Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 September 1967 — Page 9
SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 2, 196T
THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER
Pogt Hint
Editorials
If democracy is to survive--"Negro citizens Hove demonstrated their determination to change their condition. They will be free. This national ferment gives evidence that the Negro must be given his complete freedom or he must be reenslaved. There is no middle ground Negroes will claim for themselves first-class citizenship .They will persist in their efforts to correct the intolerable situation in which they find themselves a century after the Emancipation Proclamation. The March on Washington was just a beginning, and the Freedom Rides, sit-ins, kneel-ins and pray-ins thus far have only been a rumble of thunder on the horizon signaling the storm that will surely engulf all of us if tangible, meaningful results are not achieved." If those words sound familiar, it is because they were written four years ago in book, "To Be Equal." Events since then have shown that tangible, meaningful change has not come about; speed and sincerity have not been evidenced, .and as a result we are today caught up in that terrible storm as predicted. In the wake of the rioting, many Americans have called for a Domestic Marshall Plan—as done four years ago. Only through such a large scale commitment can peace and equality be brought to our urban areas. America has long been two nations—one rich, one poor; one white, one black. In spite of all the efforts by well meaning, decent people to bridge the gap which separates these two groups and make America whole again, the split is widening. But now an indifferent and apathetic America has been forced to confront the problems it has created. The ghetto just won't go away, it gets bigger. America can't talk away these problems. It will have to do something about them. Words won't have any effect, because they have all been said before—and nobody believes them. The alienation of Negro youth runs deep, for they have a cause. They are coming to believe that white America is morally bankrupt and that it will never give up the privileges and advantages gained at the expense of Negroes. Reaching the young Negro in the ghetto must have top priority in any meaningful attempt to resolve our urban crisis. No program which excludes him, or which ignores the basic problems of jobs, housing, and education can succeed in closing the racial gap which divides
us.
As a solution we must follow the path of reason and responsibility. We believe that America has the wisdom and the maturity to follow it. This means closing the gap which separates our two nations, ending racism, and having Negro citizens share equitably in America's victories as they share in its sacrifices. Only in this way can justice be served and democracy survive. ijgh .. ^ _ p - ^ >• t ★ ★ ★ A deserving cause‘Dollars for Hatcher’ campaign fund Citizens of Indianapolis will have a chance to vote for Richard G. Hatcher, the Democratic candidate for mayor of Gary—who just happens to be a Negro. Now since the Indianapolis citizenry cannot register to vote in person for Hatcher, who if elected will become the first Negro to be elected mayor of a major metropolitan city by popular vote, we must cast our ballots through the "Dollars for Hatcher" campaign, being launched by the Independent Political Action Club Inc., (IPAC) which has set a goal of $15,000 to help finance the Hatcher campaign. Hatcher, a noted Gary attorney—who also several years ago became the first Negro to serve as president of the Gary City Council—has been beset by difficulties in financing his campaign because of Lake County Democratic organization has refused its financial support. John Krupa, chairman of the Lake County Democratic Central Committee, has said he cannot support Hatcher because he has refused to repudiate by name such extremist as Stokely Carmichael and H. Rap Brown. The organization has never before refused to support the nominee. Hatcher, however, is no reactionary and on a number of occasions he has denounced violence in the civi! rights movement. Many Democratic leaders in Gary, both Negro and white, have credited this denounciation with keeping the lid on possible racial disturbances this summer.
A white Hatcher aide, who asked to remain unidentified, claims that "despite what they say, the county organization has refused to support Hatcher because he has refused to make the 'deals' they demanded." Hatcher, who reportedly has refused huge sums from the Gary underworld, last week was left with only $14.00 in his campaign treasury. Any man who refuses to comprise his principles and beliefs, be he black or white, is deserving of the moral and financial support of every fair-minded individual in this city, in this state and in this country—be he black or white. IPAC, an independent political action group, will sponsor a door to door canvas giving "DOLLARS FOR HATCHER" buttons to all who contribute. Give generously when the volunteer knocks at your door. Let's all wear the "DOLLARS FOR HATCHER" button.
Negro Press Creed the united stotei of America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonism when it accords every man, regardlest of race, color or creed, his human and legal rights. Hating no man, fearing no man, the Negro Press strives to help every man in the firm belief that all are hurt so long as any one is held back.
VOICE FROM THE GALLERY
Union teachers continue fight for civil rights
to
THE SEEDS OFEXPLOSION
Letters to the editor...
Ministers open letter challenges government
The Editor:
No government has the inherent right to exist. Injustice invalidates the right of any government to exist. When the grievance machinery of a political structure breaks down to the point where it fails to correct its injustices, then the citizens of said government have the right and the duty to remove such government by any means avail-
able to them.
In no area of American’s life have the democratic processes deterioriated so badly „ as in our urban centers. Here ~we have huge masses of voiceless, alienated, and exploited people and in our black ghettoes, especially does injustice run rampant. Here ahe a few of the social injustices prevalent in all urban centers of America: acute shortage of decent housing; an abundance of sub-standard housing; exorbitant rents, high unemployment; inferior education; inhumane and inadequate welfare; loan sharking; mortgage denial; high insurance rates; poor community housekeeping; commercial exploitations; police brutality and harassment; no police protection; high taxes and inadequate services; political betrayal; racial discrimination;
inadequate health and recreational facilities; and no legal services. There are two financial systems in America that depend upon the ghetto for their existance. The real estate, banking, loan company combine, and the crime syndicate. These two systems are linked together by the political hegemony of our urban centers, which depends upon them both for its power and control. It is regretable, therefore, that from the bottom of this abysmal pit of hopelessness and despair th^re is erupting th? violence riots, but as „ guilty, the power structures ^ are responsible. The rioters may be breaking the laws of society, but the power structures are violating the laws of history. The rioters may be commiting crimes; but the power structures are commiting injustices. One is an offense against society; the other is an outrage against God. America’s outrage against justice is far more heinous than the rioters assault on law and order. The handwriting on the wall; the storming of the Bastille; The Boston Tea Party, are all historical events that signaled
the fall of a great social order and the riots in our urban centers at the present may well be the initial warnings of the decline and fall of A-
merica.
We firmly and positively assert that if America is to save herself from the Judgment of Almighty God, she cannot do it by repressing riots, but by correcting her injustices for righteousness exaltetli a nation, but sin is a reproach to many people and as the Hebrew prophet counseled, “Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” The Baptist Minister’s Foresight Rev. B. T. Almon, Pres. Rev.W. A. Dennis, chrm.civic committee. i$ that it does nothing to correct or draw public attention to a deplorable situation. More
It is becoming increasingly apparent that outside the regular civil rights* oranizations no group has been more militant and devoted to the cause of racial democracy in America than the American Federation of Teachers. This affiliate of the American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial organizations was the first teachers organization in the nation to come out for civil rights and to insist that all local units of the group be racially integrated.
The AFT was the first teachers’ group to insist that something be done to remove racism from the textbooks of the public public schools schools and that teaching staffs be inte-
grated. The RAMSEY AFT Conference on Racism in the Public Schools, held December 10, 1966, in Washington was the largest gathering ever held for that purpose. The older teachers group the NEA, which still has segregated locals got on the bandwagon two months later and held a conference on racism in textbooks. The NEA also followed the lead of the AFT by finally recognizing the need to give Negro teachers leadership roles. Seeing that the AFT had for years served Negro vice presidents and employed staff members, the NEA saw fit a couple of months ago to name a Negro woman to the position of national president. The pity of the whole thing is that the office of president in the older organization carries no power and is therefore
By ANDREW W. RAMSEY an honorary one. The AFT presidents and vice presidents exercise the executive functions of the union organization. At the present time there are three Negro vice presidents of the national AFT and one of the state presidents (Indiana) is a ' Negro. There are several Negro presidents of local unions. For example the presidents of the AFT units in Washington, East Chicago, Illinois and Indianapolis are Negroes. It is also significant that most of the resolutions passed by the fifty-first annual convention of the American Federation of Teachers in Washington a few days ago pertained to civil rights, teacher integration, the teaching of Negro history, equal job opportunity and open occupancy housing. It is also significant that the two largest commitees at the convention were those on civil rights and racism in education. The AFT is highly critical of many craft labor unions, particularly in the building trades and has instructed its eight delegates to the AFLCIO to make this position known to the ruling body of the giant federation. At the same time the AFT is engaged in a running battle all over America with the NEA to determine which organization shall speak for the teachers of America. The NEA has been shaken from its conservative slumber by the fact that the AFT haS won the collective bargaining rigmts for teachers in the major cities in the country including New York, Washington, Detroit, Chicago and Gary. In
addition the AFT has won such elections in many smaller cities. The reason for these victories is that the American Federation of Teachers is an organization of those who teach and not of administrators. The NEA type of teacher organization is dominated by the administrative staffs of the schools and the rank and file teacher’s biggest role is in the payment of dues. The very structure of the NEA affiliates has militated against the older teachers organization’s taking any active interest in many problems confronting the American people as the nation’s teachers. Another selling point which the AFT has is that it is affiliated with the main stream of the organized labor movement and can use the facilities of the AFL-CIO in lobbying, research, and getting out the vote in local and national elections, as well as legal assistance in court cases. Many teachers who have been taught to snub organized labor are beginning to see the error of their ways especially when they see blue collar workers making more money because of their being organized than do teachers with much more training. The, NEA has just discovered the Negro, but yearly a large crop of Negro teachers has been joining the AFT because in that organization they are treated as colleagues with all of the rights and privileges accorded to their Caucasian fellow teachers. Unionism is growing among teachers and especially among those of sepia hue. EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Ramsey is President of Local 581 of the AFT.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Witnessing without fear
REV. J. T. HIGHBAUGH SR.
(LARGER LESSON: Acts too.
25:13—26:32. LESSON PRINT: Acts 26:24—32. MOTTO TEXT; Acts 26:19. TIME: A.D. 62. PLACE: Caesarea.)
* * *
We are studying the life of the poineer missionary of the
Paul witnessed that he merely believed in a Risen Christ who lives now and assures us of the resurrection of the dead and forgiveness of sins and a
new life in His Name.
Paul spoke with such as-
Couple experience bias in home-buying attempt
who
one is sure to ask, “Why would you want to live in that neighborhood?” The answer is probably for some of the same reasons that the hundreds of citizens who currently live out there would give. If not the very same reasons, then for others equally as valid. But more important to the fundamental principle involved is the question, Why should I have to give any reason? Others will say “There ought to be a law,” There is a law. Yes, there are laws, state and local. Enforcement of open housing laws in Indianapolis and Marion County is a joke and nobody knows his any better than the officials charg-
ed wilJh this
first century of Christianity, surance that it shook up Festus The further we go'the more so that he cried out in fright.
adventurious it is, Isn’t it? Look at these approaches as
follows:
1. Who is Crazy Now? Acts 25:13—26:25. II. You be the judge. Acts 26:26—29. III. What’s the Verdict? Acts 26:-
30 32
WHO IS CRAZY NOW?: The mob in Jerusalem had plotted, planned and dreamed of Paul’s death at their hands until they could almost taste
Paul thou art beside thyself: much learning hath made thee
mad.”
The real thing they are saying when religion and common religion tangle with each, however not really that the facts of who are sane or who are
not is built around.
“What shall we do with Christ and whose Son is He?” The trial through and waiting that Paul testimony was great
his blood They had come all proof of his loyalty to Christ the way to Caesarea to bring Try telling how^
him bound back to Jerusalem. But as with Christ they really wanted the Roman rulers to find the fault in him and the blood would be wholly upon
them.
=3-51 Blip Hi v. i oihe come before Festus who rr^in ” “ co
you found your Lord.
No I am not too certain to say whether Felix was merely
calling Paul crazy. I am not _ _ certain as to whether that the our Sunday School lesson and
Phillip Bliss heard it and was
case was opened with Paul, the Criminal Agrippa, the judge and others as attendant jurors. But as Paul witnessed his actual experience with Christ on the Damascus Road, it is surprising how daringly his message remade Agrippa over a-
gain.
The burning fires of Con-
cern for men’s souls made Paul forget his own peril and think of the danger of others. And the cutting sincerity of Paul’s plea for Christ cut to the heart of Agrippa. This he cries almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. This calls us back to the old Hymn
written by Phillip Bliss: “Almost persuaded, now to
believe; Almost persuaded, Christ to receive; Almost is but to fail, sad, sad the bitter
wail, Almost but lost.” A minister by the name of
Brundage was preaching on
To The Editor: Everyone seems to have a theory on what caused the recent series of riot in U.S. cities. There appears to be general agreement that living conditions in the big city ghetto are the major contributing factors, with most emphasis being placed on poverty and the resulting deprivations. Generally, I agree with this conclusion, but I don’t think enough attention is being given to another important factor and that is the many insults to their human dignity that slum dwellers receive, particularly if they are Negroes. Those who have never lived under such conditions cannot possibly know the bitterness that small incidents create. I have never lived in a big city ghetto per se, but the effect of less traumatic incidents related to race and the differences between th “haves” and “have not” have made their marks and taught me some invaluable lessons in the process. A recent expericence ilustrates this point. Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 2, my wife and I went to inspect the property at 4106 Winding Way. Ths property was listed for sale by F.C. Tucker Co., Realtors in the July 28 issue of “Homes,” a bi-monthly publication listing Indianapolis Real Estate for
sale.
When we arrived it was apparent that the salesman showing the property, Russ Hottel, seeing that we were Negroes, was not very enthusiastic about making the sale, at least not to us. Incidental to half heartedly showing us through the house, he introduced us to the owner, a Mrs. Hill. It was obvious that Mr. Hottel just wanted us to “look and leave,” to just “go away.” Although he invited us ‘out to see the property, his stated reason for rushing us away was that he was scheduled to
show the same house to another couple within one hour. When informed that this probably would not be necessary since we had decided to buy the property, he appeared
shocked.
We were directed to meet him in his office in 10 minutes. Twenty minutes later he appeared and conduted us into the office of Joe Boleman (his F.C. Tucker C. business card lists him as a partner). After about 15 minutes of the expected preliminary statements such as, “This is not company policy,” “Personally I regret this,” Mr. Boleman informed us that Mrs. Hill did not wish to sell the property to us. He also advised us that for the good of all concerned and to avoid any further embrassment to anyone, that we should “just forget the whole thing.” Since we were not embarrassed and Mrs. Hill had not told us that she did not want to sell to us, we cduld not see that this prcedure would be in our best interest so we ignored his advice and asked him to continue with the usual procedure for purchasing property. After the usual question and answer routine he executed and signed a proposition and accepted an earnest money deposit. On Friday, Aug. 4, we were informed by Mr. Boleman that the earnest money (samecheck) was being returned as Mr. Hill had decided to withdraw the property from the market rather than sell to us. Isolated icident No. An everyday occurence. The reason you don’t hear more about incidents of this nature is that the people attempting to purchase property do not want the associated publicity. They either “forget it for the good of all concerned,” or “just go away.” I personally know of at least six such couples. There are probably hundreds. The trouble with this of course
such incident publicized or not, does its bit alienate the victim toward government and society. With each one something inside dies a little. In the ghetto the blows are more severe and more frequent. The beating is more traumatic and death comes
more quickly. Earlier genera- To The Editor:
tions died easier. Proboly be-
is fearful of Jewish pressures
mold in the sands of Palestine. YOU BE THE JUDGE: This
Charges discount store with unethical practices
cause they were more concern-
Everybody from President
out there was a five dollar serv-
ice charge.
The clerk never said a word
ed about life in the hearafter “n VSeTtree? waTs Jo W com^ct bei n g TolS
ent generation is ls xt that the s °- called Ne g ro
What t0 the loan com P a ny and when sjegro * as ^ed for the promisory notes
eerne 6 d 1 ahmir here m flnH e nZ' wantsf what 'causes'friction bet- . me T very indignant. He cerned about here and now. th i , uusinews and mdlcate d I should be grateful The more severely they, are ^ ‘hat I was allowed to do busi-
wounded the harder they fight. Seldom do they “die easy.” With enough blows and a little provocation, they riot.
the neighborhood people?
_ ness at the place. Finally he
Usually, I trade with nation- said he threw the unused promstores because they have isory notes in the wastebasket.
Here is the cause of the
some uniform codes and met-
impresed with this sentence in the sermon, “He who is almost
persuaded is entirely lost.”
His mind only rises above the flood line to sink back again to the lost eddies to never rise again. Paul’s preaching and ministry was to move men to perserve until they come to full belief trust and salvation. Did you miss that boy or girl the first visit or interview about Christ. Go back again. Send another committee or team. He must never step at the half way house of
almostness and be lost.
THE VERDICT: The council which found Paul was a fine Eolitical Council, but a very poor religious decision. They did much for Paul politically and legally by freeing him so he could go on his Lord’s mission to Rome, but
jw&av fim&m mtstssas
volved hate either my wife or .^ 0 one i° ca i stores. Here still would have collected the
me as individuals. They had not * s w hat happened.
I walked in this
house chose a lawn mower and turned.
I did this to get information
Mr. Baker
Director of Social Action
S. C. L. C.
known us that well or that
long. There is a very good pos- c “ use a iaw " m ™ er sibility that neither of them stated . he credit bi. After the
dislike Negroes as a group. u ® ua ^ information was taken and first hand.
They are members of the dow n Payment was put on cast in the drama of our soc- t h e counter, things took a str-
iety and must play the role ange twlst -
as written or be reprimanded. Three promisory notes were Understanding this, I am able placed on the counter and I was to react in the expected man- told to sign all three j asked ner. Any rational person can three since I only wanted control his actions and to some to make one loan. The salesdegree his emotions, but no man sa i d j n case his secretary individual can control what made a mistake she would have he feels inside. some more to work with. I have no dislike for Mr. , , , Hottel, Mr. Boleman, or Mrs. After this bit of unethcal busiHill. At the same time, I have ness, I changed to a cash deal. I
no dislike for Mr. Carmichael wanted to^ pay one-half down House
«>* Rap Brown, as they too and res ^ * n
balance from me. The signed
discount promisory notes were not re-
So: “Almost persuaded; come, come today; Almost persuaded, Turn not away; Jesus invites you here, Angels are lingering, Pray’rs rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer come!”
How do you feel about these topics?
lous business people? Are they getting a fair share for what they are paying for necessities? 8. What do Negroes living in Indianapolis slums really
want?
Your comments on these and other matters confronting the
- th : nouse W o/^ Representatives^ *£ 3e* r“ h7\n“o days with jecLon of the proposed rat con- The Recorder office, 518 India-
play roles. I am a little less out an y loai \ charge. Here is t r ol bill which would have pro- h Mondav There is no chaenthusiastic in promoting the what followed. vided funds to exterminate rats ’ f uch Tj U V>lications or “Leprogress and development of The salesman still wanted me j n American cities’ slum? ttLrs to the editor
the sick society that spawned to si 8 n three promisory notes T t i-
them all. I could not in good “in case you don’t pay in £ 5 Is Indianapohs moving a- .
rnnsrienee enrniiraee nr «snn- days.” I said his was allright head in your opinion so far as
port a riot but such incidents if he would hold 1116 notes un ‘ strides toward insuring equal THE RECORDER
IS SOLD
as I have stated make me t d * came down and paid vx*
less willing to discourage them, the bill.
I know of no magic formula In I ess than 10 days I got for preventing riots, but there a notice from one of the loan
is no
what causes them.
brought my contract. I went
Reuben L. White, D.D.S. back to this store in less than gnettoes^ 3016 N. Gale Street two weeks to pay off my a-
rights for Negroes is concern-
ed?
AT ALL DRUG STORES AND
— ALSO AT
evenung riots, nut mere ^ Community Relations Task Fodoubt in my mind as to companys wnose promisory note effective in efcauses them 1 had signed saying they had rce win oe enecuve in its ef Ldu^es inem. ° forts to study problems of the
Do you feel that the local NEWSSTANDS
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
7. Are Negroes in Indian-
GROCERY STORE. GET YOURS TODAY!
Indianapolis, Ind.
mount. When my bill was made a P olis mistreated by unscrupu-