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The Augusta News-Review - January 8,1976 -
Walking With Dignity
by Al Irby
The Gates Os Hell Shall Not Prevail
The American news media did not give full coverage to the
recent World Council of Churches Assembly that convened in
Nairobi, Kenya. The reason for this journalistic blackout is the
ultra liberal climate of this world-wide religious conglomerate. All
the sessions opened in kaleidoscopic grandeur with ecumenical
communicants in a call to worship for their rising Christ.
The fifth septennial assembly of the world council was warned
by its founding father. Dr. W.A. Visser’t Hooft, that the assembly
must produce a new sense of purpose and dynamism, or the
council will be in deep trouble. The high churchman continued,
“It is time that the churches stop looking at the council as a sort
of fringe phenomenon.”
The council’s potential is great with its 500 million
members. But, it has been accused of ideological preachment,
since in 1961 it admitted as full-pledged members, the Russian
Orthodox Church. Flogging capitalists in general and the United
States in particular must be allayed. With the U.S. dabbling in
everybody’s business and killing those leaders it disapproves of,
it’s no wonder this third world religious organization aims its
criticism at the big bad bully.
American churchmen and newsmen were busy as expected
taking disreputable pot-shots at the assembly. One of the
delegates, Scottist Episcopal Priest Richard Holloway, pointed
out the council’s agreement to spare the Russian delegates
embarrassment by not noticing the Soviet short-commings. The
good Scottist clergyman called that attitude a “conspiracy of
silence.” Time’s religious editor Richard Ostling cabled from the
East African city, that the World Council is in as much danger as
ever of being on the fringe, in answer to Dr. Visser’t Hooft’s
warning. But all of that dissonant verbosity was expected from
white western delegates.
CONFESSING THE MASTER
The Council made Christ the center, after he had been
low-keyed in most of the assemblies. This was a big step back to
Christian traditionalism. The council is ready to match steps for
steps with the conservative Congress of Evangelical Protestants
that met last year in Lausanne, Switzerland to evangelize the
non-church world.
Third World delegates played it cool, although this block of
delegates comprised 45% of the total delegations. They left the
speech-making and the power-plays to the Western entourage.
The white news agencies tried hard to spread untruths that
there was a Black-whtie confrontation. The program to combat
racism was high on the agenda, and it came through with colors
TO BE EQUAL
The Year Ahead
Three main themes will dominate the course of the new year,
and they are all interrelated. How the nation handles them will
teal a great deal about what kind of a people we are and what sort
of future we’U have.
First, 1976 is the Bicentennial Year. After all the hoopla and
fanfare over the past several months, the real thing has finally
arrived.
It started early with last summer’s displays of fake militia
battles and wearing revolutionary-era costumes and in the coming
months we’ll be hearing a lot about America’s struggles for
freedom 200 years ago.
But if that’s all we hear, chalk the Bicentennial down as
another commercialized non-event to be yawned at and ignored.
If Amrica’s birth 200 years ago is taken seriously, the
Bicentennial ought to be an occasion of putting our society under
the microscope and analyzing our shortcomings as well as out
triumphs, the work that still needs to be done to attain our ideals,
as well as celebrating the progress we’ve made.
Above all, it should be the occasion to come to grips with the
gravity of America’s historical racial inhustices. The “liberty” the
colonists fought for did not include their Black slaves and Blacks
have continued to be excluded from the fruits of this society
while being disproportionately included in its dirty work and its
poverty statistics.
So instead of blind celebration, the Bicentennial ought to be a
period of rational discourse, reflection and formulation of action
plans to overcome the heritage of racism.
The second 1976 theme ought to reinforce that. This is a
presidential election year and already we’re haavily into political
debate with both parties fielding a full slate of contestants for the
top prize and more waiting in the wings. i
Ideally, a presidential election ought also to be an educational
experience for the nation, with lines drawn on issues instead of
personalities and an opportunity given for full citizen
participation not only in choosing candidates but also in debating
the key issues. 1
This election looms even more important for the future
Benjamin
Hooks i
FCC
Commissioner WOfe
Push For More Minorities
In Broadcast Field
The Federal Communications Commission’s Equal
Employment Opportunity Guidelines are presently being
considered for adoption. Last week I discussed a bit of the
background of EEO and how the issue has developed since I first
joined the Commission in 1972.
This week, I want to discuss the plan, itself. After much time,
discussion and a change in Chairmen and General Counsels, the
industry EEO unit and the Broadcast Bureau recommended a
comprehensive EEO Guideline package to the Commission in the
form of not one, but two alternative proposals. These were
designed to improve our EEO review and enforcement
procedures.
The first alternative, which I personally favored and
recommended would have required all licensees with a number of
employes - the rulemaking suggested 10,1 personally favored five
- to submit a utilization analysis and goals and timetables for the
hiring and promotion of women and minorities where such
groups were underutilized Such goals and timetables would have
been developed and submitted by the licensee, itself.
The secondproposal, which the Commission adopted (and I
issued a concurring statement) with modifications, would require
licensees to submit goals and timetables only as a remedial step
Page 4
flying. The assembly strongly reaffirmed the council’s practice of
supplying money to non-military programs of guerrilla
movements. They beat back an attempt to withhold grants from
groups likely to cause serious injury. That policy is commendable
because most of the council’s money comes from the United
States and West Germany.
General Secretary Philip Potter, a Black man, will be facing
financial crisis, but the council is putting it’s trust in the biblical
adage, “Man does not exist by bread alone” to see the “faithful
victorious.”
The Council approving the doctrine of “Confessing Christ”
expressed the basic dogma that spirituality and continuing
evangelism is the hallmark of future assemblies. Christ did not
approve of the hypocritical mainline church up at Jerusalem, so I
would wager my last food stamp, that if Christ was around today
his small synagogue would have applied for membership in the
World Council of Churches. That would be the only group where
he would be welcome.
Dr. John Deschner, professor of theology at Southern
Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Tx.
told the Assembly that “Christian unity is challenging, dangerous
and promising. Unity challenges ‘cheap ecumenism’ which will
give fellowship, cooperation, even money, but not visible local
change.” The learned biblical teacher continued “How often have
we walked by on the other side, like the priest and the Levite,
when situations in life challenged us to make what might be
unpopular decisions.”
Dr. Robert McAfee Brown, moderator of the Central
Committee of the World Council of Churches labored the point
that Christ divides as well as unites. This was a provocative answer
to the Assembly’s theme: “Christ Frees and Unites”. Turning to
the 2500 persons attending the council’s sessions, Dr. Brown a
staunch disciple of non-violent philosophy, asked “Who is this
Jesus that frees and unites? If your present answer focuses on
Christ Jesus, the personal Savior, then be willing to confront
Jesus the Liberator whose social message threatens all the human
securities you take for granted. If Jesus the Revolutionary is the
one who now gives you hope then hear also the Jesus who
reminds you that evil is embodied not only in the oppressive
social structures but also in every human heart-not only in the
heart of the evil oppressor, but in your own heart as well.” The
good doctor gave the delegates a lesson in Christ Jesus in many
roles, most of us think Jesus is static.
because of the presence of extremist candidates in both parties
whose hidden message is dismantling of social programs and
halting Black progress at home while pursuing military adventures
abroad.
I have faith though, that the American people are sensible
enough to reject demagogues and send them a message of their
own, namely that there’s no room in a progressive country for
dubious leadership devoted to tormenting racial hatred and
economic warfare against poor and moderate income people.
But it’s a long way till election time, and months till the
conventions, and there’s little evidence to suggest that the coming
campaign will be devoted to rational, issue-oriented politics that
explains alternative policies and the reasons for them. Our
elections have all too often turned into circus events dominated
by personality and media manipulations. It would be sad if this
one too, degenerated into another lost opportunity to build an
educated citizenry that understands the complex issues our
nation faces.
The final theme for 1976 is bound to be a campaign issue
itself, and that is the economic Depression that’s dogged the
country for over a year-and-a-half. Real income is down and
unemployment is up and our mismanaged economy hasn’t shown
any real signs of coming out of the slump.
So the time is ripe for candidates to tell us what they plan to
do to increase economic opportunities for Blacks, minorities and
poor whites who have been frozen out of the system. It is clear
that the old economic rules don’t work any more and that it will
take massive job-creation programs to get people back to work
again, and I predict that candidates honest enough to spell this
out will do a lot better than those who keep repeating that
everything’s all right, it’s just that several million people can’t
find work and maybe they’re too lazy too.
So it all shapes up as a potentially crucial year for our nation,
certainly an interesting one. Which may not be too comforting a
thought since “may you have an interesting year,” is an old
Chinese saying used as a curse!
after the Commission determined that more action was necessary.
The document also provided several other recommendations,
which I shall address monentarily.
However, many persons and groups have asked me why I did
not dissent on this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking since it was
not what I had favored? My answer now, as it was then, is simple
- this was a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and not a final order.
Therefore, I set out in the concurring statement what I thought
would be a “roadmap” for citizens groups and others in making
their comments. In addition, I was able to convince the
Commission that the document should provide for the “onsite”
visit investigation as well as set forth the view that a
discrimination complaint could initiate a review of the licensee’s
entire EEO profile.
By issuing my concurring statement pointing out where I
thought the document could be improved, it was my hope that
the Commission, through public comment on the issues I had
raised, might be persuaded to include or strengthen certain
aspects of the program in the final document. At this point, I still
reserve the right to cast a dissenting vote against the final
document if 1 believe it does not go far enough. More next time.
The more education I received, the greater a hunger I developed
for it. - Sammy Davis Jr.
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But The Job Is Not Finished . . .
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? ■ Roosevelt Green Jr.
1975 was a very good year in many respects. So much
happened that confirms the wisdom of my decision to give the
ministry full time consideration. This column is devoted to citing
some events in my personal life that may be of some interest to
my friends and readers.
It was with a deep sense of sadness that I left the faculty of the
University of Georgia School of Social Work. However, it is my
“calling” by God to the Christian ministry that I felt compelled
to fulfill. I had spent many years giving time to social work and
the ministry realizing that the ministry is my first love. The
transition has been made easier by my being able to also perform
as a social worker within the context of the ministry.
The knowledge that the Black church is the only institution n
this country that Black people own and control certainly helped
me to consider how I may make my best contribution to Black
and non-Black people. The Black church is therefore the most
positive force in this country for the liberation of Black people.
This church must continuously examine and develop its role and
contribution to the needed development of the Black
community.
Black unity is a must if Blacks are to build a strong Black
nation fn this country and in AFrica. Black theology has much to
say about Black nation building and Blacks should examine and
develop this theology even further. God is a God of freedom and
liberation from all forms of oppression and this, 1 believe, is a
historical fact.
With that kind of preface let us review some significant
happenings since my arrival in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. First of
ill, even though this city is located in the northeastern section of
the country; I really just moved “up South.” As a matter of fact,
I think the northeast is now where the South was at least fen or
fifteen years ago. White institutional racism is much more
sophisticated, subtle and devasting outside of the South.
Dealing with white racism and oppression is like dealing with a
snake. It is better to deal with a rattle snake than any other kind
for a rattler will warn you before he strikes. Northern, eastern
and western racism is like a water snake for it sneaks up on Black
people and when they realize what is happening, they have
already been bitten. Are you running with me?
] Harrisburg is a typical eastern city except for the fact that it is
the capital of Pennsyivannia. It has all of the social problems
common to any Southern city except for the fact that more
whites up here pass for ’liberals” in political consider itions. I
have been greeted warmly by both Black and non-Black Baptists -
and this is also true for local Southern Baptists.
f Business
in the
Black
By Charles E. Belle
BLACKS CAUGHT IN FOOD TRAP
Despite record crop production, the relative cost of food is
likely to go up this year. Retail food prices in 1976 might more
than double the four percent prediction of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture.
Wendell Earle, professor of marketing at Cornell University,
says retail food cost can rise as much as 10 percent. The.average
retail cost of a market basket of U.S. produced foods climbed to
$126 in the first nine months of 1975. The farmer is not totally
to blame for this bam burner. The culprits are the columns of
middlemen developed through detente.
Farm productivity will score a record high this year with
individual operators now concentrating on fewer and larger crops
or livestock enterprises. Both com and wheat sales abroad will
surpass the one billion bushel mark by wide margins this season.
The U.S. will sell over 80 million metric tons of grain this year,
double the amount exported four years ago and over half the
total movement of grain in world trade. Soviet buying of U.S.
wheat in July of 1972, inaugurated increases in bread prices.
Severe winter kill in early 1972, had created the need for the
Nixon agreement. Summer drought sent Soviet buyers to New
York with a $750 million line of credit to get huge orders of U.S.
wheat.
I had the privilege and pleasure of preaching to the Harrisburg
Baptist Association soon after my arrival in the community. The
association is the local group of Black and non-Black Baptists. I
also had the opportunity of preaching to. the local group of
Southern Baptist pastors and we enjoyed a warm fellowship. The
SOuthern Baptists have made strong inroads into the North and
East.
The local Black Baptist Association met at my church this
year. I use the term “my church” very loosely to describe the
Macedonia Baptist Church where I am serving as pastor or
minister. The Baptist state convention will meet at “my” church
in October of 1976. Our members are eagerly looking forward to
that occasion. Also, a portion of the religious education congress
of the state convention met at our church. The seating capacity
of the church is approximately twenty-one hundred and our
membership is around five hundred or more in members.
The membership of “my” church has increased by about one
hundred and thirty-five members for the one year period of my
service. The objectives of the church are found in its commitment
to a social ministry designed to meet the mind, body and soul
needs of the members and the community. We have a licensed
day care center with a capacity for over one hundred children.
And, we have a G.E.D. evening program in operation for four
nights a week. This adult education program is offered to
members and non-menbers and it is provided freely by the
Harrisburg School District. The school superintendent is a widely
appreciated Black man named Banjamin Turner.
Brother Turner is a highly dedicated Black man who seeks to
provide quality education to all of the children and adults in the
community. Our school syatem is one of the few totally
desegregated school syatems in the country. The issue here is not
busing but a concern about quality education for all children of
whatever ethnic group. One of “my” members, Brother Oswald
V. Hicks, is the head of adult education in the District. He is well
known in the AUgusta area since he formerly taught and served as
a school principal in South Carolina. The faculty and staff of the
Harrisburg School District is also completely desegrated.
Perhaps the highlight of this year for me was when the Church
sent me to the World Baptist Alliance meeting in Stockholm,
Sweden. I was accompanied in this trip which included a tour of
finve countries by my wife, Lillie. We visited Sweden, Denmark,
France, Italy, and the Holy Land while really enjoying ourselves
immensely. The trip to Israel was the absolute “icing on the
cake” for it was truly inspitational to visit the important Bibical
sites in the life of Jesus Christ.
Another highlight was my installation service as pastor of the
church. The Rev. Dr. Charles S. Hamilton of Tabernacle Baptist
Church in Augusta delivered a womderful sermon on that day
that is still being discussed. Also, my first soul stirring revival
service at the church was conducted by the Rev. James H. Sims,
Jr., pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Atlanta.
I really look forward to developing a model community
oriented church that seeks to meet the needs of the total person.
My commitment is greatly supported by the commitmenLof the
church membership to a program of this type. My family and 1
have been very cordially received by the membership as well as
other Black and non-Black citizens in the community.
I extend a personal invitation to all of our News-Review
readers to visit Macedonia Church and worship with us when you
are in this area. Harrisburg is less than a two hour drive from
either Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, Maryland. It
is also around thirty miles from Gettysburg and two and a half
hours from New York City. Y’all come! Harambee!!!!!!!!!
China joined the act, buying U.S. wheat for the first time in
many years. Today, detente demands that we send cereal to East
Germany, Poland and Romania which will be nearly five times
. higher than last year.
Higher food prices can only partially be placed on the farmer
for asking the higher price available in the world market. Only
$33 of 1975’s $126 price jump went into the farmer’s purse. Like
pack rats, middlemen take 51 percent of the price you pay for a
half-pound of cheese. These bottlers, meat packers, transporters,
processors, wholesalers, grocers rip you off for 80. percent of a
one-pound loaf of bread.
THE AUGUSTA NEWS-REVIEW
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