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The Augusta News-Review - January 6, 1977 -
Walking With Dignity
By AL IRBY
Black Students In South Africa Have Borrowed
An Americans Patriot Famous Words,
’Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death’
South African students demand change in government action;
they are taking a page and saying from an American Patriot,
“Give me liberty or give me death”. Soweto may sound quiet
now, but 1977 will be worse than 1976, says a prominent African
in touch with the Student Representative Council (SRC). The
SRC students have spearheaded the activity in Soweto, the hugh
Black township near Johannesburg. So far it has managed to
replace its shifting leadership as some youths leave the country to
go underground. Three top SRC students are planning to leave
soon, saying their part is done and police are closing in one them,
according to informed sources.
Black adults say they are amazed at the courage and
doggedness of these students. The SRC is demanding two things
of the government; (1) That Bantu education be scrapped. Bantu
education is the separate, non-compulsory educational system for
Africans. (2) That police release all detained children and youths,
except those with specific charges laid against them. Minister of
Police and Justice James T. Kruger announced at the weekend
that 81 people detained under the Internal Security Act will be
released soon. There are 102 people being held under that act,
according to the South African Institute of race relations.
DEMANDS TRANSMITTED. SRC DEMANDS ARE
CONVEYED THROUGH Adult community leaders to
government authorities.
SRC leaders refuse to take directly to white education officials
“because they know what our demands are,” the students say.
The United States ambassador here reportedly is also trying to
talk with the SRC leaders. His request has been conveyed to
them, and it now is up to the students to decide according to a
well-informed Black community leader. The attitude of whites
has changed drastically since June 16 said T.W. Kambule,
headmaster for 20 years at Soweto’s Orlando High School. “They
now think we should be viewed as human beings. But it is too late
for only a change of attitude. The students want it to be that
Blacks can have what whites have if they work for it.” For the
SRC, THE FIGHT NOW IS BLACK AGAINST WHITE. “When
students marched into Johannesburg on Sept. 23, the police
didn't shoot because they might shoot whites. In Soweto they
shoot. The students notice the difference,” Mr. Kambule
explained.
About 20 per cent of the 180,000 students in Soweto are
Mostly About Women ByMARIANJ . WARINC
Leadership Suggestions
In the December 16 issue of the Augusta News-Review, I
discussed your role as a leader in your community and listed
twenty mistakes to avoid. I promised to make brief comments on
the “DON’TS”.
DON’T KNOW IT ALL - This refers to the leader who always
has the answer who never makes a mistake. Make a few, or rather
admit those you make. It may hurt at the time, but in the end the
admission will strengthen you in the eyes of the group.
DON’T BECOME IMPATIENT - People will change to accept
responsibility only at their own pace. They cannot be pushed
faster, however you may direct their attention to the need and
invite initiative. Do not give up if matters move slowly. When
your group is ready to act, things will often move with
breathtaking speed.
DON’T PRESS - When some development seems proper to
you, offer a suggestion, raise a question, but don’t press. If no
one finds the idea challenging, let it rest for a time. It can be
repeated in a different form later. It will never become a
contribution to the growth of your group unless they adopt it as
their own.
DON’T ARGUE -- Differ with people by stating the points on
which you differ as clearly and cheerfully as possible. Point out
that all intelligent people have ideas of their own. You must take
pride in the differences - yours and theirs. Avoid a defense of
your own position.
DON’T BECOME WORRIED/HARRASSED - Community
work which is time-consuming can put pressure upon anyone who
takes responsibility; it may call for attention at any hour of the
day and any day of the week; it can be wearisome especially
when you accept more assignments than any one person can
complete. (Note: The columnist knows; she is a living example
and a major authority on such matters.) lou can avoid this
unhappy state by organization of your time and by haring the
courage to say an occasional “NO”.
Black Empowerment
By Dr. Nathaniel Wright, Jr
New Leadership For NAACP
Perhaps among the last Black Americans who would be wished
to be dubbed “a leader’’ - at least in the traditional sense of the
term of a hand-picked intermediary for Black Americans - is the
Reverend and Honorable Benjamin L. Hooks designated to
succeed Roy Wilkins as National Director of the NAACP.
The 51-year-old Dr. Hooks serves presently as the first Black
member of the Federal Communications Commission where his
outspoken and formidable presence has brought about the
beginnings of immense change for Blacks in the communications
industry.
While too many white Americans, the name of Benjamin
Hooks is relatively unknown, his writings for the Black press
upon a variety of subjects has made him almost like a friendly
and most helpful weekly visitor in millions of Black America s
Yet, in his new position which holds unparalled possibilities for
enabling and empowering Blacks to enter America s mainstream,
there are many who will wonder what his directorship will hold in
Bv way of response, might recall the remarks of Jesus where
questioned about the qualifications of John the Baptist, to whom
large numbers had gone to his wilderness home to see. Jesus said:
“What went ye out in the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the
wind? A man used to the easy life of the rich?
“But went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say more than a
prophet...” , ,
Now, much the same paraphrase may be made concemmg
Benjamin Hooks: preacher of the word of God, jurist, essayist,
entrepreneur, trustee of colleges, leading member in the National
Bar Association, ranking member among Black fraternal groups,
civic leader, civil servant... and now director-designate of the
Page 4
judged to be activists, according to sources in touch with the
government. Currently, the SRC has organized a largely effective
boycott of white-owned stores in Johannesburg. Some Blacks
were beaten up when they came home with Christmas presents
from Johannesburg. The SRC has clamped down on Soweto
shopkeepers, forcing them not to set high prices to take
advantage of the boycott of white businesses, according to several
sources. The She-beens (drinking house) have been closed until
after Christmas and there is even a clamp down on wedding
celebrations.
Even if the government should release all detained people, the
other demand of SRC is that Bantu education be abolished. That
may be impossible for the government to fulfill say observers.
Bantu education began 20 years ago and is a cornerstone of
apartheid, the policy of legal separation of the races. Still the
government is moving to alleviate some of the educational
problems. Schools are due to open a month early, Jan. 6, and
crash courses will be offered.
EXAMS IN SECRET
Salaries of Black teachers will be brought up to those of whites
if their qualifications are equal (but only 12 per cent of African
teachers will be affected). Some students secretly took the last
matriculation exam, and the government has kept their names
secret so thev will not suffer reprisals. Figures vary from 10 to 20
per cent of those eligible. The government under the new and
more flexible regional director J.L. F. Strydon, has relaxed its
regulation that no new schools can be built in Soweto. Parents are
being consulted now, and free textbooks will be issued from
Form 1 instead of in only the last three years. There are strong
rumors that whites will be allowed to teach in Soweto soon. But
all these plans may come to naught. The SRC SAYS STUDENTS
WILL NOT GO back to school unless Bantu education is
abolished. “I don’t think it will work now (to put white teachers
in Soweto),’’ said Mr. Kambule. “They don’t want white teachers,
until Blacks are able to go anywhere. .
“If white teachers come to my school, I won t be able to have
control over them. Besides, there is a shortage of white teachers
in white areas." Mr. Kambule added. One community’ leader said:
“I feel the government is going to give in. They think it is
weakness. But they don’t realize that if they wait, it will be
greater weakness because the protest will be stronger.
DON’T LOSE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR - This happens
when overbusy and overworried but remember that a cheerful
manner will ease these situations and make their solution easier.
A leader must realize, though, that for some people “Life is
real /life is earnest” and for them humor seems flippant unless
accompanied by a serious determination to meet the problem at
hand.
DON’T INTERRUPT -- Let people finish when they are
thinking/speaking. Try to understand; help them express
themselves more clearly; and if possible, accept and build upon
their ideas.
DON’T KEEP THE CENTER OF THE STAGE - Let the other
person shine. Your success comes and develops as a result of your
influence. Even when you could do it better or when your idea
has been pre-empted, let the group member take the spotlight;
and if it becomes necessary for you, the leader, to be important
for a short time, pass the glory on to someone else quickly.
DON’T BE TOO ELATED WHEN PRAISED - Anyone enjoys
praise/flattery; you may well deserve it. But keep in mind when
the bouquets are being passed that the brickbats will come later.
Try to avoid an upset of balance from either extreme.
DON'T BE UNAHPPY WHEN CRITICIZED - You will be
criticized if you are accomplishing anything worthwhile. Accept
the negative comment and the criticism with an attentive ear and
as evidence that something may be wrong. Try to correct your
own ineptitude, which may not be the point mentioned in the
criticism at all. Do realize that the unpleasant remarks may come
from the emotional needs of the critic from an appraisal of your
own blundering. Remember that no man is perfect and there may
be some suggestion for improvement even in an ill-mannered
attsck
Note: The remaining ten “DON’TS” will be reviewed in
January.
National office of the NAACP.
Dr. Hooks brings a broad and rich experience to the work ot
the NAACP. While the choice by the National board of one of its
own members were unanimous, no person in the NAACP should
be more pleased than the present director, Roy Wilkins.
When a man’s life and work have been almost synonymous,
nothing could be more rewarding than to see one's work being
placed in the finest hands. This deliciously rare experience has
come to Mr. Wilkins; and there could be no more finer tribute
and farewell to the current chapter of Mr. Wilkin s life.
During the years of racial turmoil in the late 1950 s and
throughout the 1960’5, Dr. Hooks served faithfully and
aggressively as pastor of churches in Detroit and Memphis.
Not content with the avenues for service afforded by the
pulpit. Dr. Hooks became a lawyer and, in an almost
phenonmental way, became a southern criminal court judge, a
banker, a founding member of a quick-food chain, a journalist of
excellences and presiding officer of several major BlaT fraternal
Sr °So P ft spoken yet firm and aggressive, he promises almost
certainly to regionalize the programming and outreach of the
NAACP -a move somewhat away from the rather doctnnnaire
directions of the past.
The poet has written:
“New occasions teach new duties;
Time makes ancient good uncouth ."
In Benjamin Hooks, who has been a part of the best ot the
ancient good, the new duties required by new occasions will not
necessarily reflect negatively upon the NAACP’s revered and
worthy past.
History- Making Black Happenings:
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Chad - The Central African Republic was renamed, in the early
part of December 1976, to the Central African Empire. The
former General and now Emperor Salah Eddini Ahmed Bokassa
issued the announcement that a parliamentary monarchy had
been established, with the new parliament to be named at his
descretion. _ , . »~
The Central African Empire is about the size of Texas, with a
population of about two million. The Emperor is a recent convert
to Islam His laigelv agricultural empire contains also mineral
wealth which, together, represents the empire's economic life.
Ki
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"WHILE THE RISING INCIDENCE OF CRIME HAG BEEN A SOURCE OF
EMBARRASSMENT TO MANY BLACK LEADERS, FAR TOO MANY HAVE REMAINED
AMBIVALENT TOWARD THE PROBLEM. PERHAPS THROUGH FEAR OF PROVIDING COM'
FORT TO RACISTS MASQUERADING BEHIND A MASK OF LAW AND ORDER J RECOGNIZE
THESE RISKS. BUT I ALSO RECOGNIZE AN EVEN GREATER RISK. THAT BLACKS
THEMSELVES MAY CONFUSE THE RIGHT OF BLACK PEOPLE TO PROTEST THEIR
UNSATISFACTORY CONDITION IN THE UNITED STATES WITH THE OPPORTUNITY
FOR CRIMINALS TO PREY ON EXPOSED CITIZENS"
OH. ANMFW E.KIhhER
TO BE EQUAL
By Vernon E. Jordon Jr.
Choices For The New Year
1977 will be a crucial year. It begins with the country in a
seemingly intractable recession that's a major Depression for poor
people and for Black people, and with a new Administration
entering office whose every move will be scrutinized tor hints ot
how it w ill deal with the nation’s problems.
President-elect Carter has said that even before his inauguration
he will announce his plans for getting the economy back on the
right track. The basic decision revolves around what sort ot
stimulus the economy needs.
Everyone, regardless of the ideological tag worn, believes some
sort of stimulus is needed. Production is way below what it
should be, unemployment is rising from an intolerably high base,
and public and private needs are going unmet.
That’s why many are advocating a hefty tax cut. The idea is
that cutting taxes will put money in people s pockets and get
them spending again, leading to higher production levels and
more unemployment. .
That’s a tidy package. The only trouble with it is that it is
A tax cut would be a wrong decision for several reasons. I- irst,
experience shows that people don’t spend their tax cuts, which
often amount to only a few dollars a week anyway in the average
pay check. After the last tax cut, the savings rate rose sharply, and
that doesn’t lead to more production or more jobs.
Second, a tax cut would go to those who need it least. I eople
who are jobless, who are poor or near-poor, would not benefit at
all.
Third whatever stimulus a tax cut brings to the economy takes
a long, iong time to show itself. The full economic impact of a
tax cut is not seen for many months while sharply targeted direct
government spending can boost the economy immediately.
Fourth, and far from least, it would be unconscionable to cut
taxes at a time when public needs are so great. How can taxes be
cut when teachers are being laid off, city health facilities closed
down and public transportation systems deteriorating? In the
face of unmet public needs and growing unemployment it would
be a tragic mistake to add to the enormous budget deficit by
Andrew Young, Jimmy Carter’s choice for Ambassador to the
United Nations, came to public attention as a denim-clad
“negotiator” for Dr. Martin Luther King, during the civil rights
struggles of the 19605. Young has served five years as a minister
in Congregationalist churches in rural Alabama and Georgia and
as a staff member of the National Council of Churches before
joining King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1961.
During the integration showdowns in Birmingham and Selma,
Young won a reputation as the man Dr. King turned to in crises
to negotiate settlements. He rose to executive vice-president of
the SCLC before resigning in 1970 to make an unsuccessful bid
for Congress in Georgia's Sth district, which includes Atlanta.
Two years later he was elected, becoming the state’s first Black
Congressman in 101 years.
Now 44 and a veteran of two terms in the House, Young
commands high respect from Congressional leaders. He was the
first Black ever to serve on the powerful House rules Committee
and was the only Black to vote for President Ford's confirmation
as Vice President in 1974. Carter and Young developed a close
friendship when Carter was Governor of Georgia. Young was an
early Carter supporter in this year’s presidential campaign and
was given much credit for helping him win the Black vote which
gave him his margin of victory.
Young, married and the father of four children, said the
constant attention paid Congressmen is a source of concern to
him. “When I go to a reception, and believe me there are three or
four invites almost every night, I ask immediately for a glass of
orange juice with a cherry on top. It easily passes for an alcoholic
drink and my hosts leave me alone.”
Just back from a trip through southern Africa, Young
minimized the dangers of Soviet influence in Africa societies. The
Russians, he said, “are more bewildered, more confused by the
problems of racial confrontations than Americans are - they
haven’t had our experience of confrontations between people of
different ethnic background.” Furthermore, he continued, the
Soviet need for the natural resources of Africa is not great, while
ours is serious." .
The present Administration seemed to be preoccupied with the
economic weight of South Africa, Young said, “without
Rhodesia - Rhodesian (or Zimbabwe) tourist trade reflected a
50 per cent decline during the past year Fear of guerrilla warfare
entanglements is a major cause.
A Challenge To Black Leadership....
A Mini- Profile Os The Hon. Andrew Young Jr.,
Our New UN Ambassador Desginate
cutting taxes, thus reducing the very revenues the government
needs to do its job properly?
The way to get the economy moving again is through a
program of job-creation that avoids the tortured indirect,
inefficient mechanism of a tax cut. Immediate federal spending
on public works programs and public service employment shook 1
do the trick.
Last September Congress voted a S 2 billion public works
program designed to create jobs. This month it was reported tha
applications for 25,000 projects from state and local governments
amounting to 524 billion had already been received by the agency
in charge of disbursing those funds. And those applications are
still pouring in!
That’s just one indication of the huge demand for schools,
libraries, stadiums, bridges, sewer systems, and other necessaries.
And those projects aren’t ones dreamed up by Washington
bureaucrats, they’re projects being asked for by local
governments on behalf of their citizens.
While such pubic works programs are construction-oriented,
public service jobs are not. The limited number of such jobs now
available show that there is work to be done, that people can be
hired to do it, that the costs are low since the r.ewly-hired
workers pay taxes and don’t require capital expenditures in the
form of machinery to support their jobs, and finally, that there s
an important ripple effect. This consists of added jobs in the
private sector through the need to produce goods and services for
people once out of work and now spending their paychecks.
In addition, broad programs to hire and train out-of-work
youth, along with carefully considered subsidy programs to
enable private industry to hire and train more workers are called
for.
With people who call themselves conservatives now calling for
Sls and S2O billion in tax cuts, it makes more fiscal and human
sense to put that money into programs that put people direc.tly to
work. President-elect Carter’s decision on this choice - (ax cut or
job-creation - will shape the basic outlook for his Administration
recognizing at the same time the economic weight of Nigeria
which is now a larger trading partner of ours than South Africa.”
“We have unwittingly supported the worst leadership groups, and
as a consequence we have become party to a vast net-work of
oppression. We have ignored the real human needs.” Young
startled an audience by saying, “I felt very much at home in
South Africa - it was just like traveling in Mississippi, Louisiana
or Georgia when 1 was a child. The Afrikaners reminded me of
the old Southern Baptist, there’s this awful familiarity. But that’s
why 1 can’t give up on South Africa, because 1 know how far
people can come if they have to. And I saw stirrings among the
whites in South Africa that reminded me of the early days of our
own civil rights movement in the South.”
Young himself parried questions about the United Nations
position, joking at one point that he was “trying to figure out
what the U.N. really is.” It’s a glamorous opportunity, but a
suicide job, he said, “unless you want to be Senator from New
York, which I don’t!”
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