3 VOL. LIIL CHARLOTTE, N. G, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, lf32 NO. 33. THE OLYMPICS AND RACE RELATIONS By James Egert Allen, President New York Branch N. A. A. C. P. (An Address delivered over Station WEVD, New York, Au gust 6, 1932.) At the present moment, some two thousand athletes, repre senting thirty-eight countries of tl|f world, are gathered on the Western coast of these United States to engage in a contest of physical skill and endurance widely known as the Olympics. Men and women of varied racial groups, diverging religious beliefs, various politi cal affiliations, sundry econom ic backgrounds and widely sep arated social status, have grouped themselves into a ver itable community whose chief ideal is based upon the Olympic oath of “true sportsmanship for the glory of our country and for the glory of sport.” The President of the United States expresses his regret for non-attendance through ithe Second hje^d of the nation, Vice-President Curtis, who, of ficially, opened the great exhi bition. To ancient Greece, we are indebted for the origin of these games. Twenty-seven centuries ago, at the foot of Mt. Olympus, the famous abode of the mighty Zeus, the aesthetic sons of At tica gathered in the great am phi-theatre before the eager and expectant spectators and launched the initial battle of physical skill and endurance. In spite of the dazzling splen dor, the keen rivalry and the international spirit that accom pany these periodic festivals or modern times, a question , of se arises, nati&is pi-; the ave translated iptnact l"f»fraetkte'f&e"loffrf ideSHSm that the 'Greeks strove to at tain: If we are to judge by the suffering of millions of under privileged human beings, world-wide unemployment, and wide-spread discontentment and wholesale injustice, the reply must be tainted with grave sus picions of doubt. If we are to judge by general economic ex ploitation, recurrent and disas trous wars, national rivalry and universal imperialism, the answer must be predicated upon negative bases. Here in our own clime where over twelve millions of people representing the Negro race are found, we find inconsisten cy to be a shining jewel. To day’s printed page radiates 'yflfli! ’the Spectacular achieve ments of one lithe and two fleet limbed sons of Ham, who blazed their way to fame and lifted the colors of Uncle Sam ♦o the peak of track and vault accomplishments and enveloped them in a blaze of world-brok en records. Such is their con tribution to a true evaluation of President Hoover’s message to the Olympic contestants when he declared that these games naa Become a ^ force lor international acquain tance, understanding and good will.” Yet if these three black American youths were to appiv at a Vr all Street banking firm for an opportuivty to learn the arts of high finance, or were they to apply to the labo ratory of some, great American engineering firm for a chance to engage in some form of re search, they would be offered, perhaps, a porter’s job, despite the fact that two are alumni of leading} mjdiwestem universi ties and the other a brilliant upper class man in a similar institution. For the glory of Uncle Sam, they gave their best. For the glory of their native land, they ran and jumped with athletes from the remote recesses of the Southland, a section where they would be denied the rights of citizenship; where they would be segregated into Jim-Crow cars; where they would be de nied access to public libraries and even to public parks and playgrounds for the purpose of training their _agile bodies to gain laurels for their native heath. To offset such glaring incon sistencies, especially directed towards the Negro in this coun try, the National Association for the Advancement of Col ored People was organized some twenty odd years ago. Its aims and ideals are identical in many respects with the aims and ideals of the Olympics. It calls upon the civilized world for a genuine expression of and atti tude towards the true spirit of ‘sportsmanship. Whether in the realm of religion, or literature, politics, economics or athletics, it demands that nations and people be consistent, impartial and fraternal. It seeks the ac tive co-operation of all fair minded citizens, regardless of race or creed, to aid in the gi gantic task of ameliorating the condition of the darker races of the world. The iron heel of oppression and the yoke of de spair must be removed if na tions hope to dwell in Utopian amity. Within the confines of our land many organizations have sprung into being with the main ob jective-better race relations— as their ultimate goal. But, alas! many of them, likewise, have wrought their founda tions upon a sandy surface. They are unwilling to face, fear lessly, the vital issues whose complete grasp only will result in genuine racial relationship. worse still, of compromise, per meates the basic pillars of their structure and is slowly, but surely, destroying the gilded temple of their aspirations. Bigotry and prejudice, like a slow-eating cancer, are gnaw ing at their vitals and sapping the very life-blood of their main objective. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People wifi not compromise with the* injustices practiced upon helpless black citizens, in its policy of complete racial self-respect, it will not equivo cate. Today we are celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of our patron saint, George Washington, the match less leader of the American Revolution, who wrested liber tv and justice from the hands of our oppressors and set sail to a ship of state that was guided by the immortal words of Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson—“All men are creat ed free and equal.” Three thous and black men, although slaves, aided Washington in establish ing this Principle on American shores. Many thousands more flew to the rescue of Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson to perpetuate these ideals of democracy. They, with myriaos of other darker races, must, ul timately, come into the fullest rvossession of these cherished rights accorded to other sons of men. Even with their backs to the wall erected by preju diced and conniving individ uals, Black America shall hold r,n until the full rays of the sunlight of true liberty, equal opportunity and international brotherhood shine in splen drous luster upon their un bowed heads and usher all people into the millenium that must, inevitably, crown human achievement and noble ideal ism. Humanity, devoted to the principles of a square deal for all, must throw off the old laissez-faire dfotrine of indif ference and assume the role of ardent participation in the world conferences and group gatherings of the future. As ambassadors of racial toler-t ance, they must become ab-1 sorbed in the perplexing prob-J lem of race relationship. Asf the two thousand athletes sep-| arate within the next few| weeks for their widely scattered; homes, a new altruism, born of : the spirit of comradeship, should accompany them. Their enthusiasm and sentimental!-* ties should spread like wild-f over the hearts of their natri lands, consuming the bigot prejudice and crdss mate sm, so prevalent in nations to-* day. The Olympics of 1932 she point the way for improved cial relationship during next four years. Out of the f% rious storm of world-wide d£ pression should arise the calm atmosphere of peace, justice aiid racial appreciation and self-rfe speet. This carnival shall not have been held in vain, if the universal Zeus, from mighty mountain top, can out upon the broad expansej the universe and declare, a spirit of sincerity and re ty. in the Olympian year' 1936, “We live in an age of nearest approach to the univer sal equality of mankind.” tr YADKIN CENTRAL DIS TRICT CONVENTION The Central District Si School Convention was held at Grace Presbyterian church at Winston-Salem, N. C., August 4-5, 1932. For two months the medal ship of Grace church had looking with pleasant expecta tion to the coming of groups of men and women, boys and girls from neighboring towns and cities and purchasing sities for their homes 'apd ehinwh n.frifr not cause them to lay aside home duties and jabs to put in readiness God’s Tabernacle. We had a fine group to gather at the church last Tuesday who saved many a dollar that had heretofore been paid out for painting, electric fixtures, etc. We have learned that a little will power on our part puts the program over in a bigger and better way than “Mr. Dol lar” alone has ever done. Thursday morning at 10:00 o’clock our President was at his post of duty. The Conven tion opened with singing by the audience. Prayer was offered by Rev. W. J. Rankin, of Gra ham, The roll was called, and Hie delegates responded. After the roll call the differ ent committees were appoint ed. It was suggested that the Corresponding Secretary make out a list of committees placing a competent person as a chair man of each committee. A mo tion was made and carried that Dr. Miller and the Correspond ing Secret*.y make out a dsr and report ■: the Convention later during the session. The election of officers was follows: President, Mr. J. H. Turner; V$ce-President> Mrs* W. J. Rankin; Recording Sec retary, Mrs. G. A. Bridges; Assistant Recording Secretary, Miss Louise Dixon; Cor. Secre tary, Mrs. A. E. Fortune; and Treasurer, Mr. C. W. Robin son. Three new Sunday schools were received into the Conven tion and recorded. They are: Community Grove, Grace Mis sion and Hannah. All committees made their reports. Dr. I. H. Russell asked God's benediction upon the Con vention as they adjourned, go ing to their several homes. The Convention opened at 2 o'clock. Mr. G. R. Marsh* Sun dav School Missionary, gave a helpful address, presenting to the Convention material on the Cradle Rolf and Home Depart - ments. After a general discus sion there were demonstrations in lesson presentation: 1, Peri (Continued on page 4) BOOK CHAT By Mary White Ovington Treasurer of the N. A. A. C. P. i - * “Portrait of an Independent; MoorfieJd Storey"—By Mark I>Wolf Howe, Published by Houghton Mifflin Co., 2 Park St.. Boston, Mass. Price $3.60. At length we have a biogra phy of the man whom Judge James M. Morton, Jr., said: “I doubt if in the whole history of the colored race in this county any man except Abraham Lin coln ever did more effective work for it." It is a biography ai! must enjoy for it is told in Storey’s own words, in his let d*ar3r- We see him, the pcrfpufcr, young Harvard man, ^e^?0s^0n^an *n Washington as Charles Sumner’s secretary, the Boston lawyer whose wis dom and acumen became in creasingly recognized, the pub ic-spirited citizen. One gets a clear idea of the many matters in which he took a-profound in terest. The most interesting part of the book is from November, J867, to May, '69, when he was Sumner’s secretary. His life in Washington was all that a bril liant young man of good fami ly might desire. He sat at the end of Sumner’s table and met famous statesmen and men of letters. An evening with Dick ens is vividly described. He liked society, was a good danc er, met many attractive young girls and chose one of them, a Washingtonian, for his wife. He did legal research for Sum ner and decided that law would be his career. His account of the impeachment of President Johnson is excellent reading. Storey saw, what we are con stantly taught today to forget, the attempt o»~the part of the Southern States when the war was over, to re-enslave the black man. His sympathies were with Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens but he regretted at times the flippant conduct of the impeachment. He was dis gusted and disappointed at the way the opponents of Johnson handled thejir case. Frofrn his youth on Storey believed in the dignity of the law. The book describes his anti imperialism, leading to an un tiring effort to secure Philip pine independence. It tells of his increasing success in law, of his election to the Presidency of the American Bar Association. His devotion to the cause rath er than the party was the key note of his career. And his bi ographer believes that his per formance as President of the N. A. A. C. P. from 1910 on ward “may be counted his most constructive piece of work in the field of public service.” We of the National Associa tion who worked with him, re alize how untiring that work was. He won three great cases before the Supreme Court, the Grandfather Clause case, the Segregation case and the case of the Arkansas peons. For this important work he charged nothing. The Associa tion’s debt to him could never be paid. But it is good to real ize as one reads the biography that Moorfield Storey knew of the affection and respect given to him by colored people all over the country, people who had never seen him but who venerated him for his inestima ble ^york in behalf of justice to their race. At his eightieth birthday letters of congratula tion and gratitude poured in upon him. Perhaps m biographer makes him somewhat cold. But he was not cold to those who understood him. The Boston people especially knew of the dame of his heart. I would add an incident that I saw. When the hearing on the Birth of the Nation was over, and the Mayor of Boston had professed himself as unable to stop the performance. Griffith, the pro ducer of this pernicious mov ing picture, in acharmnig man ner, came up to Mr. Storey and, offering his hand, said he was glad to meet him. Storey’s hand remained at his side. *1 do not see why I should shake hands with you, Mr. Griffith,” he said. Griffith turned away, amazed and chagrined. I shall never forget the look in Mrs. Butler R. Wilson’s eyes, eyes wet with quick tears. “It was wonderful of you, Mr. Storey,” she gasped. No wonder her husband said to me as we sat together at Moorfield Storey's funeral, “I used to walk along the embankment behind Mr. Storey and seeing his step grow less steady, think that we could not let him go. He was like no other friend.” Boston has lost her great Independent. We of the Association should remember his words written to the Branches who congratulat ed him oil his birthday: “We have only to stand fast,” he said, “only to persevere on as serting our rights, and we can not be beaten. Take no back ward step, urge our fellow cit izens to join our organization, *o fight with us and not to stand by mere lookers-on. That is a position of which every colored man should be ashamed. His help is needed and the larg er our force the sooner will come our sure success.” He died before he saw that sure success, but his faith re mains. ACTIVITIES AT HAKK1SUJN AGRICULTURAL INSTI TUTE, IRMO, S. C. The faculty and students of Harbison—The School of Op portunity for Boys—are begin ning to turn their feet into the paths that lead to the opening doors of the institution. Many of the members of the faculty have added to their store of knowledge and increased their skill in the technique of teach ing by taking courses in sum mer schools of note during their vacation. Our former students, scattered in all direc tions, are doing their best to secure means to meet their ob ligations during the approach ing session. New students in large numbers are applying and are seeking the rare advan tages which the institution of fers. The campus is ideal for quiet, study, health, recreation and training in Christian citi zenship. The President has not been loud in his activities antLprep aratipnsi for the comfort and welfare of both facy^ly and students. What he Las lacked in noise he has made up in de termined efforts and progress. \ new cottage for teachers and a new barn for housing farm implements have been built, and several repairs have been made and hogs and chickens are in evidence. The Dean, at the suggestion and with the sanction of the ad ministrjation, is stressing the industrial features of the cur riculum this year as never be fore. A survey of the student body and of the fields from which they come has suggested ■and 'rdvelaled many important facts. In the light of these facts we have been able to evaluate curriculum in terms of the act our courses and modify our ual needs and aims of the stu dents. We feel a great respon sibility for, and are interesting ourselves in, the problems which concern the abilities, the life needs and occupation in the various localities of our stu dents. The much talked of trades m the institution will have their beginning this year, and will be added with increasing em phasis and in such proportions in the coining years as our means, fitness an dthe approval of our Board will allow. For the present we planto offer courses in practical carpentering, brick masonry, blackpmithjtag, agri culture and shoe repairing. In the very near future we hope to send out from this institu tion trained leaders and demon strators for the above named vocations. We want it clearly understood, however, that ill adding these new courses we do not minimize the importance of our fitting men and boys for higher education. The institu tion is already well known for its work along this line. Our courses in Christian Ed ucation have also been given a larger place in the program of the school. More time has been given these courses to the end that there may go out from this school leaders who may be depended upon to go for ward in all the Christian activ ities of the Church as well as in Christian citizenship in gen eral. School opens Tuesday, Sep tember 18th. FAIRFIELD CONVENTION AND SCHOOL OF METHODS The Presbyterial Sunday School Convention and Junior School of Methods of Fairfield Presbytery met at Coulter Me morial Academy, Cheraw, S. C., August 3-6, 1932. This was one of the most in teresting meetings and most unique programs in the history of the church. The first secret of the success of the meeting was the well planned program for which the program commit tee deserves much commenda tion. Second, the very efficient instructors—those who did not only know their subject mat ter but had the art of clearly imparting it to their listeners. Thirdly, punctuality was stamped in the mind of every individual throughout every phase of the Convention. Fourth, the spirit of co-opera tion seemed to have been a static thing with every one con cerned, thus causing even more interest to be manifested; and last, but not least, the very warm reception that was giv en by Dr. and Mrs. G. W. Long, the host and hostess of the Convention, which would tend to make every one feel himself welcomed to ejvery portion of the campus. The tone of the bell, the wide open doors, the beautiful green on the yards that nature has so wonderfully provided, all seemed to have suftg a song of welcome; there fore, we feel it is our duty to pause here for the purpose of thanking Dr and Mrs. Long for their interest in us and the generous hospitality shown us throughout these meetings. We feel ourselves un able to say enough about them and their splendid co-workers from the kitchen to the beds, -those palatable and well planned meals, the comfortable beds and well ventilated rooms, including the administration building and church. After the registration and as signment of rooms we were served with a bountiful dinner that was enjoyed by all. At 8 o’clock A. M. Dr. M. J. Jackson, President of the Convention, delivered a very practical and hdlpfulj address, based on “Man’s Debts to His Fellowman.” A daily program was followed: Rising bell at 6:30 o’clock; breakfast, 7:30 A. M., followed by a short de votional service, conducted by the various ministers. Then came the Bible hour from 9 un til 9:45. This study was under the direction of Dr. J. W. Ma noney and Dr. W. J. Nelson. Both of these courses were very helpful. Dean and Mrs. J. I. Jones