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News— Review June 3, 1971 -
THE NEWS-REVIEW
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY
930 Gwinnett Street - Augusta, Georgia
Mallory K. Millender Editor and Publisher
Mailing Address: Box 953 Augusta, Ga. Phone 722-4555
Application to mail at Second Class postage rates is pending at
Augusta, Ga. 30901
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Payable in Advance
One Year in Richmond County $2.50 tax incl.
One Year elsewhere $3.00 tax incl.
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URBAN
LEAGUE
REPORT
As a community service the News-Review will print the entire
text of the report and recommendations of the National Urban
League concerning the causes of the events of May 11,1970.
It should be made perfectly clear that the text of this
report has not been edited or otherwise altered in anyway. Since
the report is too lengthy to be printed in one issue, we will print
it in a weekly series. We urge you to read it and carefully consider
the information found therein so that we may begin to work
seriously toward meaningful progress in race relations and human
dignity.
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
Data presented in earlier sections of this audit point to
fundamental inequities in the black community including poor
housing, unemployment, lack of adequate recreational facilities
and services, inadequate health services, differential police
practices, etc. All of these factors contribute to blacks being
disproportionately presented among juvenile delinquents.
Among 271 cases involving black youth reported to the
Richmond County Juvenile Court in 1969, 232 were boys and 39
were girls. During the same time period, 152 white juveniles from
Augusta were handled by the court, of whom 111 were boys and
41 were girls.
* The most frequent arrests among black male juvenile offenders
were for theft and larceny. Among white male juveniles, the most
frequent arrest charges were for incorrigibility, shoplifting, and
burglary.
Statistical records of the Richmond County Juvenile Court are
extremely limited. What they do indicate is the extent of which
black and white youth are brought into contact with the courts
and the charges which make court adjudication necessary.
Table 36 shows the offenses committed by black and white
juveniles handled by the Juvenile Court of Richmond County in
1969. As one examines the contents of Table 36, several salient
findings begin to emerge. For example, six white delinquents
were charged with drunkenness, five for traffic violations, two for
fighting, and fifteen for destruction of property. On the other
hand, no black male delinquents were charged with these
offenses. Twenty-eight black males were charged with simple
larceny, three for larceny of automobiles, five for larceny from
automobiles, and three for robbery by sudden snatch.
No white males were charged with these offenses.
Furthermore, Table 36 shows that 42.2 percent of the young
black males were charged with theft, as compared to only 7.2 of
the young white males. Overall, 127 (or 74.3 percent) of the
black male delinquents were charged with an offense involving
some kind of theft, while only 56 (or 36.8 percent) of the white
male delinquents were so charged. This finding is compatible with
disproportionate numbers of black people forced to live
desperate, hopeless, and poverty stricken lives.
In reviewing Table 37 which deals with parental status of
delinquents, we find that of 172 black male delinquents, only 63
(or 36.6 percent) were from homes where both parents were
living together. Among 63 black female delinquents, 21 (or 33.3
percent) were from homes where both parents were living
together. The parental status of 152 white male delinquents
showed that 67 (or 44 percent) were from homes where both
parents were living together. Among 63 white female delinquents,
'’l (or 33 percent) were from homes where parents lived together.
TABLE 36
MALE JUVENILE DELINQUENCY OFFENCES BY RACE - 196?
RACE
WHITE BLACK
OFFENSES MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE
Traffic .5
Thcit H 22 72
Orunk 6
Fighting 2 - - 3
Simple Larceny - - 28 -
Burylarly 30 2 16
Larceny of Autos - - 3 “
Destroying Property 15
Larceny from Autos - - 5 •
Run Away 16 8 - 8
Shoplifting 15 “ ~ 12
Robbery by Sodden Snatch - ~ 3
Drugs 1-- I
Truancy 6 8 16
Vandalism “ I 5
Malacious Mischief 12-3
« Late Hours *• “ " 10
Peeping Tom - - 2
Molestation 2 - • 4
Sex Offenses " 1
Incorrigible *7
Disorderly Conduct 3 5 7 4
Gamb I i ng __Z
TOTAL 152 64 171
Page 2
TABLE 37
PARENTAL STATUS OF DELINQUENTS
BY RACE ANO SEX
White Black
Hale Female Ha le Female
Both Parents Living Together 59 2 9 63 21
Both Parents Living Separent 67 27 65 24
HalF Orphans (Father Living) II *• 5
Half Orphans (Hother Living) 14 l*» '5
Born Out of Wedlock
Whole Orphan
Totals 151 74 172 63
REGIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Because of inadequate facilities for juvenile cases in Augusta,
some youths are confined temporarily in the city jail while
waiting for a hearing. It was during such an experience that three
black youths were involved in a conflict that led to the death of
one of them, thereby setting off the racial violence the following
day that left six blacks dead and required 2,000 National
Guardsmen to restore order.
The Regional Youth Development Center, located in Augusta,
was opened on March 18,1969. From June 1, 1968 through May
31, 1969, the Center admitted 436 students, of whom 165 were
committed to the custody of the Division for Children and
Youth. During the year June 1,1969 through May 31,1970,465
students were admitted, of whom 133 were committed to the
custody of the Division for Children and Youth. Reportedly, all
activities of the Center are conducted on a desegregated basis.
The program is designed to provide remedial needs for younger
students especially in the academic program. A visit to the Center
by members of the Audit Team revealed that a good program of
custodial care is being maintained. The educational activities
included reading tests, a mathematics program, and English
studies (all of which are designed to assist the student to achieve
at his individual level and speed). Programs in arts and crafts are
also included in the curriculum.
The regular staff of professional, semi-professional, and
unskilled workers is integrated. All activities are conducted with
blacks and whites participating. The staff includes three cooks, a
maintenance mechanic, assistant superintendent, stenographer,
house parents, a part-time consultant, psychologist, and a
full-time social worker. Volunteers from three area churches have
been used for devotional and social activities. Augusta College
student volunteers assist in the academic program.
The Youth Development Center in Augusta is a statewide
institution for the treatment of youths who have be adjudicated
delinquent by the juvenile courts throughout the State of
Georgia. The Center works closely with the Department of
Psychiatry of the Medical College of Georgia where senior
psychiatric residents are assigned on a three to six months’
assignment.
The school’s capacity is 372 male youths. The age range is
from nine to fourteen years.
The Center’s comprehensive program includes Division of
Psychological and Social Work Services, Division of Religious
Services, Division of Academic and Pre-Vocational Services, and
Division of Home Life and Security.
According to the Director of Treatment Services,
comprehensive tests show that the student population is one that
has been terribly damaged and, in many cases, is almost totally
devoid of basic strengths. During the past year, Security and
Home life Services has operated in establishing and maintaining a
secure and homelike atmosphere with protection for the students.
The staff of the Center is desegregated as may be discerned
from Table 38. This table shows no blacks in the upper echelons
of the Center’s Administrative staff. Blacks are over-concentrated
in categories like maintenance, food service, child care, social
services, and academic. Overall, only 17.7 percent of the Youth
Development Center’s staff is white. It would be interesting to
compare this percentage with the proportion of delinquents in
the Center that are white; but unfortunately, this information
was not collected.
TABLE 38
YOUTH OEVELOPHENT CENTER'S STAFF
BY RACE AND STAFF POSITION
Position White Black Total
Director 202
Assistant Director * 0
Haintenance I 9 10
Business Office 53 8
Food Service 3 8 II
Group Home 224
Hedical and Dental 2 5
Social Service 2 II 13
Academic 3 18 21
Vocational 4 I 5
Laundry 02 2
Recreation 033
Security I 8 9
Chi Id Care 3 67 70
0 iagnost ic 4 7 11
Re I igi on ■ I ! 2
Totals 32 149 181
POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Crime and juvenile delinquency are among the more serious
concerns of public officials and the citizenry of Augusta and
Richmond County. The conflicts and resistance flowing from the
immediacy of the black man’s demands in Augusta and
Richmond County and the dramatic methods being applied to
attain his goals are not clearly understood.
A review of a number of complaints registered by black
citizens as interpreted in the local black press, suggests the
existence of a general climate of unfavorable relations in the form
of widespread distrust with the local police department. Crime
statistics for adult offenders made available for Augusta and
Richmond County do not lend themselves to comparisons of
white/black arrests or crime convictions.
The fact that 10,168 persons in Augusta (black and white)
were charged with various offenses in 1969 is indicative of the
extent of police involvement with behavior problems. Among the
total offenses, 542 persons were arrested and charged with serious
offenses including murder -15, manslaughter -5, forcible rape -5,
robbery - 23, aggravated assault - 243, burglary - 87, larceny -
116, and automobile theft - 48.
Os the total number of arrests, the three highest were
drunkenness - 5,737, disorderly conduct • 1,730, and driving
under the influence -1, 302. Since the police report records
supplied the Urban League do not classify offenses by race, the
number of blacks and whites in the total of arrests cannot be
determined.
Judge William Fleming of the Superior Court stated that on the
basis of his court observations, assault, aggravated battery,
burglary, and automobile theft are the most frequent charges
brought against black offenders.
Findings in this survey,, however, provide conclusive evidence
that social factors which often make it necessary for people to
turn to crime are widespread in Augusta and Richmond County.
These include overcrowded and deteriorated housing conditions,
job discrimination, inadequate recreational facilities and services,
and police abuse.
A leader in the Augusta black business community said, “We
don’t have to brine in asritators to create dissatisfaction
ATLANTA (PRN) - This
week I want to devote my
column to you, the people of
Georgia. I want to thank you
and commend you as sincerely
as I know how.
The past months of this
school year, now drawing to
an end, have been some of the
most difficult in our history.
You have carried the burden
of conditions imposed upon us
by those in Washington who
are unwilling to apply the
same conditions to themselves
and to their children. Yet, you
have responded with dignity,
self-control and good
judgment.
Time and again this year a
community has been faced
with a potentially explosive
situation. Time and again
parents, teachers, students and
local officials have reacted
with wisdom and restraint;
and the worst that some
expected has not come.
You and I both know that
we still have problems to face.
This has not been a happy
school year for any of us. All
of us have been forced to do
things we did not want to do,
to keep our peace when we
wanted to shout, to respond
with reason when faced with
the unreasonable. Our state,
like the rest of the south, has
been faced with court rulings
and orders from Washington
which do not apply to the rest
of the nation.
Yet through it all we still
tried to do what was best for
our children and for our
communities. We have not
allowed anger and frustration
to destroy our respect for the
law nor our judgment of what
was right.
among black people in Augusta. The militants in the city realize
that an atmosphere has already been created that provides fertile
ground for violent protest, organized or spontaneous.”
According to several respondents, most policemen demonstrate
that effective law enforcement is possible without the use of
excessive force; however, numerous cases of police brutality are
reported by blacks interviewed and is further evidenced by
newspaper coverage in the three black newspapers. While there
are some cases of police brutality involving white, blacks make up
a much higher proportion of those claiming police brutality.
Several cases were also reported where black citizens were
subjected to unlawful restraint in the course of eliciting
confessions to crimes or obtaining other information. One classic
example was a case of a black councilman, Grady Abrams, which
appeared in the black press. Mr. Abrams charged that he was
detained illegally more than three hours by Richmond County
deputy sherriff investigators. After being assured by Judge Mixon
and the District Attorney that the arrest was not legal, the
councilman was released.
When Charles Oatman, a 16 year old. youth was allegedly killed
by two other black youths who were occupying a cell with him,
the most widespread confrontation between the police and the
black community in the city’s history was triggered. The
repercussions of the community disturbance have been
widespread among blacks and whites, deepening and widening the
gulf that already existed between blacks and the police
department.
In discussing police/black relations, the consensus of opinion in
the black community was that more black police officers in
Augusta and Richmond County would create a more favorable
atmosphere between blacks and the police department. According
to Chief of Police, James G. Beck of Augusta, there are 16 blacks
(10.5 percent) employed out of a total personnel of 152. The job
classifications of blacks on the police force include one
lieutenant, one detective, two corporals, one record clerk, 10
patrolmen and two others.
Mr. Beck was appointed Chief of Police while the audit was in
progress and was among police interviewed. In his statement
which appeared in the Augusta Hearld, Mr. Beck declared:
“One’s reputation as well as one’s person and property would
receive my protection. I know from personal experience the
heart-rending that one’s loved ones experience when unjustly
accused and caused to live under a phantom of rumors the
authorship of which cannot be traced and combatted, but which
nevertheless continue to hover around.
Police Training
The Georgia Legislature, realizing the need for
professionalization of all police in the state, has enacted
legislation which requires a minimum of 114 hours of basic
training for new police officers hired after July 1, 1970.
According to Mr. James R. Jarbee, Regional Coordinator of
Criminal Justice Planning, only two police departments of the 37
in the C.S.R.A. have any formal in-service training programs. In
addition to the lack of training programs in the area Mr. Jarbee
stated that there is no program locally which will meet the
minimum 114 hours requirement set by the state. In view of the
general fear and distrust of police officers as related by a large
segment of the community, the formal training of police officers
would seem to be an essential need in the Augusta-Richmond
County area.
Both police training programs and educational programs to
enhance public respect for the law enforcement role are serious
needs in Augusta. Private and public educational institutions are
among the community resources which should be explored to
meet these needs.
fl FAN Ulff CIEWS
MR. & MRS. GOLPHIN PAGE, OWNERS
FOR QUICK DEPENDABLE SERVICE CALL US AT
-722 9102 OR STOP BY AT 1626 SAVANNAH ROAD
852 GWINNETT STREET
to the
People of
GEORGIA
I have done what I could to
help. I have pledged my
complete support to
responsible local school
officials and to those charged
with insuring that law and
order are maintained. I have
attempted to help establish
communications between
dissident groups and public
officials whenever possible. I
have tried to avoid
inflamatory statements which
would make problems more
difficult to solve. But I know
better than anyone that the
credit belongs to you.
You have had to live with
problems on a day to day
basis, and you are the ones
who made the decision to
reject the few who call for
violence and disruption.
Seldom have a people been so
severely vested, or responded
more nobly.
I truly believe that though
we have difficult times ahead,
the darkest hours are behind
us. The rest of the nation now
looks to us with justifiable
respect and understanding.
The days of those who point
hypocritical fingers at the
south for political gain are
surely numbered.
It is a fine thing to be able
to stand with pride even
though a burden is still on our
shoulders. Now we must strive
to guarantee renewed
standards of excellence in our
schools, and to provide every
child with a maximum
opportunity to develop those
talents which God has given
him.
Never have I been so proud
to be a Georgian. I am
thankful to be your governor.
Governor Jimmy Carter
|lgL
(HENRY LOUIS AARON BASE BALL’S GREATEST STAR)
This week I will dabble into the domain of baseball where my
associate, Mr. Henri Freeman is so proficient. I am sure he will
allow me just one chance to do a bit of retrospection, to the
times when our own Augusta Tigers held sway in our city. Hank
Aaron, who I truly believe is the greatest ball player that ever
lived, is certainly the most underrated great ball player that has
ever lived.
We old timers saw him when he made his first visit here as a
dashing young second baseman for the Jacksonville Braves. That
night the local stadium was packed with spectators the first and
third base lines; and his first time at bat, on the first pitch, he
slammed it over the center field fence. The thousands and
thousands of Augusta fans went completely wild. I will never
forget that memorable night.
Much water has passed over the dam since Jacksonville was
king of the South Atlantic League, due mostly to a lightening
speed keystone combination, consisting of Felix Mantilla at short,
and the smooth pivoting Hank Aaron at second base.
If Chicago or either of the New York teams had owned Aaron,
he would have received the national acolade he so richly deserved.
Milwaukee, where he spent most of his professional life, was
considered by the big city hierarchy a hick town.
Last summer, when the fans were selecting the All-Star players,
Aaron outpolled every other player. He received 1,394,847 votes,
more than Johnny Bench of Cincinnati and the mighty Boog
Powell of the Champions Baltimore Orioles. He received more
than twice as many as Willie Mays.
Yet when Hank quietly sought to register at a Cincinnati hotel
that housed the All-Stars, a desk clerk was ready to turn him
away. The clerk had never heard of the superstar. “Are you
perhaps with another party, Mr. Aaron?” the clerk asked. Hank
Aaron who by most accounts is the greatest player in the world,
unfortunately, is not a legend in his own time.
In spite of the lack of deserved publicity, Aaron will not leave
base-ball as a nonentity, but his clippings will be sparse in
relation to his true status as one of the game’s greatest hitters.
C.C. Johnson Spink, editor of the Sporting News, which is known
as the Bible of baseball had this to say of the unpresumptuous
Aaron, “He speaks softly but carries a big stick.” It is, almost
certain, that before he retires, he will have played in more games,
gone to bat more times, scored more runs, knocked in more runs
and got more extra-base hits than any of the 12,000 men who
have ever played in organized baseball. He is also one of the best
base stealers though few people realize it. Hank is not a fancy-dan
outfielder, he does not go for fence climbing and wall busting
dramatics as do some players, but he is among the very best
defensive out-fielders in the game.
There is a reported question in baseball circles: - If Hank is so
good, why isn’t he famous? quiet, and reserved, never bragging or
boasting about his prowess. Aaron has had his share of everyday
frustrations like anyone else. He moved into an integrated
neighborhood, and tried to be friendly, by teaching the white
boys along with his two boys the fine points of baseball; his white
neighbors not only resented it, but moved out. He was recently
separated from his wife.
In spite of these many setbacks, his consuming love remains
baseball. His mother Mrs. Estella Aaron told reporters that when
he was a boy, when you didn’t find him home you would find
him in the park playing ball. His father, a boilermaker’s helper in
a Mobile shipyard said Henry played hookey one day and went to
a local pool-hall to listen to a radio broadcast of a Brooklyn
Dodger game featuring his hero, Jackie Robinson. History may
prove that this remarkable athlete is under paid, at a yearly salary
of 125,000 dollars.
(A STREAK OF BLUE)
Oakland’s Vida Blue, the Black dazzling south-paw pitcher is
the talk of the baseball circuit; a few days ago he won his tenth
victory. At this writing Vida had struckout 78 batters, with four
shutouts.
Keep an eve on this Oakland flash. _
PIZZA VILLA
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