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“AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.”-John viii, 82. CHARLOTTE, N. C., THURSDaV MARCH 20, 1930. 99099 090 VOL. LII. NO. 12. BY THE WAY “Sing: us of the songs of Zi on”—Psalm 237:3. Cut out the italicised words and punctuate it thus for em phasis: "For there they that carried us away captive re quired of us a song; and they wasted (tolal; a spoiler; caus ing howling) us mirth: Sing us of the songs of Zion.” It is a difficult task, galling to your very soul, to sing a song that grew out of a troubled - heart, bitter experiences and an oppressed inner life to and for ■•v a people who wasted you and still desire to waste you. By the rivers of Babylon, the Jews hanged their harps upon * the willows and asked: "How - shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” Their rea son for refusing to sing was requite logical: they were in a -strange land; and the land was strange because the environ - ment that fostered the citizen ship peculiar to the country to , which they had been carried captive was not free to their so > cial and economic activity. They were just helpless cap tives in the hands of captors, who were not overburdened with mercy and regard for j those who labored nollcns vol lens, as all slaves and forced la borers do. They knew the atti . tilde of the proud Babylonian was hostile and disrespectful: **Phe coward slave! we pass him by; we dare be poor for a’ that.” No doubt these Babylonians had heard these Jews playing on harps and singing many a ■ sad hour in the Jews’ experi • ence as captives; and they wanted to hear them sing with mirth, and, perhaps, dance like King David before the ark. It is like eating eggs with no salt in them to smg one of your songs of Zion or a Negro spirit ual that grew out of an op » pressed sou! and a bleeding (back Under task masters who delight in cruelty and rejoice in iniquity, '‘'with mirth, to a people or sec tional group who are out of sympathy with your laudable and most legitimate efforts to draw out and foster those fac ulties in order to a richer in ner life to t^e end of a worth while citizen. Had those captive Jews in Ba bylon been made to feel at home and that they were just ’folk psychologically divided in to intellect, sensibility and will, ■i no doubt they would have played on their harps and sung one of the songs of Zion with mirth, ‘Just a few months ago sev eral nurses and young physi cians, of the city of Charleston, n&me to Edisto Island through the county board of health to look after the general health of the population of the island. rtAs soon as they arrived and saw a crowd of the islanders one of the young physicians ^“required of us a song.” “Sing ■.■some; sing us one of your spir ituals.” They did not sing. ^Tbey were not in a singing 3 Spirit. Most of them were sick at that time while others were anticipating rigid examinations or vaccination. Many of us thought if singing spirituals would bring us closer together as a people we might try to sing. The great- great grandson of the man who fired South Caro lina to secede from the Union in .1861, said to me a few days ago, that he could not conceive of /God’s turning a deaf ear to the poor -colored man, in the days of slavery, singing a spiritual, nor even now. This young man said to me that he could find nothing but sympathy and a de sire to co-operate with a col ored person in his feeble, but honest efforts to amelioriate his he hears him singing a spirit intellectual and civic life when Mail. To sing a spiritual to such a man is singing one of your songs -ofZion, not to a stranger in a strange land, but to one of you ’iia -hope, and doctrine, one in charity. One whose heart your song reaches and changes his attitude toward the under man singing one of his songs at your door. I never could do much at sing ing spirituals. Never attended church in my early childhpod where spirituals were sung. I refused to go North with Bid dle’s first quartett. It was com posed of A. J. Jefferson, John Croom, W. T Singleton and W. C. Hargrave.*I backed out, and Hargrave went. But they did not sing spirituals. All of these men who went are dead now, except W. C. Hargrave. But that is history I wish it to* be understood that I do not decry spirituals by anybody <or anywhere if the people want them and you will to sing them; and your will— unless you are an imbecile—is generally conditioned upon the reciprocation <of your audience in sympathy, with your efforts, hope, dreams and (visions for the best that belongs to man, or that adds to the Negro the highest moral, intellectual, spir itual and economic values. No one is burning with musi cal zeal to “sing of the songs of Zion” or unanchor creations and pull down his harp and sing and play with mirth to any group that will throw a monkey wrench into the machinery and frustrate the objective or mo tive of hi3 singing. “Lord, I want to be a Chris tian in my heart” is one of the Negro’s songs of Zion. Help him to be a Christian in his heart. And since God has never placed a premium on ignorance, help the Negro to be an intelligent Christian: and since man grows in grace, do not prescribe and I’mit his path to knowledge. If you sdlfecribe to his ^song, then be a Christian and restore sight to the mentally blind on Jeri cho’s national highway, then the Negro will do his level best to “Sing you of songs of Zion.” UNCLE BILLIE. Edisto Island, S. C. CHURCHES UNITE IN BE HALF OF NEGRO WELFARE Twelve Denominations Partici pate in Conference Called by North Carolina Interracial Commission Raleigh, N. C., March—. Sev enty-five delegates representing twelve different denominations met here last week in a ministe rial conference called by the State Interracial Commission, and gave a day of consideration of the conditions of Negro health, education, and general welfare, and the obligations of the churches for the promotion of better interracial conditions. Addresses were made Iby offi cial representatives of the State departments of education, health, welfare, and justice, who pointed out the fact that distinct gains were being made along these lines, but that much yet remains to be done. The ministers pledged the co-opera tion of their respective bodies in promoting the plan of inter racial co-operation and in work ing for the further improve ment of conditions. They re commended the introduction of race relations courses into all the church schools, that the sub ject be given generous space in the church papers, and that a sermon on race relations be preached in every pulpit at least once a year. Closer cooperation between white and colored preachers was urged. The meeting was called to or der by Dr. W. C. Jackson, chair man of the State Interracial Commission, and was presided over by Rev. I. Harding Hughes. The delegates expressed them selves as pleased with the meet ing and authorized the chairman to call the group together for further meetings as needed. We are not what we think we are; but what we think, we are. —Anon. -NEGRO UNEMPLOYMENT LARGE Urban League Estimates 930,000 “The number of unemployed Negroes is not less than 330, 000,” according to the National Uiiban League of New York City whose Departments of In dustrial Relations and Research have reached, this estimate after carefully analyzing figures gathered from all sections of the country and surveys of un employed ^p^opl^ in several of the principal cities. T. Arnold Hill, who heads the Industrial Dept, of the League, states that “unemployment among Negroes due to causes other, than inability to find work will certainly total 330,000, exclur sive of those employed in agri culture. This figure is more apt to be. understated than exag gerated considering the chang es that have occurred since the last census and unemployment of various kinds due to causes ether than failure to find em ployment ” Continuing Mr. Hill says “the disparity between Negroes and white people unemployed in Buf falo is shown from a recent re port of the New York Depart ment of Labor which indicates 17.7 per cent unemployment among Negroes as compared with 10.8 per cent unemploy ment among white males. In Philadelphia unemployment is reflected from a report made by attendance officers of the Bu reau of Compulsory Education in co-operation with the Whar ton School of Finance and Com merce. This report shows a com paratively heavier proportion, of Negroes unemployed than: white workers.’ The difference w%a pronounced* .in one district, in which 29.2 per cent of Ne groes and only 6.8 per cent of the white? were unemployed because they could not find jobs. The seriousness of unemploy ment in South Carolina is re flected in the following state ment of conditions in one of its largest cities: “There will be a 50 per cent decrease in farm revenue this Spring among Ne gro farmers. The building in dustry shows stagnation. The large colored contractors are working about 75 per cent of their usual crews. White con tractors are showing a prefer ence for white workers. Com mon labor is in poor demand, 50 per. cent being either idle or only working for time.” “Large numbers of Negroes are reported in the unemployed ranks of Milwaukee Commun ists engaged in street celebra tions. Charitable institutions are making special provisions for 900 married men with fam ilies in Cincinnati, while 600 single men are being given nights’ lodging and help from relief agencies.” MUSEUM OF ART FEATURES WORK OF H. O. TANNER Famous Canvass, “The Road to Emmaus,” Given Prominence in Atlanta’s Civic Art Center Atlanta, Ga., March—. For several weeks past the High Museum, Atlanta’s public art gallery, has had on exhibit “The Road to Emmaus,” the famous picture by Henry O. Tanner, American Negro artist now re siding in Paris. The picture isf from the private collection of J. J Haverty, local art patron and connoisseur, and was feat ured in an address delivered by Mr. Haverty at the Museum on i “A Century of American Art.” The Atlanta Constitution in a story about the painting says of the artist: “His works on re iligious subjects have won sig inal honors in the field of art. He: in conceded to be a leading painter of such subjects, having received honors equal to those of the ranking artists of to ddy.” WASHINGTON ATTORNEY * MAXES IMPRESSIVE I , SPEECH THe Johnson C. Smith Uni versity Club, of New Yfark, di rected the activities of the Ne gro f Art Hour over Station WEyD, Sunday, March 16. The entire program was under the rtfrsftion of the President, James Egert Allen, who served as fomouncer for the program. Musical numbers were rendered by Miss Elsie Clark and Mrs. Lucretia Lawson Love, with Joseph Dwyer as accompanist. TO principal address was de livered by Armond W. Scott, prominent attorney, of Wash ington, D. C. Mr. Scott is an alumnus of the institution and well-known in fraternal and le gal circles throughout the coun try. |n his speech he made an eloquent appeal for peace and justice throughout the nation. He attacked, bitterly, the non enfoiicement of the 13th, 14th and 115th Amendments, and condemned in no uncertain term# the action of our govern their policy towards Gold Star Mothers, was introduced by of the club, Janies who outlined the of the club and gave a of the founding Smith Universi at Charlotte, North he program, Dr. Alma whins entertained for number of Mr. Scott’s the studio department , James, 211 Edge BOYS FROM DEATH New York, March 15.— Through the Arkansas Survey, a colored weekly newspaper, published in Little Rock, Ark., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People learns that two young colored boys, Robert Bell and Grady Swain, once sentenced to death for the alleged murder of a white boy, and for whom the N. A A. C. P. helped to finance two appeals, on third trial have been sentenced to ten years in prison. Sentenced to death at their first trial in December, 1927, the case'was reversed by the State Supreme Court, and the second trial resulted in a sen tence to life imprisonment for I Robert Bell. The State Supreme Court again reversed the decis ion and ordered a new trial. Ac cording to the Arkansas Sur vey: 1 “Monday was spent in trying I to secure a jury. Only nine ju rors were obtained, and rather than carry the case over anoth er year, the lawyers compro mised the case. The defendants pleaded guilty and threw them selves on the mercy of the court. Judge Davenport sentenced them to ten years in the peni tentiary.” To procure the original con viction which was reversed, the boys were threatened, terrified and tortured with whippings in order to make them sign a “confession/’ The N. A. A. C. P. was inter ested in the case throughout, contributing the sum of $1,240 toward the expenses of the va rious appeals and trials, and $250 for investigation. Had a white attorney not in tervened in the case, and the N. A. A. C. P. backed him up, it is likely that the young col ored boys would have been ex ecuted, charged with a murder of which their attorney and the N. A. A. C. P. believe them in nocent. What milestones are before us in life’s path we don’t know* The uncertainty of time and the certainty of the Father’s care and love are calls to faith and royal obedience. BRAiNERD INSTITUTE By Miss Ruth Howell Harris Wednesday morning, March 5, Brainerd students and crops of laborers were glad to greet the President, Dr. J. D. Martin, who attended, the Educational Conference which convened March 3-5 at Coulter Memorial Academy, Cheraw, S. C. He reported a safe trip and success ful meetings. Friday evening, March 7, the Ladies Missionary Society of Carmel Presbyterian church, gave a Fellowship Supper in Branerd’s dining hall. The eve ning was welt and profitably , spent by those who were pres ent. The proceeds from this en tainment will be given for the benefit of Carmel Presbyterian church. j At .8:45 o’clock Sunday morn ing the Sabbath school lesson, “The Parable of the Sower.” was studied in the various class es. "Bible verses in which the word.’1 “Glory,” was found were used to coficinde the lesson. I At 11 o’clock Sunday morning students and teachers heard an inspirational sermon, delivered j by Rev. J. W. Manoney at the I Carmel Presbyterian church. ! The tfcict was Acts 5:31, and the subjept, “The Coming of the' Holy Spirit,” were very timely, and we hope our group was benefited thereby. At 8:30 o’clock, Sunday after noon, fa considerable number of i Brainerd students and teachers j attended a musical program which was given at Calvary Baptist church. Christian En-I deavor services wareheld in the) dining room. Thp topic, “What Is True Patriotism,” seemed Even though our scholastic' vear is over two-thirds gone, Brainerd students seem to have same zeal and enthusiasm with which they began their work in September, 1929. Thursday morning, March 13, the Brainerd students and teachers had the privilege of hearing an interesting and edu cational talk given by Miss Al ice Sheer, who is a demonstra tor for the Charles B. Knox Celatine Co. Miss Slicer spent the time from 9 to 10:30 o’clock showing the girls albout the va rious uses of jello. Saturday evening, March 15, the Science Club held its regu lar semi-monthly i meeting in the dining hall. Through actual class work and incidental in struction, we hope Brainerd can point to one of Brainerd’s students as one of the foremost scientists some day. At 8:45 Sunday morning,1 March 16* the Sabbath school, lesson, “Parables of the King-j dom,” was carefully studied in 4 he various classes. Bible vers es in which the word, “Faith,” | or “Faithful,” was found, used! to conclude the lesson. At 11 o’clock Sunday morn-, ing students and teachers wor-' shipped at the Carmel Presby-1 terian church, and witnessed the first of a series of sermons from the subject, “The Success of Christianity, An Argument for Its Divine Origin.” The text was taken from Acts 5:38 39. Our pastor and history teacher, Rev. J. W. Manoney, delivered a very inspirational sermon, and we hope our group was favorably influenced. At 5 o’clock, Sunday after noon, the Christian Endeavor1 Society made a special study of “Peter, the Evangelist.” Many students entered hearti ly into the discussion, and we hope the discovery of those qualities will help to prepare our students for missionary work. At 8:30 o’clock, Monday eve ning, March 17, the final game of basket ball for Brainerd was played with Coulter Academy in Cheraw, S. C. Although the girls were not victorious, we feel that the test was very es sential to our development. EPISCOPALIANS DEVELOP SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM St; Paul’s Church, Atlanta, Will Be Center of Interesting Work —Social Woik Student in Charge Atlanta, Ga., March—. In connection with a fellowship es tablished in the Atlanta School of Social Work 'by the Episco pal Diocese of Atlanta, a social work program has been inaugu rated by the Diocese at St. Paul’s Protestant Episcopal church and a city-wide commit tee of prominent colored people has been formed to assist in its administration. The worker in charge of the program is Miss Frances B. Peoples, who holds the fellow ship referred to. After a pre liminary survey of the commun ity surrounding the church, Miss Peoples has developed a program embracing clubs and classes for both sexes and all ages. The committee which will have charge of the program is composed of Dr. E, G. Bow den, Mrs. T. H. Slater, Mrs. W. J. Shaw, Cyrus Campfield, J. H. Hanley, F. B. Washington, Miss Alice Carey, Rev. W. J. Faulk ner, Miss Katie M. Davis, Dr. G. A. Howell, S. W. Walker, Miss Cora Finley, Mrs. M. R. Wise, Mrs. H. R. Butler. The plan to be followed is similar to one now operating in connection with the Central Methodist Episcopal church, di reted by two students of the social work school who are on fellowships provided by the Methodist Episcopal Board of Home Missions. CEDAR GROVE COMMUNITY Sunday, March 9th, was a full day in our church. Sunday school was held at the regular hour with a large attendance. At 11 o’clock our pastor, Dr. L. ;J. Melton, was found at his post with a well prepared ser mon from St. Matt. 13:9. The offering for the day was fine. We were glad to have worship with us Mrs. Flossie Morrison who has been sick for the past two weeks. Sunday, March 23rd, will be observed as rally day in our church. This is the last Sunday for us before the meeting of Presbytery. Three ladies were appointed to assist in putting over the rally; namely, Mrs. i Flossie Morrison, Mrs. Mary Sue i Forney and Mrs. Hattie Rus We are glad to say that Mrs. Aldrich Davidson and little son, Leon, are getting on nicely. Mrs. Bessie Jones, of Charlotte, has been at the bedside of her daughter, Mrs. Aldrich David son, for the past week. Mrs. M. J. Alexander contin ues to improve. Mr. J F. Lyttle has been on the sick list; also Mrs. Dora Da vidson. Sunday, March 9th, Dr. L. J. Melton. Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Forney were the dinner guests of Mr and Mrs. Jay Phifer. Mrs. Rosella Cannon and Mrs. Flossie Morrison were the din ner guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Russell. Miss Mary Sue Forney spent the week-end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Forney. I Last Saturday Mr and Mrs. H. R. Alexander and Mrs. Hat tie Russell motored to Danville, Va., ahd spent the week-end with friends. Mrs. J. H. McCauley is now spending some time with her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Russell. Miss Florence Onque, of Con cord, spent last Saturday with Mrs. H. Wilson in the Cedar Grove school. One may get toy the officers with a pint but he usually tries a quart next and so on straight to jail.
Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.)
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March 20, 1930, edition 1
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