U.S.A. DRIVE

Grey River Argus, 4 August 1925, Page 2

U.S.A. DRIVE

TO ORGANISE NEGRO LABOUR. NEW YORK, June 12 Without pomp and almost unobserved, there was born in New York City on Saturday, May 23, a movement which promises to grow and become an important factor In the life of the Negro workers. White and blnck trade unionists, delegates from eighteen local and international unions, met on that date in Arlington Hall for the .purpose of considering the question of joint efforts in organising Negro workers. Hugh Frayno of the A. F. of L. was the principal speaker. Ont of the conference, emerged the Trade Union Committee for organising Negro workers with temporary headquarters nt 2311 Seventh avenue, and with Thomas,.J. Curtis, Chairman and Treasurer, Mrs G. E, McDougald, ViceChairman, and Frank R. Crosstwaith, a Negro union organiser as Executive Secretary. Crosswaith, in an interview, pointed out the tremendous significance of this movement to organised Labor generally and to the Negro workers in particular. “The rapid industrial development of the United States in recent years, with its consequent urbanisation of tne population—the farms being steadily abandoned for the great industrial centres —has brought home to both while and black trade unionists the fact that in order for them to. enjoy the gains already made, and make further progress, every worker, regardless of sex or race, must be organised. To accomplish this end we have formed the Trade Union Committee for organising Negro Workers. While most of our attention will necessarily be devoted toward the Negro worker, we will not neglect the unorganised white workers. This movement will serve to remove much of the prejudice, hatred and suspicion so long existing between black and white workers. It will help to educate both to an understanding* that, regardless of race, sex, creed or nationality, Labor is the common denominator of us all, and that all workers have a common economic interest. “A great future lies ahead of our movement; we hope soon .to bo able to demonstrate the absurdity of the assertion that the Negro won’t join Labor unions. Not alone will we organise and educate him in the principles of Unionisms and the advantages to be gained therefrom, .but we will stand by his side and see that after joining the Union of his trade he receives all pf the advantages and privileges that go to all other Union men. Union hours and Union wages for every negro worker in New York City, will be our slogan.”’