New York Amsterdam News — 1963-00-00772

It a N. Y. AMSTERDAM NEWS, Sat., Sept 21, 1%3 Amsterdam Netos"$E^ C. B. POWELL President 8c Editor P. M. H. Savouy, Stcy-Treeu. - J. L. Hicks, Execntiie Editor W. a BmI. CTnSin R. A. Walt ASvertMiw Director; E M J OrcutattM cUrge—; rt J. H Walker. OKy RUtot. J. W Wada. Published weekly by the Powell-Savory Corporation at 2340 Eighth Ave., N Y. Telephone Academy 2-7800 Brooklyn office, 1231 Bedford Avenue. Telephone ULster 7-2300. nee — • HM 6 Not la Vain * Birmingham's shame has at last awakened the consciousness of many Americans — including many Southerners who have up to now either re­ mained silent or gave tacit support to the racist? and extreme segregationists and their terroristic activities. The fact that such a heinous bombing had to occur, four little girls had to die and two young boys in the tragic aftermath is a high price to pay to awaken these Americans to the sober realization that America is a country of 14 ws by which all men must abide and each citron is guaranteed protec- tion under these laws. The wonderful calmness exhibited by the Negroes in Birmingham should draw the admira­ tion erf the world. Yet it should be evident fdr all to see that this calmness only camouflages & seeth­ ing bitterness beneath the surface that could ex- plode into something devastating unless something is done and done quick. The recommendation that Birmingham hire Negro policemen is one welcome suggestion. But there are more grievances in this steel city, and the uneasy truce which was agreed on during the spring may be broken unless the city government honestly implements the concessions agreed upon then. Not only is this- imperative in the City of Birmingham, but in other Southern cities where the drive for Negro rights continues. Ahd not only in the South, but in the North as well. It would be the shame of America if these six children died in vain. Faith In Harlem It is heartening to note that while Harlem is the subject of criticism from many areas—both outside and within—there remain some groups which indicate by their actions that they have faith in the commun­ ity and its people. Only this week, the Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company—long an established , branch in the com­ munity—opened its sparkling new offices at 125th Street and Eighth Avenue, a standing monument of glass, lights, steel and brick which brightens up the area and affirms the bank’s positive belief in Har­ lem. Another note of confidence in the community comes with the announcement of the proposed Free­ dom National Bank which was granted a national charter last week. This first commercial bank in the Northeast with Negro leadership is being organized by a group of whites and Negroes. It plans to locate on West 125th Street. Last week’s preliminary approval by the U.S. Controller of the Currency, which regulates federally chartered or national banks, marks the “go ahead” signal for the bank which expects to have initial capitalization of $1.5 million. This is’ a welcome addi­ tion to this community. , Both these banks, the one long established and the one just budding, are positive signs that the Harlem community is still one of growth, that there are people who believe in it, and that they are willing to invest in it and become a part of the spirit of this large area of New York City in which we live. We congratulate both banks. What Justice?_____ What can the Negro expect in the form of justice? Nothing if one is to judge by recent events in Mary­ land, in Alabama and in Mississippi. Nothing if one must see a Maryland socialite be­ gin a Six-month manslaughter sentence for the fatal canning of a Negro hotel barmaid — and even then not until after his sentence was delayed so he could harvest his crops. Nothing if one must see an Alabama jury refuse to bring in an indictment in the case of a Freedom Walker who was killed and release the grocer whose gun checked with the bullets found in the slain man’s body, . Nothing if one must watch and count up daily the 22 (at last count) bombings in Birmingham, Ala­ bama. And finally nothing - but nothing — as one must note the delay after delay in the case of racist, Bryon De La Beckwith, who has been charged withrthe am­ bush slaying of Med gar Evers. We note the Mississippi Supreme Court has ordered Beckwith to submit to a mental test on Octo­ ber 14. We thought he had already submitted to mental examinations. What gives? Nothing’ A Slaying A Hollis, Long Island, woman died last week from wounds she received when a white bigot shouted, •*! hate N - - - • rs” before he slashed her all over her body. The news of her death was duly carried by the metropolitan press, but in a rather casual way— almost as an afterthought. . We mention this here because we wonder in what fashion this slaying would have been treated had the "Toman been white and the slayer a Negro. Actually, we do not wonder. We know. And there­ in lies a sad commentary on the treatment of the news in New York City in the year 1963 » The Guillotine Heroes Of Emancipation By THOMAS LAFON tionist movement, the American Antialavery Society and the Un­ derground Railroad movement. Bix-ause lie was extremely mod­ est. he avoided publicity. At his death in 1893, I^afon left the remainder of his wedlth - some 8600.800.80 (which would be worth about 3 million today! to charity. During the year 1810, in New Orleans, Thorny Lafon was born of a black Haitian mother and a French father. Early in the nine­ teenth century, the richest and most cultured Negroes in the United States lived in New Or­ leans. This wan n class of free Negroes, mostly mulnttoes nnd slaves; some owned cotton nnd sugar plantations, others were noted writers, artists, dress de­ signers and businessmen. A Un­ ion officer who saw them after the city had fallen to Federal forces in the Civil War said lie was amazed at their number and wealth. "These are not the for­ mer slaves but the former mas­ ters.” he said. By 1893, the prestige of the Negro m New Orleans had fallen very low. The Ku Klux Kian had taken pver and Jim CrodTprac- tices such as segregated public transportation which had not been known in New Orleans prior to the Civil War — had been Intro­ duced. However, de^ite thb radi- cal change, so great had Lafon’s Early in his childhood, Lafon prestige become that the state legislature voted to honor him in memoriam. was deserted by his father. He began to earn a living by do­ ing odd jobs. For the next aev- eral years he managed to save most of his earnings which be invested in real estate. As a result of his shrewd investments, he became very prosperous. By the time he reached the age of sixty, he was said to be one of the richest men in New Orleans. Because Laton had felt the sting of poverty, he decided to spend the remainder of his life helping the underprivileged and needy He built a home for the aged; another for homeless boys; gave generously to public causes, churches and charitable bodies. During the last, twenty-three years of his life, Lafon made large contributions to organiza­ tions fierhtinir fnr IhA cause of the A noted white author ia Loui­ siana at that time, Grace King, wrote: "Thorny Lafon. seeing no color nor sect in his love for mankind, distributed his life* earnings indiscriminately among black and white. Protestant and Catholic alike. The state legisla­ ture has ordered his bust to be caned and set up in the public' institutions of the city ... It will , be the first public testimonial by / a state to a man of color in recognition of his broad human- rtarianism and true-hearted phil- anthropy." "Thanks to thee for uniting high principle with goodness. No name will live longer than thine - Lafon.” Cn urntfi a nnr-t linon Crossword Bock I come to the police station and ! offer to pay for ihe damaged Sir: I am a faithful reader of ear. The owner probably puts up your newspaper. I enjoy it very fhe price a litle, withdraws the much. But what happened tlb'^e charges, and the boys go free crossword puzzle that you usedtoexcept Tor parental punishmmt But if five Negro boys do the I miss it, and I’m sure other s8me thing. the fathers probably readers do too./To me the paper cannot afford to pay. the charges are pressed, the youths are fined and/or jailed, and all have a po. is incomplete without it. Lets have them again run every week. Pearl Williams bee record. New York. N. Y. Editor’* Note; The crossword is back in the paper oo SL Should Pay Respect Sir: If we are not going to nse organized violent tactics to avenge the brutal death of our young racial relatives, who re­ cently gave us their last full meas­ ure of devotion on the bloody battlefields of Birmingham, then I suggest that at least we should pay our respects to their bereaved jCgr0__ This is not just imagination. After a coming out party in Southampton, New York for Fer­ nanda Wanamaker Wetherill 'more than one handredjyoung [socialites went on a rampage and i completely wrecked a thirty room mansion that had been rented for the guests. The news report says. "Thirty youths were question'd at police headquarters,, but no formal complaints were signed. The youths promised to see that the damages were rapaired " Can anyone doubt that if poor youths had caused the ,____ . lamilie, by Personally ...ending the funeral services. charged and convicted? Alfred Baker Lew.s , . ’ . r,__ , , _ _ New York ____ , ~ Without the coaxing, or the aid, or the advice that is normally necessary to bring large crowds . together, hundreds and thousands Community Service of us should help dignify the chJ-i ■ dren’s funeral by spontaneously Sir: Hoard of Directors, arriving there on the announced the G«‘dance Staff and theYouth, date. We should refrain from are Wr>’ lawful tor your sup- wearing smiles on our faces, or •x>rt o( x ocational Guidance fancy clothes on our backs dur- and Workshop Center, as evidenc­ ing the day of the services. The by your recent generous dona- blue denim pants and jacketsthattK>n of S300 have become a uniform of the no' W‘e know by your dedicated violent freedom fighters should service to the community in pro­ tiding funds for the many agen- be our adopted dress. Now is the time for all good vies that you too are concerned black men to come to’the aid of about the problems of delinquen- their race. The round trip lad-.vy facing us road fare from New York to Bir­ mingham is $65 35. Your gift has made it possible for the staff to provide service Godfrey S. Bailey-, Sr. for several from the waiting list 205-23 115th Drive and to take off the hot streets St Albans, New York of Harlem youngsters who need to breathe some fresh air for . '. couple of weeks in the coun­ try. Without your help they would Against It — - Along The Way Selling Civil Rights One of the major weaknesses of the Negro’s campaign for full equality is pointed up by the lat­ est Gallup poll showing that one- half of American white adults be­ lieve the Kennedy Administra­ tion is pushing civil rights too fast. The weakness is that while we are making our de­ mands clear, and while some gains are being register­ ed, we are not giv­ ing the proper at­ tention to the woo- WILKINS ing and winning of the wide­ spread white public opinion that we must have if victories are to be made permanent and if liv­ ing together is to be more than an uneasy and grudging truce. There is no escaping the basic reality that an extremely under­ privileged and under - powered numerical minority (of one to ten) must win its bedrock battle in the court of public opinion. Since its campaign tools are of limited power, it must ’ engage consciously and intelligently and Skillfully in intergroup educa­ adher- tion in order to win the cannot ents that it needs but force into line. By ROY WILKINS The Gallup question was fram­ ed around the Kennedy Adminis­ tration knd thus snared some partisan antagonism which the civil rights issue, Of itself, might not have recruited. But if we al­ low a few points for this, the per­ centage is still a measure of the tasks — and the risks — facing the civil rights drive. This fairy tale about Negroes “going too fast” has won a lot of support since the late William Faulkner gave it importance and glamor in his 1956 letter to LIFE. It is as phony now as it was then, but in -the intervening seven years our side and our people have not carried on a systematic campaign of rebuttal. We have the facts on our side, but we don’t use them. We snort and stomp in our own backyard, tell­ ing our truths to each other. Every corporation selling a product has a public relations de­ partment to win friends and sell products or ideas. Every foreign country employs firms here to tell its story to the American gov­ ernment and to the American people. We give the back of our hand to the White Citizens Council, but it is busy with leaflets and speak­ ers before any kind of club (in Northern cities) with letters to Northern newspapers and with little radio and television stations in smaller towns. It works stead­ ily on building a public opinion in support of its views. The Gallup poll shows that the “slow-down” opposition is 60% among college whites; 55% among high school whites; and 54% among those with grade school education; 63% among Republi­ cans; 51% among Democrats, 56% among Independents; 57% among manual workers, 63% among Protestants; 57% in the Far West; and a whopping and surprising 56% among those 30 to 49 years, of age, with the same percentage for white collar workers. The Negro must keep up the direct action program of protest. He must use the courts and he must have civil rights legisla­ tion. He must use his political and consumer buying power. But, he must also mount an educational campaign to win a substantial per­ centage of the 168 million white American minds. Without this percentage his victories here and there may be but tactical and temporary. Pulse Of New York’s Public The Amsterdam News welcomes letters on either side of any subject. Jt is preferred that letters not exceed 250 vords and must be signed. Names util be withheld on reguest. No letters can be returned All must be addressed to the Editor they Sir: I would like to offer mv be left here all summer On Charlayne white man who usually uses usrifice her whole life for civil for his own benefit. rights. The white paper carried their marriage story for two days and stopped. Now this colored paper wiii carry ii fw a month Sir: I suppose by now I cm My letter is perhaps too late to too late to participate in the sir- make your publication this week. ttheirss tins is iny way of vey you were taking in answer to should Charlayne analyzing the question you posed the question married a white: Hunter have man? Nevertheless, I am writing i this letter to you to give you my point of view. I Sir: "Charlavne’s Marriage" in and feel that people should mar- last week's AMSTERDAM which, Iry the person w hom they fed < overed portions of three pages in) they will be happy with. Without 6 or 7 columns was the most rid- More Charlayne Although I am a liberal thinker Don't you ever learn anything Dorothy L. Hoppibs new’ I am tired of buying the Amsterdam News. You always -------— know how it begins and ends, like a fifty cents movie, so cheap and loaded with cheap society talk. The only thing you print that is opinion of Charlayne Hunter's mixed marriage I think Miss white man has ever served a day Hunter is a disgrace to our race. for these crimes. There have bettn no arrests. The man who was ar- ^er actions show a clear lack of rested for the murder of freedom rac'a’ Pr’dc and principle walker, William Moore, was re-1 , leased last week because the grand se<",en‘ statements to the press jury refused to indict him. reflect the current social and Backbone Needed Editor's Note — Mr. Palmer de- Miss Hunter's attitude and sub- serves this credit—It’s his baby. Kate J. Hicks Vocational Guidance Workshop Center 467 W 140th St. This is typical of the kind of moral a,titule’ °\our Ne gro women. They strive by means Sir; Negroes In America ought of wigs, bleaching creams and to develop some backbone and strained speech patterns to be discipline themselves. They should white and a part of the white so reject inter marriage and fight it rial set. fiercely,, like the Jews do. justice that you can expect in the south. Even if the man who bombed the church was fouod, they would not indict him. If by some miracle he were tried nnd is his one misemble regards to the color of their skin.i iculous thing I have ever heard nevertheless in the case of Char- or read. It informed the layne Hunter, being a first to in- of the AMSTERDAM that tegrate the University of Georgia, have more space than news. I have been a reader of my answer would be no. She did what most whites fear AMSTERDAM since I came to the Negro will do after integra- New York over a year ago. aid verti semen ts. different is these ad CM1VjCtwj I personally write the White .............................................................. They think by adopting the ap- vou 1 eVM7 nwn,h- and ** an more9 No y answer, but don't worry I won't) ,, send it to the Amsterdam News,' Kovernmeat must prov.de t lC for that will be the end of my Protection now. They should move a military police unit into Birm­ ingham, the same type of unitjrountry s^’ ’ doesn t accept them like anybody else, with feet When white folk in the east. life worth the lives of four of "our pearances and habits of the other west, north and in the moon tee race they can achieve some- <h»t Negroes are no longer pussy- thing. The sad commentary on with the white on this rec­ all this Is that the Chariavne ial business they will come down Hunters and others find that the ofT ’^ir high hoise. They will white social structure in this admit (hat they are human beings. ichildren, and the health of many ..a White House letters from Wash ington tion that the students sent into?n I these schools should try to avoid any such entanglements with the whites, since they are first and (trying to pave the way for other AMSTERDAM Helen Anderson th,n«s y°Uth? 2186 Fifth Avenue New York,"ncw'York help and publicity than the Ne-^^s ,B New Y*k , n L T?eI last two'Negro Borneo, tliat it „ K^ts know whom to frighten and a shame to love and marrv black. 'nonk*^ k""w are eoualivl* <«' «»* WvaH T blafk ’•»<•<' TheCharlaynelfunter ’*e ,cc. "V8™, . wyatt T. __ . _______ .. Negroes to enter. As a rule I usually think of all Mental Midgeft people as human beings belong- Sir: H Governor Wallace and ing to one race the human race, bis cohorts are mental midgets as having the same wants, needs'you say, Negroes must be halves and desires, so why make a big of mental midgets because they c^.r.‘h in •» the red necks. Due to my liberal thinking to do over who marries who as are the ones who feel Inferior if long as .the persons involved fiad they cannot sit besides, go to happiness. Other races intermor- school with, or live next door to ry if they choose to do so, so why not the Negro? The so - called meatal midgets never feel inferior if no Negroes about this subject I have almost are around. - In fact, they arc been killed by a group of tenants quite happy living among them- residing In the building where 1 selves, while Negroes have night- reside. And due to the ifflQiual mares because whites move out circumstances I have not been of their neighborhoods. able to get anyone to help me with this problem It would make fine reading for the newspaper public if It could be uncovered They have even secured the help of Negroes in their evil scheme. Donald Richmond Brooklyn, NY Offended, Shu It Birmingham Bombing . Sir: The barbaric bombing of a a!°—‘.!.ng,v?"r hildren and wounding many more should end the "non-violent" phase af this struggle. No leader, including the great Dr. Martin King, has a right to ask us to allow our children to be bombed to pieces. One child's head wes blown completely off. Dur children have a right to expect us to protect them, even it it means our lives. Shouting insults and throwing eggs is one thing but bombs is entirely some­ thing different We cannot torn the other cheek to outright in agery We will get even less re- spect than we have now. We Negroes know very little about cooperation or standing up you don't know what to print that for each other. We would do wril win interest the public, why not to take a pattern after the Jew- merge with the Pittsburgh Cour- ish people who stick together iikeier or Chicago Defender, glue. We are too easily lead into: What Charlayne Hunter did In evil against each other by theiher life, she wasn't born to sac- Sir: This newspaper is cheap What is the answer? The gov- H that ’ Inquirer" downtown If eroment is duty bound to protect its citizens when local law cn forcement breaks down. This has been true in Birmingham tor some time. There have been 23 bombings in the last- few years and not onv New York a reader, Brown brutal, striking Mrs Walker with the butt of a car­ bine. Their hate foe NegAies is well known Nazi Germany was so worse thaa this. The time for patience is past as far as Birm­ ingham is coneerened. We must protect our children, even if it means taking up arms. story which began amid riot­ ing on her entrance to the Uni­ versity of Georgia has not ended yet. her marriage to a white southerner remains a disgrace to the Negro race. Robert Dayal- New York, N.Y. . A. Wilson New York, N. Y. Ineqwal Treatment Unique Demonstrotion Sir: August 28. 1963, was one of the greatest milestones of my life. I witnessed "tsne of the most unique, cxcltiag, well behaved democratic demonstrations XI have ever seen,** The speakers were magnifi cent in ail phases. The way they propelled their magnified speech­ es, gave me the impression that: "This was the day the world stood still and the American Negro got on.” A day to be cherished by ail. especially the American Colored people of the country as a whole JAMES KNIGHT Brooklyn. N.Y. Sir: White supremacists point to the higher crime and delin­ quency rate among Negroes as an excuse for racial segregation and discrimination Crime aad delinquency rates are higher among Negroes than whites on an average because such rates are higher among tow income croups. Negroes have an average standard of living sub­ stantially lower than tor whites, because of their usually poorer education in segregated schools aad because of prejudice agaiost them in hiring and promotion This is how it works If five white boys from wealthy families steal a car, go on a joy ride and smash It up, the police detain them and phone the fathers, who <o md‘ X' f°' sun Negroes A hen will the slumber of Negroes end1 10 Chris Eorde Nassau Street Truman's Views Sir: Former President Harry S. Truman, while recently ex­ pressing his opinions about inter­ racial marriages, asked a white reporter if he would approve of his rtnughter marrying a Negro The question is also being asked by ail card - carrying members of the Ku Klux Kian and while citizens' councils. Mr Truman's opinions confirm what I’ve believed since he first oppeared on the national scene While many brainwashed and misinformed Negroes refer to him as "Mr. Civil Rights.” he has been speaking with the voice of an ignorant, backwoods Negro- hating hlltbillv. While he oe- niptod the White House, it is no wonder that our prestige as a na ’ tion slumped terribly at home and abroad. Eugene Johnso” New York, NY 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