Atlanta Daily World

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace."

ONE SUNNY AFTERNOON ABOUT A FORTNIGHT AGO, my family and I were somewhat delighted to catch a brief glimpse of the FREEDOM BELL. It was being carried from nearby Lakewood Park downtown to continue on its journey. In a breath taking moment of animation, our thirteen year old daughter exclaimed: "Does that mean that everybody is free?" "Of course," she continued, "I know that we are not in slavery, but does the FREEDOM BELL mean that there will be no more segregation?"

ON NEXT TUESDAY THAT SAME BELL will be hung in the western sector of Berlin, Germany that will be UNITED NATIONS DAY. Let Freedom Ring: Let its notes peal out in BERLIN GERMANY: In WASHINGTON, D C., in JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: AS WELL AS IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA

STRIKINGLY enough, the Bell will be rung for the first time on the fourth anniversary of the opening of the UNITED NATIONS headquarters at Lake Success, Long Island, N Y. The U. N in spite of its criticisms, many of which are justifiable, is making a desperate effort to achieve its objectives. Foremost is the purpose of keeping the peace After it is acquired of course. The second is the development of international cooperation in dealing with economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems of our daily existence

CERTAINLY, EVERY AMERICAN NEGRO, is hoping and praying that the U. N. will succeed. For it is in the environment of peace that we can expect to realize those goals for which we are striving

However, that peace can never exist unless there be equitable administrations in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems of our personal, national, and international intercourse. THE NEGRO has been constantly aware of the significance of his position under the provisions of the U. N. Charter Negroes and all minority groups have constantly reminded the U N. of their inequities. Our position was notably presented in two separate petitions

THE FIRST of these was sent in June 1946 to the Economic and Social Council by the National Negro Congress, of which Dr. Max Yergan was president. It urged the council "through the Commission of Human Rights—or otherwise"to (1) Investigate the political, economic, and social discrimination against American Negroes. (2)Make recommendations and take appropriate action to end discrimination based on color and race. and(3) Take such other steps as necessary to bring to an end the oppression of this group.

Mr. Trygve Lie, secretary general replied at a press conference held shortly after the petition was received, that the U. N. could not resolve domestic problems which arose within a member nation, or any other nation

THE SECOND petition on behalf of American Negroes was presented to the U N by the N A A.C. P. on October 23, 1947. by Dr W. E B DuBois Addressed to the Commission on Human Rights, the petition was a 155-page document entitled "An Appeal for Redress." In the introduction, Dr. DuBois traced the history of the Negro in the United States. and gave an account of their economic and social background The petition proper was devoted to an account of the denial of legal rights to Negroes in the U S. from 1787 to 1914: their legal status since World War I: their present legal status: and a general review of the U. N. Charter as it relates to human and minority rights.

THE PETITIONERS REST NOT The petitioners cannot rest. "On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless thousands, who sat down to rest, and resting died." "ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY" "If there be any virtue. and- if there be any praise. THINK ON THESE THINGS"