considers more important than his own destiny. It may come as news to some that there are many more Negroes like him. This is what Martin Luther King means when he faces the dogs and the guns and clubs of Xhe bigots of Birmingham and says proudly: “I am somebody! Here is a Negro who has found himself and who is determined to let the world know he exists. Some misguided people who see Dr. King lead a prayer march to the very doors of a white church where he is rejected and refused, conclude that Rev. King and the Negroes with him are motivated by resentment and envy of the whites. But they are wrong. There is no envy here. One envies what one does not have, but King’s aim in life is to defend what he has. For Dr. King and Negroes who follow him are not claiming anything which they do not have or anything which has been taken from them. On the contrary, they are claiming recognition for the individual dignity and heritage which they have always had and which they have suddenly come to realize is more to them than life itself. In Birming­ ham, in Greenwood, in all other places where Negroes are asserting themselves they are seeking, not to conquer, but to impose. They are simply refusing to be humiliated with­ out asking that others be humiliated also. We repeat — here is no no usual man. And Presi­ dent Kennedy shows by his deep understanding of Martin Luther King that he is no usual man either. Cicero Miller, L.I.C., N.Y. non-sectarian settlement house in many issues as he professed to Bedford-Stuyvesant. It aka has have been. As we all know, in- the greatest potentiality for deal-]telligent people aren’t neutral in matters that involve human be­ ing with the social needs of this ings. I believe that he was for or community. against everything that he claim­ ed to be neutral on. I have inherited a skilled staff and program that deals with a vast number of serious problems. We have recreation for the han­ dicapped and the mentally re­ tarded. We also conduct pro­ grams to prevent delinquency. The Center is actively finding and training community leaders both youths and adults. Our other services are summer camp referrals, day camp program and tutorial service. All of this is in addition to our regular group work and recreational services. I can do this Job only with tlie active support of the com­ munity. I hope we can be part­ ners in success. Dryden Executive Director Stuyvesant Community Center I firmly believe that President Kennedy is living up to his cam­ paign promises reasonably well when you consider the condition that former President Eisenhow­ er left the country in. A democratic citizen and friend of all people. Thomas E. Hairston Brooklyn. Seeks Research Info. Sir: I am a student at Brooklyn College. I’m doing a research paper on the Negro and his par­ ticipation in the Civil War. In my research material, I found a statement by George W’. Williams author of “Negro Troops In the Rebellion 1861- 1862”, whereby he had suggest­ ed to Congress in 1886, or there­ abouts, that a monument be erec­ ted in the park in front of How­ ard University to the Negro soldiers who fought in service to ♦his country and that the park be named for Negro soldier Ro­ bert Gould Shaw. I am Interest­ ed to know whether or not this suggestion was ever acted upon. I would appreciate any infor­ mation you or your office can give me concerning this matter. If you are unable to, will you be so kind as to tell me where I can obtain the information I seek. • Brooklyn To Bob Weaver Sir: Your April 13, article on Mr. Robert Weaver (Federal Housing Administrator) and Mr. Jack Woods (NAACP'a Special Assistant on Housing! was very well expressed. It's pathetic that people who should be look­ ing out for the public Interest, fail to perform their duties properly. Mr. Weaver and Mr. V could well take an ex<v Christ being crucified, had a Job to do and hr He even died for ft. » Jfo one is asking you Mr. Weaver. But pleas, signing F.H.A loans that t. used for building segregate;, houses, and Mr.' Woods please expose the people who are dis­ criminating against Negroes in housing. We all have duties to perform in this world, and nothing should stop us from performing them. Winston M. Clarke Now York. N.Y. 4k> _ LA ~ Untitled Document file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/Administrator/Desktop/hello.html2/18/2007 11:01:03 AMThomas M. Tryniski 309 South 4th Street Fulton New York 13069 www.fultonhistory.com