1938: Negroes, American

The American Negro found himself at sea in 1938 when he sought to chart his course toward peace and stability. On the debit side he found himself, as perhaps the most marginal of marginal workers, given scant consideration when new jobs opened up. Lynching, with all its connotations of terrorism, was completely checked while the Congress seemed likely to enact anti-lynching legislation. But that crime burst out again when Congress adjourned.

Admittance to Graduate and Professional Schools.

As the year neared its end the United States Supreme Court on Dec. 12th handed down a 6 to 2 decision in the case of Lloyd Gaines v. University of Missouri which declared that the 17 states which bar Negroes from the professional and graduate schools of their tax-supported universities are violating the Federal Constitution; that they must either immediately provide equal schools for their Negro citizens or admit them to the already established state universities; that payment of scholarships for study in schools in other states is not an adequate substitute and that each state must meet its own responsibility within its own borders. This epoch-making decision created consternation in many states which have denied their Negroes the educational opportunities given to their white students. The decision is of far-reaching importance to Negroes since eight million of the twelve million colored citizens of the United States live in states where separate schools for Negroes are required, though in these states, as in others, Negro citizens have always been taxed at the same rate to support graduate and professional school education from which they have been wholly barred. Of particular significance was the reaction of the student bodies of the Universities of Missouri, North Carolina, West Virginia and other states when a considerable percentage of these students indicated their desire to see Negroes admitted on the same terms as others.

Until the court action in the University of Missouri case was begun only two of the seventeen states provided out-of-state scholarships — West Virginia and Missouri. In Maryland the state courts ordered the law school of the University of Maryland to admit a qualified Negro. He matriculated, and graduated in 1938. Five states — Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland — in the interim between the University of Maryland and the University of Missouri cases, established funds for payment of tuition of Negroes in schools in other states.

Salary Equalization.

Notable progress was also made in efforts by the courts of law and by public opinion to eliminate differentials in the salaries paid to white and Negro teachers. Action begun in seven counties of Maryland resulted in raising salaries of Negro teachers by more than $10,000 annually. Similar actions against such differentials and against inequalities in school buildings and equipment, length of school terms, courses of study, bus transportation and per capita expenditure were launched or brought to successful termination in states as widely separate as Maryland, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, and other states. In state legislatures and in Congress increasingly persistent determination was expressed for adequate safeguards in Federal and other legislation against inequalities based on race.

Artistic Prowess.

In the field of art, the great contralto, Marian Anderson, rose to world fame. Roland Hayes, distinguished Negro tenor, appeared in concert halls less frequently than in previous years, but his appearances continued to win high critical praise. A brilliant young Negro writer, Richard Wright, his pen dipped deep in the tragedy and rhythm of Negro life, won widespread praise and attention with the publication of his four powerful novella, published under the title of 'Uncle Tom's Children.' Zora Hurston, the anthropologist-folklorist, continued to command the respect of her readers with her 'Tell My Horse,' based on her study of Haitian life and voodoo.

In drama, the Federal Theater Project's Haiti and Androcles and the Lion, presented almost completely by Negro casts, attracted large audiences.

In the midst of these and other contributions came the tragic loss, in an automobile accident, of the distinguished Negro poet and scholar, James Weldon Johnson. Other great losses by death were those of Arthur Schomburg, collector and curator of the famed Schomburg Collection of books by Negroes; and Dr. Henry A. Hunt, distinguished Negro educator and assistant to the Administrator of the Farm Credit Administration.

Sports.

In the field of sports, Joe Louis, world heavy-weight champion, after an exceptional series of victories, and a single defeat by Max Schmeling, fought the German contender again, and won by a knock-out in one round. Even newspapers in the deep South forgot racial distinction and recognized him as an American and pugilist worthy of his title.

Scientific Attainments.

In the field of medicine and science Dr. Louis T. Wright of New York City broke new ground in the publication of the results of his long study and treatment of skull fractures and brain lesions. Hinton in syphilology, Just in biology, Carver in agricultural chemistry, Abram Harris in social science, and other distinguished scientists continue to contribute to their respective fields.

Labor Unions; Politics.

In the field of labor increasing attention was paid to Negro workers by reason of the rise of the Committee of Industrial Organizations which, in sharp contrast to the craft unions of the American Federation of Labor, not only raised no color bar against the admission of Negro workers but worked actively to organize them. That they were welcome in most instances, even in the deep South, in the same unions with other workers instead of being segregated in Jim Crow units materially affected the previously hostile attitude of many white workers. In steel, automobiles, garments, longshoreman, mining and other unions Negro workers played an increasingly important role.

In the field of politics considerable attention was paid to the Negro voter during the 1938 elections, particularly in the 17 Northern and border states, with an electoral vote of 281, in which the Negro vote potentially holds the balance of power.