The Mcdowell Times

75th ANNIVERSARY OF RACIAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION IS PLANNED

In 1940, 75 years will have passed since the American Negro became a citizen. three-quarters of a century since he was a chattel.

An assembly point where an inventory of our achievements, to evaluate our contributions to our country, as well as honor the many brave men and women, both black and white, who made it possible for us to share the heritage of free men and women, had to be selected.

Detroit was the setting of important conferences prior to the Civil War, the final station of the underground railroad whence slaves fled into Canada and safety. "It is fitting," remarks the Rev. George W. Baber, General Chairman of the Seventy-Five Years of Negro Progress Exposition, "Detroit be the scene of this jubilee celebration."

Tentatively, headquarters, pending the selection of a site and definite dates, are in Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal church, 4225 Brush street at Willis. Eddie Tolan, who won athletic fame at Cass Technical high school, at the University of Michigan, and as a member of the United States Olympic team, is executive Director.

As outlined, the Exposition calls for the portrayal of Negro effort in Art, Law, Science, Medicine, Religion, Home Building, Athletics, Government, Architecture, and Engineering.

In addition to the 48 states, Africa and the West Indies will be represented.

"At this time we will ask white America to pause a little while to become cognizant of this spectacle, 15,000,000 people demonstrating and exhibiting their contributions to civilization," Eddie Tolan said.

Of the 15,000,000 Negroes in the United States, Detroit and Michigan have 269,000, according to figures available. And more than 500,000 are expected to attend the Exposition. In conjunction with this event is the quadrennial conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church.

A campaign is under way to bring annual conventions of other Negro organizations to the city during the exposition period, events that usually draw many thousands.