The Omaha Guide

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By CLIFFORD C. MITCHELL

1933 AND THE NEGRO!

Where there is need there is opportunity and where there is opportunity there is work. Thus the Negro finds himself facing a New Year plentifully filled with opportunity if he will but make use of it.

Politically, just now, the Negro's sphere of influence is grossly exaggerated. The democrats, throughout the country, won by such a sweeping majority that it is safe to assume that they will not voluntarily dispense much patronage among a minority group until another election is close at hand.

The republicans will be so busy gathering together the parts of their machine that it will take some time before they will be in a position to even make gestures of a promising nature.

This very divergence of political affairs creates an opportunity for unselfish, astute, wise and anion promising Negro leaders to organize the Negro electorate and so concentrate, increase and conserve the strength of the Negro minority until such a time as their force can be effectually demonstrated in behalf of good government which must include a just and equal consideration of the Negro.

In the field of business and finance the Negro has unlimited opportunity to prove the business genius of the race. There are many business organizations who are in an excellent position to help the Negro if the Negroes themselves will patronize their efforts. It is a reflection on the entire race when such an organization as the National Colored Merchants Stores, Inc., is unable to further extend their activities because of lack of support from the Negroes themselves.

Other organizations including the Victory Life Insurance Company and the Douglass National Bank, of Chicago, offer excellent opportunities for men of vision, capital and ability.

With many hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets tied up in these two companies surely the race has sufficient amount of pride, energy and dormant capital that can be massed together thus providing opportunities of employment for thousands of our boys and girls.

Taken as a whole I fail to see where the Negro religious and educational leaders are improving conditions of the race. The small leader is so petty and self-centered, seemingly that all his time is taken up in providing his own sustenance, while the larger leaders are busily engaged in developing and defending factional fights. Here, then, is a field with many opportunities for the Negro to combine forces and do something constructive, uplifting, for the race.

Yes, there's opportunity everywhere and it will be interesting to record, during the coming year, and give publicity to, the progressive and fruitful efforts made by Negroes in their respective fields of endeavor.

And to all such, this writer offers a sincere congratulation.