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The Augusta News-Review - May 26, 1977
Walking With Dignity
By AL IRBY
The subtle maneuvering in South Africa
Has the West, especially the United States and Britain which
often coordinate their actions, any prospect of playing a
constructive role in South Africa? They could if they stopped
regarding the African continent as only an arena for an ideological
tug-of-war between the socialist and capitalist systems, primarily
between the Soviet Union and the United States. It is true that
the Soviet Union continues its support for the liberation
movements in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa but Africans
are no longer history’s pawns and are actively and energetically
seeking their own road to progress.
Even Andrew Young, the U. S. representative at the UN,
believes that it would be a mistake to approach everything in
Africa from cold war positions, like a struggle between East and
West. However, the African policy of the Carter’s administration
is apparently following a course that has not justified itself.
Rumor has it that the United States is drastically changing its
attitude to the white minority regimes, and that the American
position is becoming increasingly tough as compared with the
Ford-Kissinger line. Hints are even dropped about a possible
break with South Africa. This toughness is alleged because the
United States of America has not recognized Salisbury's plans for
an “internal settlement” with moderate Africans without the
participation of the Zimbabwe Patriotic Front and is re-imposing
its embargo on the import of Rhodesian chrome.
The latter action is typical of the political tactics to which the
new American administration resorts. The lifting of the Byrd
amendment cannot be an act of pressure, because in the present
situation this amendment is no longer economically significant
Yet such pressure is a possible way of proving to Africa that the
“peaceful settlement” advocated by the West is in the African
interest, as well as that of white minorities.
The concerted action of the Western powers demonstrated
their concern over situation in Namiba, but also held up the
adoption of effective international sanctions against the apartheid
TO BE EQUAL
The Republican’s future
The Republican Party, stung by the role Black voters played in
electing President Carter, is engaged in an internal debate between
those who would seek additional Black votes and those who want
to write Blacks off and go after the Wallace legacy.
Former Nixon aide Patrick Buchanan is spokesman for the
latter view. He actually believes that deceptive programs like
Nixon's “Black capitalism” and the bloc grant urban aid programs
that benefitted suburbs represent concern for Black aspirations.
Thus, he sees Blacks as ungrateful for all Nixon and Ford did for
them. Significantly, he doesn't mention astronomical Black
unemployment rates, erosion of economic gains of the '6os and
other legacies of misrule.
Fortunately, other leading Republicans recognize the
hollowness of Buchanan’s argument and have indicated their
intention to woo Black votes. No one thinks they can win a
majority of Black votes in the near Future, but all it would take
to put a Republican candidate in contention for the White House
would be a small shift in Black votes in key states.
So, wisely, the Party is funding an effort to recruit Black
candidates and enroll Black voters. But just opening the Party’s
doors a crack isn't enough. If Blacks are to believe that welcome
mat is real, they'll have to see other Blacks in visible positions of
real power within Party counsels.
The lack of Blacks in policy-making positions helped lead the
framers of the 1976 election campaign into conducting a national
effort that all but advertised “no Blacks need apply.” Leading
Republicans now recognize this lily-white campaign helped
elected Jimmy Carter by alienating Black Voters.
So long as the basic thrust of Republican policies remain
negatively resistant to social and economic changes designed to
move people out of poverty and to equalize opportunities. Black
voters will find it hard to support the Party.
Wooing Blacks into the Republican ranks will not be an
overnight process, and it will depend on concrete actions, not
rhetoric. The Party's image is projected by its acts, and its
Congressional delegation has the opportunity to demonstrate that
it can act in the interest of America’s economically
disadvantaged.
Will Republican Congressmen choose to sabotage job-creation
Things You Should Know
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Page 4
By Vernon E. Jordon Jr.
regime in the Security Council. Ambassador Young displayed
considerable diplomatic deftness in the UN lobby trying to
persuade the Africans not to insist on banning further Western
investments in the South African economy and on introducing a
mandatory embargo on arms supplies. Pretoria is not inclined
either to give up apartheid, or to leave Namibia, or lastly, to get
lan Smith to accept a settlement that does not suit him. In effect,
both’South Africa and Rhodesia are counting on a war.
There fe something suspicious about the enthusiasm with
which lan Smith welcomed a proposal that the United States be
made a co-chairman of the Geneva Conference, in case it is
reconvened. Africa is still convinced that the objective of the
American strategy remains the same-to set up in the South
pro-Westem and essentially Black puppet regimes, retaining
privileges for the white minorities. The USA is also still trying to
separate the future of Rhodesia and Namibia from the fate of
South Africa where apartheid stands guard over the economic and
strategic interests of the West. What talk can there be of a lack of
policy?
Actions of independent Africa, supported by the socialist
countries, can, of course, compel Washington to hasten its
adaptation. However, today every thing is determined by the
momentum of the diplomatic and military establishment, by the
interests of “private centers of influence” and of multinational
corporations. Their egoistical and narrow interpretation of
national interests is still felt in Africa policy, not only in the
South, but, also in Zaire, where the malicious fabrication about
Angolan-Cuban-Soviet interference disguises the actual Western
intervention. Taken as a whole, all this shows that the USA is still
guided by its fear for leftist, radical tendencies and is trying to
halt the natural process set in motion by African developments.
So Washington can propose nothing except revived attempts to
steer the evolution of the South toward solutions unacceptable to
Africa. Dr. Kissinger’s experience shows the inevitable outcome
of such efforts.
legislation or will they choose to expand and strengthen
Administration proposals for putting people back to work? Will
they come up with a welfare reform package that establishes a
minimum income floor beneath 'which no family will fall, or will
they just fight whatever reforms others propose? Will they take
the initiative in devising ways to aid hard-pressed urban areas with
large poverty populations, or will they remain indifferent?
Those are the kinds of issues that count, and those who think
social concerns amount to betraying the Party's traditional
philosophy are wrong. The Party has always had leaders
concerned with poor people but their counsels have not been
followed.
And the Party has not met the challenge of coming up with
solutions to such problems within the framework of its traditions.
If Republicans believe private initiative and decentralization are
viable tools to resolve national problems, they should come up
with programs and specific actions that embody such solutions.
The Nixon and Ford Administrations largely neglected to do
so, with the result that Blacks became totally alienated from the
Party they had supported consistently until the New Deal.
So the Republican desire to attract more Black voters will
mean a serious drive to make its policies responsive to Black
needs. Black voters are sophisticated and know that they can’t
benefit if one party takes them for granted while the other
ignores them. They want a choice, and the fate of the Republican
Party is dependent upon its ability to change enough to give them
a choice.
Letter to the Editor
Shocked by
Yerby statement
Dear Editor:
Having read your paper as
usual for many years, I found
the issue of May 12 rather
shocking - the front page, that
is. At first I was angry and
bitter. Many Augustans
expressed the same sentiments.
Then after much thought on
the article, I began to feel very
sorry for the great and noted
author who was chosen for
some reason to address the
graduates of the class of 77.
I was a student at Paine at
the time Mr. Yerby was there.
We were chosen to star in a
play under the direction of the
late Miss Emma Gray. Then he
was considered rather aloof but
very intelligent. During the
passing years it appears that he
has forgotten, as the saying
goes, “his background". We all
were influenced by the
Christian atmosphere of all of
the private schools then in
existence in Augusta.
I suppose those who are
exposed to various types of
written matter may forget the
Christian principles once
adhered to. Nevertheless one
should never forget one s
family. It was such a puzzle to
me to read of the author’s
reference to the lady (we all
knew and loved), using her
death as an excuse to “hate
God”. I was furtunate to be
able to accompany his lovely
sister, Eleanor to services many
times. On her visits to her
home town she always
attended church services, even
though she was not a well
•/!
person. Her death at a very
early age was a source of shock
and sadness to all who knew'
her Yet we felt as we must in
times of sadness and death that
a beautiful soul has completed
a worth while existence in a
world so full of suffering,
sadness and evil. Then as
Christians we realize they are
far better off than we. They
have gone to a better place. If
we cannot feel this way, then
we deserve pity.
1 wonder why Mr. Yerby did
not feel so indignant at the
death of his own family
members, mother, father, dear
aunts and a lovely, gentle
sister. I venture to say they
would all be shocked by his
attitudes expressed so openly
to such a gathering as those
assembled for a Christian
Institution's Commencement.
In closing I would say I hope
sincerelv that the graduating
class of 1977 will have had
enough exposure to Christian
ideals and home training to
pass the address of as a faux
pas over which they can rise up
and attain their respective goals
for worthwhile lives giving
honor to their alma mater.
Sincerely.
(Mrs.) Pauleta Sullivan
2313 Shadowood Drive
Augusta, Ga. 30906
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Two points need
clarification: (1) Yerby did not
make the “hate God
statement at the Paine
Commencement. It was made
WAITER. PRIM MY FRIEND
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'GOING PLACES’
Columnist honored by St. Louis Argus
May Ist was a “Day of Great Importance” as I was honored
with a “Distinguished Public Service Award” by the venerable
66-year old St Louis Argus newspaper They most kindly
highlighted some of my service activities as an Urban League
official in four states, as St Louis Commissioner of Community
Services, and also in my beloved Augusta— 1 shall always be
humble and appreciative of this honor Other recipients
included R. Hal Dean, President of the giant Ralston-Purina
Company (which used corporate money to help build a successful
new housing development within the inner-city), the two St Louis
Spinks Brothers, who both won Olympic Boxing championships
in Montreal in 1976 Dr. John Ervin, first Black Dean at
Washington University John W. Hanley, chairman and
President of world-paced Monsanto Company (which has supplied
funds for the NAACP, Urban League, United Negro College Fund
and others to expand programs of equal opportunity)and Mrs.
Elizabeth Sayad, musical and cultural leader, who headed St
Louis’ successful Bicentennial last yearSo you see. Dear
Readers The Good Lord made it possible for me to be in very
good company indeed
MESSAGES TO COLUMNIST LOST
One miscue of my May Ist good luck, however, was the loss or
misplacement of several letters, cards and telegrams sent me by
various friendsln a busy affair such as this in a large hotel
with over a thousand present, etc., messages can be misplaced
The trouble, however, is I am embarrassed being unable to write
“Thank You” notes to those so kindly thoughtful to send
congratulationslf any of you Good Readers are among those,
please accept my sincere appreciationl did receive a very fine
letter sent by Dr. Julius Scott and a telegram from Publisher
Millender to Argus Publisher Eugene Mitchell, M.D., did
arrive.... Thanks to both
DR. RICHARDSON GAVE EXCELLENT REVIEW OF PAINE
LEADERS
The many readers of the NEWS-REVIEW and Paine College
Alumni around the nation have expressed appreciation on Dr.
Canute Richardson’s recent feature column which examined
many of the past key leaders of Paine College His incisive
writing painted such a clear picture that it brought again into
clear focus Dr. Willie Graham, Miss Emma Gray, Coach Brown,
Business Manager Ervin and Dean Harper Again many thanks
“Rich” And congratulations on your retirement Your
long-time service and educational leadership certainly “Helped
Build Paine College”
CONGRATULATIONS TO MAL MILLENDER
The Augusta area now has a newspaper publisher recently
graduated with a master’s degree from the prestigious Columbia
University School of Journalism in New York City. His added
skill and know-how will reflect in even greater professional thrust
for the paper. This is an added “Sixth Anniversary Gift” to
Augusta’s “Third Newspaper” Warm congratulations Mallory
K.
BLACK JOURNAL investigates “What Happened to the Black
Revolution?” on its next edition, which will be distributed
nationally by the Public Broadcasting Service to its member
stations.
PEPSI COLA FINANCES BLACK JOURNAL TV PROGRAMS
Produced by WNET/13, New York, BLACK JOURNAL is
made possible’with the assistance of a grant from Pepsi Cola
Company.
BLACK JOURNAL T. V. EXAMINES BLACK REVOLUTION
OF SIXTIES
New York -- The struggle of Blacks for full equality in the
United States has gone on ever since the first slaves arrived at the
Jamestown colony in 1619.
“But it took a new turn in the 1960’s “BLACK JOURNAL’S
host and executive producer Tony Brown said. “For the first
time, Black power was placed in the context of overt
confrontation or, as manycame to call it, the Black Revolution.
Violence and confrontation have, for the most part,
disappeared from the picture - “caused by the transition of Black
power in a violent context to Blackpower in a political context.
“We started out in the fifties looking for civil rights,
suddenly someone threw a rock, then a Molotov cocktail and we
diring an interview with The
Newsßeview the next day.
(2) He did express
indignation over the death of
his sister. In fact it was in
discussing her illness and
subsequent death that he made
the “hate God” statement for
the second time. However, the
comments about his sister were
not made during the interview
and were not included.
By Philip Waring
were told we were in a revolution. Then we started talking like we
were. But little else,” Tony Brown said.
“Media’s role was significant,” he continued. “It created and
perpetuated the so-called Black revolution -- it even convinced
Blacks that they were conducting a revolution.”
JULIAN BOND DESCRIBES THE SIXTIES
“ ... We never had a revolution in the sixties - not in the
classic sense anyway -- it was mostly an ideological war, a social
movement with sporadic and unorganized assault on physical
property.”
Georgia State Legislator Julian Bond believes that a
revolution didn’t take place in the sixties, but died prematurely.
“I think we were building a revolution, he told Tony Brown on
BLACK JOURNAL. “But we inched up the hill toward it and we
stopped. And we’ve been sliding slowly downward ever sincel
think this would have been essentially a non-violent revolution, a
political revolution, an economic revolution.
What happened? Bond believes that groups like SNCC and
the Black Panthers “did not build the kind of community base
that they had to build.” New York Times editorial board member
Roger Wilkins blames it on “the white blacklash enshrined as
policy by the Nixon administration People were tired. White
people,” he said on BLACK JOURNAL. “...There were Black
success models...beyond the glittering facade they could not see
the poverty ....new Black affluence diverted attention from the
real job to be done which was to get the poorest class of Blacks
economic opportunities.”
Videotapes from BLACK JOURNAL s archives offer a
glimpse of some of the prominent Black Power leaders of the
sixties: Malcolm X, Elijah Mahammed, the Rev. Jesse Jackson,
Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale,
Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver. Some are still leading Black
spokesmen, others have gone in different directions, Huey
Newton is cutting cane in Cuba. Eldridge Cleaver has turned to
“bom again” religion.
READ BLACK JOURNAL POLL Vs EBONY MAGAZINE POLL
The BLACK JOURNAL Poll - comparing the opinions of
Ebony magazine’s 100 Most Influential Black Americans with
those of another 100 Black leaders selected by BLACK
JOURNAL - found that those serveyed felt “Black America was
actually involved in a revolution during the sixties, by 68% of
the Ebony sample and 82% of the BLACK JOURNAL group.
When asked if they were surprised when the non-violent civil
rights movement turned violent, 92% of the Ebony group said no,
as did the BLACK JOURNAL group.
Asked, “Do you feel that your success is related to the
alleged ‘riots’ of the 60s?” 54% of the Ebony sample said no, but
80% of the BLACK JOURNAL group said yes. Both groups are
optimistic about a future for Blacks in America -- 91% of Ebony s
group, 65% of BLACK JOURNAL s.
However, neither group felt that the term riots used in the
sixties was appropriate -by 63% of the Ebony sample and 72%,
of the BLACK JOURNAL sample.
As for Eldridge Cleaver’s widely-reported conversion to
“patriotism and Christianity,” 57% of the Ebony sample felt that
Cleaver was not sincere about the change, although the BLACK
JOURNAL group split 50 - 50 on the question.
“The Black revolution of the sixties has embraced a
common regard for mankind’s dreams and aspirations in the
seventies,” Tony Brown concludes. “Blacks started off fighting
white people and ended up fighting injustice."
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