New York Amsterdam News — 1963-00-00041

■........... m— *«Y*X*! T C • V1’ • • * » Landslide! Another Angle There 9s A Limit! By JAMES L. HICKS I don’t believe James Meredith Is going to quit the University of Mississippi, either this semester or any other semester. But, if he would quit tomorrow, or in fact had quit a month ago, I don’t see how anyone could blame him. There is a limit to what a human being can stand, and so far as I’m concerned, Meredith went far be­ yond that limit when he stayed on the campus that first night when two men were killed and 118 wounded in the war to keep him out of the school. I was there. It so happens that I was also on the campus of the University of Alabama and helped bring Autherene Lucy off the campus through a howling mob with bricks flying through the windshield and Auth­ erene lying on the floor of the car to keep from having her brains knocked out by a bigot’s brick or to have her eyes gored out of her head by flying glass from the windshield of the car. That was the day I saw a hulking six-foot student at Alabama University stand ten feet away and throw a whole brick at the dean of women of the University as if she was one of those rag dolls you try to knock down with baseballs at a carnival. Ready To Go Back He did it because the white woman too was trying to protect Autherene Lucy, a black girl. Fortunately, he missed. When they ran us off the University of Alabama, campus, at Tuscaloosa Autherene and I ran all the way back to Birmingham. And I will never forget sitting with her and Thurgood Marshall in a Birmingham restaurant a few hours later and hearing Autherene say. “Well, what time do we go back to the school tomorrow?” I looked at Thurgood, Thurgood looked at Autherene in utter amazement, and said: “Ynu mean you’re ready to get back in a car and ridi back down there on that campus? Her answer was a classic! Said she in her soft, southern drawl: “If I don’t go back, they’ll think I’m scared.” I started to speak up and say, “Well honey, if you ain’t scared, I’m scared, and I’m not going back!” But Thurgood spoke first and saved me some embarrassment. * A Limit “Honey” said Thurgood. “There is a limit to what you have to go through. We aren’t going to let you get killed and that mob down there right now will kill you. “I want you to get away from here for a few days while this place cools off. Go somewhere. Get out of the state. “Where shall I go?” said Autherene. “Come to New York with me,” I said. (I wanted . to get out of Alabama and I couldn’t think of a bet­ ter way than to take the story with me). But when Autherene said, “all right,” I didn’t exactly know what to do. Where in New York — And to do what? Fortunately, I have a boss who is much more capable of liandling such things. I called him. And minutes later Autherene and I were on a plane for New York, headed for West­ chester County and my boss’ palatial home. Eventually Autherene went back - only to be expelled, again on some trumped up charges of the University. But on the day in question, Autherene Lucy just HAD to get away from that school, otherwise I think she would have lost her mind. I know I couldn’t have stayed there one more minute. It was the breaking point. And yet Meredith has actually gone through three or four such crises and he’s still there. My hat is off to him. I don’t know how he stands it. He’s better man than I am. And If he quits tomorrow, I won’t blame him! Manhattan And Beyond Nelson Rockefeller’s second in­ auguration as Governor of New York was impressive — in size of audience, dignity of program and the compliment paid by the Governor to his listeners in listing the chal­ lenges of the four years ahead in­ stead of bragging about the successes of his past term. It was the con­ fident speech of a man who has en- Joyed public office. GRANGEB is sure he has done well in it and looks forward to four more good years — whether in Albany or Washington. Go­ ing back to Manhattan, I couldn’t help grinning to myself over a “flash item” recently car­ ried by Jet Magazine identifying me as “the top Negro reportedly counseling Governor Nelson Rockefeller.” This read like an undeserved but friendly pat on the back — until the next sentence: Rocky’s still afraid to appoint Negroes to top slots because of the upstate conservative forces,” left the slender dagger quiver­ ing between my shoulder blades. For the unstated conclusion was “If Granger’s doing a coun­ seling job, it must be a pretty poor one.” And still I couldn’t help grin­ ning, because not only did the item assign me a non-existent role, its conclusion as to the Governor’s appointments policy By LESTER GRANGER was a perfect example of an un­ realistic, illogical Negro voting attitude. Negro Republican leaders throughout the country do and should express concern over their party’s appointment poli­ cies. For top GOP brass has not absorbed the lesson that Roose­ velt taught his Democratic bosses thirty years ago - that Democrats could recruit from Republican ranks by judicious appointment to attractive offices of able, influential young Ne­ groes. But it’s hardly the time for Negro Democrats to raise this issue — not after seventy-five per cent of the race’s vote went to the Democratic gubernatorial candidate who matched his com­ plete lack of public reputation and fumbling campaign state­ ments against a Republican gov­ ernor whose record was excellent at every point of our professed concern. The heavy majority of Negroes voted against Rockefeller simply because they were body-and-soul Democrats. How then can we turn around immediately and ask for recognition from the man we did our best to beat? The Need And still there should be more “top slot” appointments forth­ coming - and probably will be. For in the classic American pol­ itical tradition, appointments are political ammunition - to be expended as the targets are identified. But the job of identification is one for Negro Republican leadership — not a few leaders, but the body. This means fresher leadership, stronger leadership, more im­ aginative leadership. Then comes agreement on the x’s and y’s of party appointment. But this is a family matter until a break in Negro voting habits makes it an open-bargaining issue. As for me, don’t count me in that advisory group. - The only time I made like a political advisor, my advice to Nelson Rockefeller couldn’t have been more wrong. I advised him in 1958 not to go for the nomination; he couldn’t win, it was a “Democratic year, he ought to wait for better odds.” Nelson’s answer was prompt and firm: “I’m going to run because the state needs leadership that I think I can give. If the voters don’t want me but my party chooses me, I can still give the Republican Party leadership. And furthermore, a guy who won’t run for office un­ less he’s sure he can win ought not be allowed to run.” So he ran. And he won. And he’s given the leadership. So where does that leave me as “top counselor?” Like the bear, friend. Nowhere! And that’s why Jet made me grin. Pulse Of New York’s Public The Ameterdam Newt welcomee lettert on either Me of any rubfect ft It preferred that letter! not exceed 250 wordt that nuutt be tipned. Namet will bo withheld on requeet. No lettert oan bo returned. AU mutt be addretted to the tdltor Indebted Sir: W« *r» Indeed Indebted to you tor your active participation tn our drive to rid New York City of its hoodlum element dur­ ing the year 1362. A new year baa Just begun and it behooves us to firmly re­ solve that wo are again rededi eating our assistance to law en­ forcement agencies that are charged with the responsibility of making war on the subversive and depraved element which is continuously attacking decent citizens. Therefore, we are cordially in­ viting you to attend a meeting in the little Theater of the Har­ lem Branch Y.M.C.A. ISO West 135th Street, on Thursday. Jan­ uary 17, 1963 at 13:30 p.m. to formulate plans to step up the drive. Glester Hinds. Chairman YMCA N.Y.C. Our Pleasure Sir: With the holiday season Just ending, I wish to thank you for the help you have given us in our recent "poster campaign ” Thanka to your efforts, schools end organizations throughout the city have asked tor CCHR pos­ ters showing three youngsters of different races stating that "New Yorkers of Distinction Don't Dis criminate.” Now, we are at the beginning of a New Year, and with the New Year comes a new project Won t you help the Commission On Human Rights by earmark lng one session of a social studies class on problems of the com­ munity? We have two excellent discus­ sion guides which can aid you. One is a thirtyihree and one- third tape on the "Blockhuzter” as recorded by WNEW-Radio. The other is an interview by WCBS Newsmen with our Chair­ man. Stanley H. Lowell. Both, we believe, will provide the back­ ground for stimulating discus­ sion and are available free-on loan. . Madison S. Jones Executive Director Commission On Human Rights Appreciation Sir: As an officer and member of the National Alliance of Postal Employees permit me to express most heartily, my sincere thanks to you and your staff for the favorable publicity given our organization throughout the year. Best wishes tor a bigger and better paper in 1963. Robert Murdock, Jr., Editor 200 W. 135th Street Thank You Sir: I would like to extend my heart fill wishes to your news­ paper, its staff, and all who are connected with the printing of this paper, tor s most Joyous prosperous New Year. And to its readers I wish the same. Please lets have more under­ standing and less killing. Charles Richardson 475 West 165th St New York 32. N Y. An Oasis Sir: You must know what an oasis your newspaper is these days. Your coverage of city af­ fairs, as well as community affairs, is most necessary and welcome. i Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. 1 Robert A. Low, N.Y.C. Tax Problems Internal Revenue Service which can be gotten at any Post Of flee for 40 cents, will provide most of the answers to a lay man's questions. R.J. Meaddough III Eighth Ave., N Y. From Nigeria Sir: I request your kind per­ mission to appeal through the columns of yotfr widely circulat­ ed paper, for aid on behalf of myself. I am a Nigerian boy age 17 years, fair in complexion. I am a student of Lagos city college Sir. I would like you to adver tiae for me In your paper be­ cause I would like to have some Pen Pals In your country of both sex, regardless of age. My hob­ bies are atamp collecting and music. I also like to play foot' ball. I will answer all letters re­ ceived. I would Uke to exchange views about the two countries and exchange Nigerian made ar tides with the American made Ignatius Iaown 11, IJalye Street Olowo Mushin Lagoa, Nigeria About Culture Sir: As a former Revenue Offi­ cer who worked in the Harlem area, I can sympathize with last week's Letter to the Editor by George E. Fox; taxes can be a problem. For persons with addi­ tional part-time Jobs, the employ­ er at the part-time Job should be contacted and the W-4 Form (Number of Exemptions) should be changed to show one less ex­ emption than la declared at the fun-time Job. The total tax with­ held should Just about equal the tax due at the end of the year. The following Ups may help la preparing your tax statement: 1. Do not uae the tax "ex­ perts” in neighborhood drug and candy stores; they overcharge, they disappear, and the taxpay­ er Is responsible for anything they put down on the tax re­ turn. 1 If a reputable tax expert is used, make sure he signs the tax return. 3. Stay away from "Tax Sav­ ings” Books, they are designed for the well-to-do. not salaried employees. "Your Federal I n- come Tax,” a publication Of the ways worked willingly, earnestly and steadily for what he believed in. It would be wise to use this criticism to hit the attackers and hit them hard. The fight tor equality can be carried all the way by adding that very bit of culture that our attack ers are seeking. The Negroes can solidify their talents, fasten their seat belts, and present culture na­ tionally. We have It. Let's give It. By developing Intellectual prom­ inence we can gain permanent satisfaction. The talents and skills of the Negro can be circulated over and on higher planes. With­ in the skills of our people we can give the American public cultur­ al entertainment a mile long. It can be done, it should be done, not only because they ask for it, but It is also a pleasure to oblige DORIS SEWER Brooklyn, N.Y Warm Response Sir: Just a note or appreciation for the story about me entitled "Today’s Woman" In the Amster­ dam of Jan. 12, 1963- Heretofore I have been wary of such publi­ city because I didn't wiah to be set too far apart fromAhe people line" on this story because Miss Dixon deserves credit foe a Job well done. JEAN BLACKWELL HUTSON West 135th Street New York 30, N.Y. Now's The Time Sir: With nine of the leading newspapers on strike, it would be the time to spread Negro talent over a wider area. Why didn't your paper begin publishing daBy? Here la a chance in a million to bring to a greater light the ability of Negro writers. Among our Negro popu­ lation in the fight for equality, we also need to accentuate our skill and capabilities as well as our patience. We must let the people see that we are not only willing to take our stand, but are equally capable of maintaining the standards. If the newspaper strike has nothing to do with your circula­ tion, couldn’t this be considered? Negro capabilities are in need of the boost. DORIS SEWER 456 Schenck Ave. Brooklyn, N Y Correction Sir: In the Dec. 15th Issue of your paper, "Cosmos Club ad­ mits a Negro,” you spoke of a Dr. Lane of John Hopkins Uni­ versity, This Is Incorrect, the uni­ versity la known as Johns Hop­ kins. Mrs. Edna Cardwell 1909 Amsterdam Ave. New York 23, N. Y. Sir: There has been a consid­ erable amount of talk about the lack of Negro culture In the Ne­ gro recently, even though this is more than a deviation from the truth it becomes necessary to override this banal attack. The American Negro has trem­ endous potentialities, skills and capabilities. The Negro has al- with whom I work. Miss Dixon's presentation of me and my work in the Schomburg Collection have prompted a heart warming response from the Har­ lem community. After reading the story many have expressed an identification with this Library such as I have not known before. 1 am sorry you omitted the "by ♦ ♦ People In Action Merits of Maladjustment By DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING. JR. Segregation Is a national problem that will not be solved until enough people North and South, come to see that it is wrong, and are willing to work passionately and unrelenting to get rid of this cancerous disease. And I say to you that as you will know, this is not merely a Southern problem, it is a nation­ al problem. Segregation still exists in the South, in its glaring and con­ spicuous form; but we still find it in Chicago, Philadelphia, Los An- DR. KING geles, yes, and in New York, in its hid­ den and subtle forms. But if democracy is to live, segrega­ tion must die. So that there is need for a real commitment and a genuine liberalism. The person of genuine good will may rise up with righteous indig­ nation when a Negro is lynched in Mississippi, or when a bus is burned in Anniston, Alabama, but that same person must rise up with righteous in­ dignation when a Negro cannot live in his neighborhood, or when a Negro cannot get a particular job in his firm or in his organization, or in his par­ ticular industry, or when a Negro can­ not join his professional society, sim­ ply because of the color of his skin. In the final analysis, this problem will be solved when men develop the type of discontent which says, within, “We will take it no longer!” There are certain words in every academic discipline which soon be­ comes stereotypes and cliches. Every ^act of democratic discipline has its technical nomenclature. Modem psy­ chology has a word that is probably used more than any other word in modern environment. It is the word, “maladjustment.” Certainly, we all want to live the well- adjusted life in order to avoid neurotic and schizophrenic personalities. I say that there are some things ia our so­ cial order toward which I am glad to be “maladjusted.” I never intend to adjust myself to slavery and segregation. I never intend to adjust myself to religious bigotry. . / I never intend to become adjusted to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give lux­ uries to the few. I never intend to btcome adjusted to the madness of mil£arism,„for in a day when sputniks aid explorers are dashing through otter space, and guided, ballistic middles are carving highways of death ft i rough the strat­ osphere, no nation tan win a war. It is no longer 9 choice between vi­ olence and nonviolence. It is now either non-violexce or non-existence. And I never jatend to adjust to the madness of rolitarism and the self- defeating effects of physical violence. And so I oil upon you to be “mal­ adjusted” aid continue in the malad­ justment tint you have already dem­ onstrated, /or it may well be that the salvation of our world lies in the hands ofthe “maladjusted.” And 9, let us be maladjusted. ’ If yoi will allow the preacher in me to <ome out now, let us be as “mal- adjus^d” as the Prophet Amos, who, in t£ midst of the injustices of his day/ cried out Ih words that echo a cuss the centuries: “Let justice run dopn like waters, and righteousness lit a mighty stream.” Yoar Child's Health Baby Feeds Himself By Thomas W/Patrick, Jr., M.D. Every baby wants to feed himself. If you take advantage of his eagerness t learn, you can encourage him to d this at an early age. From the time your baby is six months old, he is learning to do things for himself. He starts by holding his own zwieback or teeth­ ing biscuit. Later he may hold his own bottle. As he progresses to chopped foods, he likes to pick up little bits and pieces and pop^them into his mouth. He is per­ fecting his hand movements, and he can practice the placing of thumb and forefinger together as he reaches for each morsel of food. When he is intro­ duced to meats, he will enjoy eating his hamburger in small pieces with his fingers. By the time he is one year old, he will show signs of wanting to use the spoon. If you encourage him, he will soon be able to manage a little food by himself. Poppy's Notes — National Treasures POPPY CANNON WHITE The current issue of /ports Illus­ trated magazine has a fory about a man who slim, young, brown led in Brazil has been officially accl He is Edison as a national treasur nto, known Arantes do N a s c i throughout the land Pele or more often Li Pele. For he weighs </>y about 140 pounds infdll regalia on the ield when he p 1 a y f for Santos, the Tlds champion soccer POPPY For the benefit/ any­ one who might blague as I am on su<-'ijictails, soccer is, arcoi/ng to our best sport­ ing life infornpts, a continental ver­ sion of footin where hands are barred. It is/^t to be confused with the no-tack/ or touch football so popular wit Jhe Kennedy boys - and girls. / Status </ft national treasure was conferred/order to thwart an Italian team whi/reqprtly offered half a mil­ lion doll J for Little Pele. The point of it all Ahat national treasures may not be r/oved from the home country except Mth the highest sanction, under A loftiest auspices and when the kind of tender, loving it is now being lavished on the Moi^Lisa, a national treasure of . since there is a possibility- faint possibility—that our Con- may take measures to curb fin­ ters and so have more time on ir hands fbr other pursuits, we [ght consider nominating a few of ur own national treasures . . . peo- >les whose prowess and personality bring true wealth and greatness to America. Suggestions Here are a few suggestions: The poet-playwright-author-laureate Langston Hughes, whose lllack Nativ­ ity, in spite of the newspaper strike, created such a stir at Lincoln Center during the holiday season, that plans are afoot to present it each Christmas for years to come. Marian Anderson, even If she never sang anything else except “He Holds the Whole World in His Hands,” as she ^ did recently on the three national TV networks. Joe Louis, who believed victory was assured because “we are on God’s side.” Jesse Owens, who will probably re­ main for generations symbol of the swiftest. Jackie Robinson, who makes as many home runs in the civil rights arena as he did on the baseball dia­ mond. Duke Ellington, our musical ambas­ sador to the world. - Burden On U. S. Willy Mays, who, to the youth of the world, represents the United States more vividly than Uncle Sam himself. But the most significant of our na­ tional treasures at the present writ­ ing is a slim, sad-eyed, young Air Force veteran. He does not play, sing or write. He has had no opportunity to engage in athletics other than walk­ ing the grim gauntlet between jeering classmates, fighting the tragic battle against loneliness and ostracism, rac­ ing against time and unbelievable frustration. Door” > t N. Y. AMSTERDAM NEWS, Bat, Jan. 1>, 1H» a U Wh I te-On-White Lincoln Had A Plan By GERTRUDE WILSON Would it have made a great differ­ ence to Negro Americans if, in 1865, Lincoln’s proposal to pay the Southern States $400,000,000 to make a new start had been followed? Allan Nevins, In an article in the Nevins says, “He was ready to giv» the new problems of the nation the three essentials that, after his assas­ sination, were most conspicuously lacking in the Reconstruction period: Patience, Planning, and Pecuniary Generosity.” Certainly the lot of the Negro Am­ erican would have been far easier if something had been done to give him a start in a material way. Something is always better than nothing. January 5, “Saturday Review,” entitled “The •Centenary of Emanci­ pation” suggest that if such a thing had taken place, we would not be in the position we are today. Dr. Nevins gives strong evidence that one hun­ dred years ago think- WILSON had been freed, lng American, recognized that Ne- ,™°ugh,the groes, had the abilities and talent, of « “ .n;ake ^em equM ta the minds of most men, Northern or all men given opportunity. Southern. But I think that it is fuzzy thinking to believe that had Lincoln lived, and had $400,000,000 been poured into the South for black and white alike, the problem would have been solved. “Great is the virtue of this Procla- If “Ole Massa’* had Riven the same mation,” wrote Emerson, 'It works Wnd 0( patemallstlc «« which he bad when men are sleeping when the army rendered under goes into winter quarters when gen- covered up (or centurlea fact a rials are treacherous and imbecile. the inequality of men without equal And Dr. Nevins adds, “It still works while men sleep and state leaders are treacherously obstructive.” Nevins points out that the turning point came in the establishment of Pointing out that Lincoln had been the NAACP, which occurred in 1909. a gradualist in his thinking prior to That turning point cams from the In­ the secession of the Southern states, spiration of Negroes who know their Nevins at the same time credits him own worth, their rights, and their with thinking ahead to the plight of needs> „d up^XSthX rights before the law. he would I1an easy fight It hM pation, even though this involved cost gr^y the Negro community, dreams of setting them up in colonies livcs> self.esteem, and in evory- abroad. day CDmjorte Coming to grips with the actual!- But the fact ik that it is the Negro’s ties of freedom vs slavery, however, fight. It is one which has been fought Lincoln did not falter, nor did he and is being won by him alone. No equivocate. He signed the Emancipa- white man has given him his men­ tion Proclamation, and was in the hood, his citizenship, or his rights, process of making plans of something He has demanded and won them, like “40 acres and a mule” for the This is far better than forty acres freed men, when he was assassinated, and a mule. Dear Sally 205 In Family By SALLY DEAR SALLY: I’m a man with a fairly comfortable salary, and we live in modest circumstances. Our daugh­ ter ia engaged to a fine young man next month, and we want to give her as nice a wed­ ding as we can afford. We had been planning a church ceremony and a dinner for relatives and close friends. Last night the groom’s mother sent us her guest list, and we SALLY were almost floored. It contained 205 names! We had confined our list to 35. When my wife phoned to express our surprise at the size of her family, the woman explained that most of the Uptown Lowdown people on her list were customers of her husband. We don’t like the idea ner for a crowd as large as this. How can I handle this? FRED. ' DEAR FRED: Since you are the host and are paying for this dinner, it is your inalienable right to decide how far you want to go. Since these people seem to be using the wedding as a stimulant for their business, suggest that THEY give a reception after the honeymoon, and then they can invite the whole town if they wish. But make it plain now that your guest list must be limited, that you have invited only 35 people, and that you’d appreciate their sticking close to that figure, too. Political Pot By JAMES BOOKER" Name Dropping: Manhattan Borough President Ed­ ward R. Dudley off on a brief vacation visiting his son in college in California ... Dr. Ralph Bunche confiding to friends that the Congo is the real showdown, and that the UN must win this one, not only for its own prestige, but in re­ gard to the world color question also ... Famed singer Leontyne Price has told her agents she doesn’t want any con­ certs during the 1963-64 season ... What’s to the rumor that the NAACP’s national office is seek- HOOKER ing larger quarters to house all of its offices which are now split in two buildings? ... National Urban League officials awaiting the Rockefeller Bro­ thers plan on aiding Job placements of Negro college graduates before an­ nouncing the major project . . . Col. Hubert Fauntleroy Julian tells this col­ umn that he has $24,000 still in the Congo in Tshombe’s possession, but he has written the State Department that he can keep It. He says the money is for medical supplies he sold the government..., Why aren’t more Ne­ gro organizations criticizing the Ken­ nedy administration for its refusal to come out for any civil rights legisla­ tion? ..'.. Around Town: More top names due to be revealed In the major Income tax evasion probe now underway . . . The old Dewey Square hotel being renovated for a city rehabilitated housing project. Now somebody should do the same for a few others we can think of in the com­ munity . . . Harlem civic and com­ munity leaders are challenged in the Harlem YMCA’s dollar for dollar cam­ paign to renovate their buildings. For every dollar the Y gets, they get anoth­ er from the Central YMCA. Have you made your contribution yet? . . . Ex­ newsman Conrad Clark received Christmas greetings from Gen. Chung Hee Park, the Korean Chief of State . . . Attorney Bruce Wright’s wife, Yvette, awaiting word to see if they can make the law firm Wright and Wright. Ditto for pretty Viola Dickens, niece of Supreme Court Justice Thom­ as Dickens ... Harlemites had a scare last week over the false rumor that Rep. Adam Powell’s aide, Bill Hampton was killed in an auto crash, but were relieved when he showed up . . . Fred Weaver, Jr., entering Howard in Feb­ ruary . . . Clubhouse Row: Top Democrats huddling in Wash­ ington, D. C., this weekend for the an­ nual national dinner, and to plan strategy for the 1964 campaign . . . Negro Democrats are taking a second look at the Wagner administration. Few new appointments since the re- election, and the open door policy seems to be closing on Negro political leaders who are getting nothing much First, let's set rid of the . BUBBLE GUM.//" Home Plate ' The Loving Cup By JACKIE ROBINSON I sincerely hope all who read this column had an enjoyable holiday. I don’t often write about highly personal things but I’m anxious to let the world know that for my wife, Rachel and me, this holiday season turned out to be the most wonder­ ful we’ve ever experienced. I’m not speaking so much of the many cards and nice gifts which we received. There was one gift which we wouldn’t exchange for a million dol­ lars. Our three children—David, Sharon and Jackie, Jr. — presented us with a loving cup. On it were written the simple words: “To the best parents.” Under this inscription were their ROBINSON names. At our home in Connecticut, I hfcve a trophy room in which I keep many mementos of my sports career — as well as plaques, awards and loving cups of all descriptions which have been given to me for work in the civil rights field after I left the -jnnomr— TtTrTflrmr^^*"” game. Among the most prized possessions in this trophy room are the NAACP’s Spingam, The Base­ ball Hall of Fame trophy and the SCLC’s 1962 Hall of Fame Plaque. t Yet, honestly, I can say that Rae and I prize this loving cup we received from the youngsters above anything we have. I develop this subject because I am hoping there will be a bit of help for others in my expres­ sion of the reason for our gratitude. Problems - / Let me not kid you for one moment. I don’t want to pretend that all is perfect harmony and bliss at our home. Like any other family, we have our problems. Up until this Christmas, we haven’t been sure we were even on our way to solving some of our problems. The loving cup has given us hope that we may be able to make a deal of progress in 1963. We believe the solution to difficult family situa­ tions lies in the projection of love and kindness be­ tween children, parents and others who are in close contact. We also believe that casting one’s bread upon the waters truly returns happiness to those who give as well as to those who receive. Sitting down to our holiday meal, I found my­ self hoping and wishing that there could be more closeness among families — all kinds of families, but particularly Negro families. I single out the - Negro because we always hear so much about the high rate of crime in Negro communities. Our leaders talk of the sources of that crime — job discrimination, overcrowding, segregation, neg­ lect. Take A Look Usually, this criticism^ is levelled against white society for keeping the Negro within a walled fence — subtly in the North and openly in the South. While I feel this position is justified, I would like to say it is time for the Negro parent to take a long inward look in an attempt to find out how much he is responsible. You may live segregated, but you don’t have to live without love in your home. You may be crowded into an over-priced, under-serviced apart­ ment, put there’s still room in your home for kids and grownups to try to help each other. I have seen so much in the Harlem area — so much that points to the fact that, if our youngsters had the kind of home life they need and deserve, we’d have a lot less of them going around getting themselves into trouble. I just wanted to say that I hope your 1963 will be Just fine. Iwanted to get over the thought that you can make it a better year for yourself and those close to you if you just get a little closer to them. X 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