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The Augusta News-Review - September 16, 1976 -
Walking With Dignity
By AL IRBY
South African White Churches Agonize
Can the so-called Christian Church in South Africa save the
Southern tip of the Black Continent? Not much can be expected
of a religious faith, that twist the “Holy Bible” around to suit its
theological justification for depraved apartheid. The
interpretation of the story of the “Tower of Babel” in the Old
Testament (God divided the world into different races and
languages and meanth them to stay that way) according to
traditional Dutch Reformed thinking, simply cannot stand up to
the teaching of the New Testament that God is no respector of
persons. Also, Christianity is the only basis of moral appeal open
to browbeaten Blacks in the South Africa. Unlike civil-rights
leaders in the United States, Blacks in South Africa cannot call
for protection of human rights enshrined in their Constitution. The
only statement the South African Constitution makes is that the
government stands united “to further the contentment and
spiritual and material welfare of all in our midst,” (but like our
Constitution was written, Blacks were not considered or
included). Thus the Blacks in South Africa have tuned into the
church as the channel which is not continually blocked by the
white bias government, and Black Power has come to the
Churches.
Black consciousness and white consciousness are facts says one
Black minister from Soweto, the Black township on the fringe of
Johannesburg where rioting began in June, “there may or may
not be Christ’s consciousness in one or the other.” A meeting of
all Black ministers in South Africa called for Sept. 27 and 28 is
likely to be the beginning of a united Black Church bringing
together Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Dutch Reformed, and the
3,800 independent Chruches to confront the “Devil” in cussed
apartheid. Such unity will not come out of it’s planned meeting,
but “eventually that is what they will haveTs*do,” said a white
South African journalist covering the religious scene. Black
ministers are being pushed by the youths who are threatening and
dying. These determined youths are saying they will bum down
the churches if nothing is done to demand change from the tyrant
government.
YOUTHS ARE THREATENING TO TAKE OVER THE CHURCH
Other evidence of Black leadership coming through churches is
the virtual take over by the youth’s at the coming annual meeting
of the South African Council of Churches (SACC). Because of the
killings in Soweto and elsewhere, the Black Youths have a
ready-made platform. But even more important, Black ministers
have gone beyond the current situations; they are discussing the
form of the future South African government. The current talk is
going around over what kind of socialism a Black church and
government Black South Africans should follow. Os most
immediate concern, however, to Prime Minister Vorster is his own
Dutch Reform Church, the religious arm of the ruling Afrikaners
(the whites of Dutch descent). Mr. Vorster has agreed to talk with
the top officials of the International Reform Church Synod
TO BE EQUAL By Vernon E. Jordon Jr.
What Poor People Want
One of the problems with being poor and powerless is that a
lot of people assume they know what’s best for you and don’t
ever bother asking what YOU want, what’s on YOUR mind, or
what YOU need.
That’s why a recent survey by the Washington, D.C. Urban
League is so important. That community organization designed a
questionnaire and conducted a survey of selected poverty
neighborhoods in the nation's Capital to find out what the people
themselves think about their situation.
It’s true that poor people have been studied to death, most
often by scholars trying to prove that something’s wrong with
the poor. Remember all of those psuedo-scientific studies
purporting to show that Black families are disorganized, that Black
IQs are low, that schools don’t matter, and all the rest?
Such studies made the poor into objects, things to be studied
the way scientists study lab animals. They didn’t treat the poor as
people whose opinions counted and whose perceptions were
valuable and worthy of consideration.
The Washington Study treated people with respect and further,
was action-oriented. It tried to pinpoint areas of concern that
could be followed up with sound action to improve people’s lives,
not blame them for what’s wrong.
Some of the findings are interesting, and applicable to other
communities. 1 don’t have the space here for a comprehensive
report, but here are a few of the findings that ought to get some
attention.
A basic community problem was found to be the high cost of
food, in part a reflection if the lack of competition in the ghetto
economy as large markets and chains have abandoned inner-city
neighborhoods. Many people reported they had to travel far from
their homes to buy food and other necessities, and four out of
five said such goods are available cheaper in other, more affluent
neighborhoods.
The answers to this situation, supplied by the people
Deadline
Mondays
No Exceptions
THE AUGUSTA NEWS-REVIEW §
Mallory K. MillenderEditor-Publisher
Frank Bowman General & Advertising Manager
Stan RainesManaging Editor & Circulation Manager
Audrey Frazier Editor-At-Large
Al Irby News Editor $
Michael Carr Chief Photographer
Mary Gordonßookkeeper $
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which met in Cape Town during the third week in September.
The Synod, which represents 7 million Christians around the
world and meets every four years, is asking that the South
African government change its apartheid policies. The Synod has
made the white South African Dutch Reform Church squirm in
its theological seat. But the head of the white church, J.D.
Vorster, older brother of the Prime Minister, shows no signs of
modifying his hitherto hard line stance. The elder Dr. Vorster’s
leadership has not had the respect of many important whites for
many years, although loyalty in Afrikanerdom and deference for
authority have left him in power.
How to change that leadership quickly is seen by progressive
church members of crucial importance. In fact Dr. Vorster has
been moved off-center by a younger group of ministers from
Stellenbosh and Potchefsroom Universities. He is no longer the
power he once was, according to a lay Afrikaner who has closely
followed past Church Synods. The fact that the Church now is
going to the government is in itself a sign of major movement
within the thinking of Afrikaners. And since the government is
unlikely to move without the Church’s approval, there are
indications apartheid may be gradually diluting. The white Dutch
Reformed Church was most critically challenged by its daughter
Churches, the Indian, Black, and the Colored (mixed race)
Churches - and the challenge of the latter was the most telling.
Church leader Vorster was even pressured by the Colored
Church to ask the police to reveal details about three Colored
theological students who had been arrested recently. A growing
number of Afrikaners dislike the white church leadership,
according* to Prof. Hendrick W. Van de Merwe of Cape Town
University.
A survey he conducted of opinions among the elite of South
Africa included interviews with 40 Dutch Reformed men. The
survey showed that none of the 40 respected Dr. Vorster and
many even voiced “disgust” with his leadership. Thus the
challenge of the Churches must not be underestimated. As one
white South African said, “the once heathen (the Blacks) are now
trying to convert the whites to Christianity.” And the whites are
tom between their white nationalism and their Christianity. The
result is countrywide mental and physical turmoil over trying to
resolve the conflict.
RETROSPECTION
Every season when the football season rolls around, old-timers
that swore by the “Purple and White” cannot refrain from
dreaming of the long, long ago, when Paine College was a pig-skin
power; and that power for four beautiful years rested upon that
fame airborne combination of “Waller to Cunningham”. This was
the greatest forward passing unit in the entire Southland. Paine
should never forget it.
themselves, are for more and better consumer education and for
establishing better shopping facilities in their neighborhoods.
Co-op arrangements and putting markets on city-owned land
would go a long way toward making this a reality.
Not surprisingly, lack of jobs and decent income are
continuing problems. The interrelatedness of social problems is
demonstrated by the fact that half of the unemployed Blacks in
the survey lost their jobs because of health problems.
The popular assumption that unemployment is effectively
cushioned by jobless benefits was disproved: only about 16 per
cent of the out-of-work Blacks surveyed were receiving such
benefits.
A majority said they needed job-training and even those who
were working indicated they were looking for another job,
probably because of the low pay scales. All of this suggests that
training programs, with jobs at the end of the line, are desperately
needed in urban areas. And consumer-oriented health facilities are
tied to the job issue since they’re needed to assure the better
health that enables people to work.
Child care ranked high on the list of citizen concerns, with
four-fifths of the people calling for more day care centers.
Existing child care services are a drain on their low incomes, but
are necessary if adults are to be free to work.
Crime is a pressing problem, and this most victimized
community wants more and better rehabilitiative programs and is
less hooked on the vengeance that the law and order supporters
are always shouting about. The willingness of the people in the
survey to join citizens’ patrols indicates that curbing crime in
low-income neighborhoods can better utilize citizen and
community solutions than has traditionally been the case.
There’s a lot more, but the essential point is that we as a nation
have to stop berating the poor and start listening to their needs,
their solutions, and their aspirations.
Letter to the Editor
Children Molested
On Unprotected Road To School
Dear Editor,
We live in the housing area
Barton Chapel Hills off of
Barton Chapel Road. Our
children must attend junior
and senior high at Glenn Hills;
our housing area is located one
mile from the school but
extends beyond that once you
get into the housing area. Our
children are forced to walk to
school down Glenn Hills Road,
which is a mile long (our
housing area is at the end of
this road). This road is
surrounded by trees with only
a few houses on it. Many
students were molested on
their way to and from school
last year.
We are very concerned
taxpayers who would like to
know why our children cannot
ride the bus or why can’t a bus
stop be provided for this area.
Cl
I I ?
I WE ■****’'■
This road is dangerous besides
being quite a distance for our
children to walk. Most parents
in our neighborhood work and
cannot transport their children
to school.
There are more than four
buses that pass our housing
area to go to McDuffie Woods
and Barton Village, both of
which are about two blocks
from us. These buses will not
stop to pick up our children.
We feel the superintendent
or school board or whoever is
responsible for such action is
being unfair and prejudice in
their action, since our
neighborhood is all Black.
Concern Parents,
Barton Chapel Hills
Mrs. Herman Newsom.
Correspondent
3603 Watergate Drive
Augusta, Ga.
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"GOING PLACES By Philip Waring
News-Review Is Really A Meaningful
Third Paper In Augusta
While others have previously voiced this informally, it was the
timely letter to the editor from civic leader-business executive
Travis Barnes which brought it out into public focus. Yes, the
five-year-old News-Review is an important and meaningful third
paper in the Augusta-CSRA sector! Thank you Mr. Barnes.
THE NEWS-REVIEW MOVES AHEAD
The recent announcement by Publisher Millender regarding
staff promotions and new changes heralds important and positive
moves forward. Its subscribers, advertisers, and friends are due
words of appreciation for support. And let’s not forget our
columnists and special writers. *
Most important, however, the real heroes are its hard working
and dedicated staff. They believed in the value of this paper to
the Black community and showed it by putting in years of
faithful service. To them is owed many votes of thanks from the
community. Thrust by the News-Review over the past five years
has helped lay groundwork for racial betterment in Augusta and
the CSRA.
Thanks to the Good Lord, the paper has “turned the comer”,
is in a sound state and is here to stay. Our staff realizes, however,
that much remains to be done and only hard work and unity will
help reach our objectives.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS NOTED - MANY FIRSTS
Let’s look at some of its accomplishments which include: (1)
Affiliation with the 36-year-old National Newspaper Publishers
Association (NNPA)... This has also made possible for our
Publisher to meet with the President of the United States and also
an invitation to participate in conferences with other NNPA
editors and publishers... Point of the storv is that “this has never
been done before by an Augusta publication”...
(2) In December of 1975 we published a special Family
Achievement edition which was a salute to both the Mclntyre
Family and the third Black Political Assembly... Publisher
Millender flew copies directly to this important Washington
gathering... They were distributed to the largest meeting of Black
political leaders in history, thereby projecting Augusta’s image
tremendously.. And we were the only publication to do this...
BLACKS WHO HELPED BUILD AUGUSTA
(3) During 1975 our paper won a Bicentennial award for its
three-year series, “Blacks Who Helped Build Augusta”... This also
has been widely hailed. It is the first involvement of the Black
Press and citizens in writing about the accomplishments of our
people who have been left out of the history books and records...
(4) During the 1976 Bicentennial Black History month our
paper presented a “Black Family Achievement Self-Inventory”
making it possible for the average family to easily record and
trace family roots. This was still another “first-of-its kind” given
by an Augusta Black paper to the nation. Chruch and religious
coverage has been greatly expanded. Stress has been given on
Voter Education-Registration.
(5) During the current Bicentennial Year the News-Review has
presented its readers with several significant feature editions. The
first, a unique Fifth Anniver&try edition (part one) and a “Happy
200 Birthday” edition at Fourth of July. Publisher Millender has
asked this writer to spearhead a final Part 11, Fifth Anniversary
edition. This is slated for the last week in October. I hope, God
willing, to come home to Augusta to work with our staff in
publishing it.
(6) And finally, let’s not forget the well-placed and forthright
editorials flowing from our paper. They’ve garnered wide support
as racial discrimination and racism is still with us throughout the
land. The News-Review has spoken out against evils facing the
community and has courageously supported issues and people not
always popular. Os course there have been some problems and
misunderstandings among folks, Black and white, who have not
always understood the role of a relevant Black paper or the Credo
of the Black press. We’ve tried to be factual and objective. Above
all, we’ve kept the faith. I see the beginning of change which
should help the entire community...
SEEKS BETTERMENT FOR ENTIRE COMMUNITY
(7) Now after five years there is general agreement that the
News-Review is the leading spokesman, advocator and
informer-educator for the Augusta-CSRA Black communitv... It
has supported such programs as: The “Build It Black” at Paine
College, “Black Festival ’76”, Laney-Walker Blvd, project, the
upgrading of downtown, colosseum as well as the crucial need for
better housing, recreation and social services within the Inner-city
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FACING REALITY
The News-Review has given support to the building and
expansion of business and industry as well as the general welfare
of Augusta and the CSRA...
The most responsible American institutions point to continued
major racial discrimination in employment, housing, social
services, allocation of Federal monies, etc.... The News-Review
lent its approval to such groups as the Dr. M.L. King Jr. Coalition,
NAACP, SCLC and others who are fighting to bring about
positive change... Better Black employment, health, housing, etc.
adds dollars to the marketplace coupled with democracy living up
to its promises...
LUCRATIVE BLACK PURCHASING POWER
With a proven lucrative multi-million dollar market and the
purchasing power of Blacks in Augusta and the CSRA (who also
pay taxes), the News-Review remains greatly disappointed with
the paucity of advertising given to local Black-owned media...
More on this later...
NEW BLACK MUSEUM NEEDED
“Blacks Have Been Left Out of American and Augusta
History”... Our paper has constantly reminded its readers of the
tax-supported Augusta-Richmond County Museum which has
historically excluded Black history (as though our group has
never existed in Richmond County!)...
Our paper stands solidly behind the thrust of the Black
Heritage Commission to establish a Black Museum - Cultural
Center on Laney-Walker Blvd, (a building is already available)...
At the May 31 convocation at Tabernacle Baptist Church the
1200 persons present raised their hands in agreement that the
Augusta and Richmond County governments should back this
proposal...
A LOOK AT DEDICATED NEWSPAPER STAFF
Who are these wonderful persons who’ve worked so hard to
give Augusta a good Black accredited family newspaper? They
cover college age through world travelled military veterans and
retired writers...
Let’s look at Frank Bowman, the U.S. Navy man who is our
very able ambassador to the business and industrial sector... He is
all about showing merchants and economic institutions the value
of their News-Review advertising to reach the lucrative
multi-million dollar Black community... (May I also say “Many
Happy Returns” to Frank and his charming bride)...
DEAN OF BLACK WRITERS
There is Al Irby, “Dean of Augusta Black Journalists”. His
interesting column and writings over the past 30 years have added
to dialogue about racial questions. Other papers outside Augusta
have picked up his column. Now retired from employment in an
industrial setting, he should bring experience about the structure
and people of Augusta. Stan Raines is a retired U.S. Army
combat veteran who has fought and traveled all over the world
for his country. A good organizer, Stan has brought new
dimensions in the sale, circulation and distribution of a new Black
weekly. His colorful weekly entertainment column is widely read
by thousands. Keep on!
BEAUTY AND BRAINS
It would be impossible to forget brilliant and beautiful Audrey
Frazier who will now play an important role in putting the news
program together. A graduate of Augusta College where she was
trained in communications, Audrey is a veteran News-Review
staffer as well as a beauty contest winner. She should offer a fresh
young approach with a female point of view.
The paper has a newly promoted staffer who is its first Chief
Photographer. Suave Mike Carr has compiled an outstanding
record of taking all kinds of news pictures which have helped
build the/ News-Review into its present attractive state. Wisely
majoring in business at Augusta College, he has wide contacts
with the Black Students Union and thousands of young people
throughout Greater Augusta.
While I have not met Ms. Mary Gordon, new
bookkeeper,secretary and John Hardy 111, the news sports
reporter, I’ve heard many nice things about them. Welcome
aboard!
MORE THANKS FOR JOBS WELL DONE
May I add my personal “Thanks for a job well done” to Tracy
Williams 111, who now returns to Yale University after some
exciting writings during the summer... Good luck to George
Wright, interim news reporter last summer, who goes on to new
assignments...
And above all, let’s remember with appreciation the L.D.
Waters Family and firm which has contributed so skillfully
towards physical lay out and production of the News-Review..
STAFF READY TO SERVE THE GEORGIA-SOUTH
CAROLINA PUBLIC
The occasion of promotions and change has civen me
opportunity of reviewing the paper’s accomplishments and
describing our able staff which is ready to serve the pi blic. They
are there ready to steer the Good Ship News-Review towards
meeting the challenges of the last half of the 1970’s while
building a great third paper in Augusta!