Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The Omaha guide. (Omaha, Neb.) 1927-19?? | View Entire Issue (Feb. 9, 1935)
‘Kerns Falsfies, Evades Question At Issue,' Says Horton URBAN LEAGUE SECRETARY’S POOR LOGIC REMINISCENT OF A FIFTH GRADE RURAL ALABAMAN RATHER THAN A SCHOLARLY URBANITE’ -—_ BY JOHN BENJ. HOBTON, Jr. In the Jan. 19th. issue of “The Omaha Guide”, there appeared one of the most illogical, debasing, falsif ing and antagonistic attempts at a sensi ble answer to several facts expounded by this writer against one J. Harvey Kerns and “The Petersen’s Bakery”. Kern’s answer mostly delved into per sonalities and not facts in this writ er’s accusations which dealt, principal ly, with the part this “gentleman” played in the celebrated “Petersen’s Dinner for the Colored Old Folks”. It seemed that in Mr. Kerns’ sensation al reply, he falsified by setting up a FALSE ALIBI to clear himself! Kerns forgot to stick to the points at issue. This writer has tried to imagine, but has been sadly disappointed, that Mr. Kerns was even a semi-civilized person, and has finally discovered that tho Urban League Secretary's reac tions or responses to certain stimuli are more reminiscent of the 5th grade rural Alabaman rather than that of the suave and scholarly Urbanite. Kerns finds no competent arguments to rebut,‘the facts which were written in the Jan. 4th., issue of “The Omaha Chronicle”, so, he chose the alterna tive of what we employ in scholastic debate as REDUCTIO AD AJ3SUR DUM, which means (to reduce to the lowest degree of absurdity). This writer’s opponent finds time, also, even in the beginning of his flimsy “answer”, to jest by calling “The Omaha Chronicle” ‘the little sheet which appears occasionally’, but though he erred not in so designating its actual size, he failed to realize that its not the size of a Journal that counts, but on the contrary its the quality of material used which makes for either its progress or failure. The Urban league Secretary, when “hit”, did the thing that m,ost FOOLS do when the truth is told about them; they seek to cover up behind a smoke screen of FALSE ALIBIS and fight back in their mentalH feeble manner. Men of Kerns’ calibre, when under fire, CHIDE THE TRUTH! This individual tells us that “The Urban League” assisted the Peter sen’s Bakery in the dinner service for the “Old Folks”. True enough, but in the beginning, it was another party who, it is said, was asked to as sist the bakery in said service—a Mrs. Borders living at 2622 N. 25th St., Omaha, and NOT Kerns! But some how, Kerns “STOLE THE SHOW” from Mrs. Borders and her associates! We frown upon Kerns’ statement in the second paragraph of hi3 grotesque “answer” when he said that "Mrs. Petersen did so because it has always been the policy of this organization to assist in a worthwhile effort”. Such “tommy-rot” from Kerns is unbeliev able! Mrs. Peterses has NEVER done this type of charity for Negroes before to our knowledge; she gave this dinner because she was losing Negro business and desired t-o gain good will, so she used Mr. “Judas” to pull her “chestnuts out of the fire”. The egotistic “gentleman” speaks indulgently and “deplores the poorly written and burlesque articles” front the pen of this writer. Incidentally, Kerns has forgotten how he has, up on numerous occasions, praised the “Chronicle” on its fine brand and pro gressive piece of Journalism. If the “gentleman” has forgotten so soon, we admonish him to think back on the occasion of the “birthday banquet” of “The Omaha Chronicle” on Sept. 8th, 1934 when he made quite an impres sive talk on the program with emmi nent journalists such as Ballard Dunn, Editor of The Omaha Journal and Dwight Griswold, Editor of The Gor don Journal on behalf of this paper’s progress. This writer remembers, ver batum, the above quoted portion of this certain “tool of the classes”. We are not sure that the public takes our articles as a “joke” as kerns infers, for they continue to call our office when there’s the least doubt in their minds that our paper would Issue up on the regular date; the business-men also, continue to advertise in same, and Kerns, evidently, is kidding him self for if he considered the paper as a “joke”, he would have refrained from answering this writer’s attack! Kerns makes “much ado about nothing”, and goes so far as to call this writer “ignorant”. To this, we reply that if Mr. Kerns were truly in telligent, he would never have “lost his head” when he was criticized by this writer. To the contrary, he would have read with imperturbable suav ity, kept his mouth closed and deemed the aforementioned “burlesque” un worthy of a reply. We agree with Kerns “that the Ne groes efforts at more jobs must be waged intelligently and consistently, but let me expound in simple language so simple that even “Mr.” Kerns would understand, namely. That WE MUST IN MOST CASES, ALSO FIGHT AND FIGHT HARD FOR SAME! Caa the readers of this paper th nk of a or other Negro in Omaha, aside from Kerns, who might possibly condone Discrimination against the Proletariat or any other class of our people on the ground that fighting them ANNOYS THE DISCRIMINA TORS? Such a man is of no value to his race. Mr. Kerns says he’s “never beea dictated to as to how he should or should not do on matters of racial in terest”. We say: that it would not be proper for “The Chronicle” ta make an attempt at dictation if we believed that Kerns was honestly helping the race; but he’s doing just the oposite in his underhanded way. We would demonstrate to Kerns just how we could and would dictate to h m and make him like it, if it were not for the fact of his leaving our ■ity. A very militant and prejudiced Southern Senator once said upon the floor of the National Congress, at a time when Woodrow Wilson's enemies were criticizing him after he had died, on Wilson’s part in establishing “A League of Nations”, in defense of a man who had not the chance to speak, (and we might nicely quote Sen. Blease to better serve our purpose), namely: “When Prometheus (a Greek God) was slain, the vultures tore out his vitals". By the above, this writer infers that since Kerns is a “dead is sue” here in Omaha, we see no good reason to “devour his flesh” after his ‘death’ just because we wield the ‘whip-hand’ over him. We do not engage in ‘cheap public ;ty’ as Kerns charges, and “The Chronicle’s” criticism of Mr. Kerns surely is Big Publicity and Important Publicity, and it certainly concerns the Negroes in Omaha. Yes, our present methods “antago nize some employers” as the “gentle man charges in his answer”, and our methods have antagonized Kerns. Nothing inunderstandable about that, is there? We, perhaps, have been even more so instrumental in molding public | opinion through our “poorly edited and burlesque articles” than another of our professed but chicken-hearted leaders; and the truth made known about him will mould public opinion against him. We, perhaps, know even better than Kerns where our place is in this com GAINS 25% LBS. IN TWO MONTHS COO LIVER Oil_Once a Punishment—Now a Treat Stop trying to force your children to take nasty tastinfc fishy flavored cod liver oils. Give them Coco Cod—the cod liver oil with a delickwa chocolate taste—and watch their bodies grow daily with vigorous, athletic strength! Mrs. Merder of Milwaukee says: Before my child look Coco Cod she only weighed 80 lbs. Now, in two months’ time, she weighs 105 yi Us. and she has not been ill since.’’ Other cod liver oils have only Vitamins A and D, but Coco Cod is also rich in Vitamin B—the appetite and growth promoting vitamin Start your children with Coco Cod today. At all drug stores. COCO COD Am Cod Liver Oli That Tastes Lika Chocolate DEAFENED HEAR Without Ear Drums New Amplified Aeousticon uses a new auditory path —bone conduction, detouring ear drum and middle ear mechanism. You canhearcon versation from all angles and at greater dis tance, enioy radio, talkies, church services. A happy release from present handicaps. Com plete information and Free Booklet “Defeating Deafness" on request, write— ACOUSTICON AMPLIFIED HEARING AIDS 580 FIFTH AVE., NEW YORK, N. Y. munity, fc’* “the press” supercedes every other civic agency. This writer claims, not, to be a poli tician; but he appears te be in the position to assist even more so in the gaining of public employment than even Mr. Kerns. It is probably good for Kerns to know that this writer has been inter ested in modern journalism for 10 years, has written for a number of substantial race papers, and claims to know his business even better than Kerns knows his. Though Kerns ex poses this writer’s “primitive methods in Journalism”, we answer with pride that it is sometimes wise to employ same if in so doing, it can enlighten its readers on the chicanery of a cer tain would-be leader. This article would be incomplete if it failed to relate a few of the many truths on the administration of J. Harvey Kerns' office as Secretary of the Omaha Urban League. First, when Kerns came to Omaha, there were 23 colored women em ployed at “The Medical Arts Bldg.”, those jobs having been secured through Mr. Ray L. Williams who at that time was Executive Secretary of the “Colored Commercial Club” and who maintained in his set-up a “La bor Board” whose object it was to secure employment for Negroes. It might be said with a great degree of certainty that Mr. Williams, when Secretary of the Colored Commercial Club, made more place ments in a given period for Ne groes in Industrial employment than Kerns would ever hope to make, for Mr. Williams made no distinction as to whether one Negro was either LIGHT or DARK in complexion—Wil liams cared not, only that the person or persons so making applications for employment were competent to hold tho prospective job. It is further alleged that Kerne claimed tho glory for colorod elevator girl operators in the Brandeis Stores, but he falsefted in this claim for it was largely through the efforts of “The Omaha Guide” that we today have Negro women operating those elevators. I'm informed that whenever the se lection of members of his own raee comes up for membership to the Ur ban League Board of Directors, Kerns does the selecting; he selects those of his own group whom he can use to his best advantage. ihe Urban League, through Kerns, formed an “Advisory Board” which has never called a meeting to advise him on matters of import to his or ganization. Kerns didn’t want that because he probably felt that such a board was not competent to advise him. Such a man as Kerns probably knew far too much to be advised by his “inferiors”. Just a sham, per haps, for convenient purposes. Kerns says that he organized 2 or 3 Boy Scout Troops in Omaha in one of his Annual reports to his superiors; but, I invite any of our readers to trail Scout Hdqtrs., 300 Aquilla Court, and you’ll be told that Kerns didn’t organize same. This man Kerns sim ply wanted to take credit for doing ^' - "" ■■■ ■ ■ —- ^ Minimum bundle 48e Edholm and Sherman LAUNDERER AND DRY CLEANERS 2401 North 24th St. We 0055 >. - — — — - — —/ ■something that he knew deep down in his heart that he didn’t do, and be sides, who would ever find out what he placed in that report, knowing well enough that he could easily fool his white superiors—provided the Ne groes wouldn’t “kick” ? Mr. T. P. Ma hamm.it was the man who is largely due the credit for organising those Scouts. A year or so ago, the Colored Hotel Waiters Asen. was formed, and a Mr. M. L. Harris was asked to head same; and Harr s accepted the Presi dency after his election. This writer witnessed that electien as a member of same; Kents injected himself into the picture, and he used his influence to keep those waiters from demanding a larger salary. Kerns led the fight against Mr. Harris in the above di rection. Kerns’ business as a mem ber was, it is generally agreed, to pla cate the NegTO and keep him subser vient to the wishes of the white Ho tel owners and Managers. This rea soning is correet, for Kerns has al ways catered to Capatilistic interests in order that he maintain an exorbi tant income for work that an ordi nary high school freshman could have done. If Kerns had been working for the best Interests of the waiters Assn., as its President M. L. Harris had been doing, then WHY IN THE NAME OF COMMON SENSE WAS KERNS AC CEPTABLE TO THE HOTEL PRO PRIETORS AND HARRIS WAS NOT? WHY DID THE HOTEL OWNERS RECEIVE KERNS ANT) REJECT HARIS on matters pertinent to the Assn’s future ? The answer is clear; the Hotel proprietors knew that Kerns could be used and thnt he would probably, sell out his race to keep within their good graces! Believe me if yoa may that this mao Kerns has bees ininimieal to the best interests of our group and that his de parture should NOT BE MOURNED nor DEPLORED; its a God-sent blessing4 Kerns falsefied when he said that he resigned his post here to accept the Kansas City Urban League post. Glar ing headlines were published in an other of our local race papers to that effect; but a Mr. Webster, Industrial Secretary of the Kansas City League was elected recentl ■ as its Executive Secretary. If you doubt this writer’s veracity, read the Jan. 18th, issue of “The Kansas City Call”. Kansas Cityans were too .ntelligent te accept 6uch an unfit and unscrupulous person as Kerns. It’s alleged that Kerns has falsefied also, in arranging his reslgnat on for the position which he now holds with this Omaha Urhaa League. It is com mon rumor that he was requested to resign!!! Finally, Kerns must know and real ize that he can’t cope with the press and expect to win. He must know that hie position in our community is that of just another social worker; ours is that of leadership, and that leadership is NOT “FALSE" aa he would have you believe; and that leadership is vested in the masses and NOT in the Editor of any paper—even “The Omaha Chronicle”. ADVERTISE IT IN THE GUIDE Classified Ads and Business DIRECTORY Help us to Build Bigger and Better Business. The Omaha Guide in its Eighth Year and is offering a New and Greater Service to its Readers and Advertisers through this Weekly Clasified Directory of Community and City. ROOMS and APARTMENTS Modern Room for Rent. Near ear line. WEbster 1844. Modem Front Room, single man or lady. Kitchenette for rent. WE. 3707. For apartments, rooms and houses for rent and sale, call Dixon’s Real Estate. AT. 7435. FOR RENT: Apt. with gas, elec tricity, heat, hat and cold water at all hours- Telephone WE. 4285. LOVE’S Kitchenette apartment for rent at 2518 Patrick Ave., 1702 N. 26 St., and 2613 Grant St. We. 5553 Kitchenette for Rent—strictly modern 2914 North 25th Street. Two room apt. and use of kitchen We. 4162. RESTAURANTS, CAFES TULULA TEA ROOM 2422 Burdette We. 6689 1 HOME COOKED MEALS 15 and 25 Cents LITTLE M. CAFE 24th and Blondo Sts. MARIE LUNCH Sanitary Cooking 2011 N. 24th Street. GOOD HOME COOKED MEALS 15 and 25 Cents SILVER MOON CAFE 1703 N. 24th Street COAL COMPANIES “LET GEORGE DO IT” for COAL, EXPRESS AND MOVING AT. 4076 H. ANDREASON COAL CO. Office, 2520 Lake St. WE. 2019 RADIO SERVICE BETTER RADIO SERVICE A. E. and J. E. Bennett, 2215 Cum mings St- Phone Ja- 0696 DRUG STORES Prescriptions JOHNSON’S DRUG STORE Our Telephone Number WE 0998 1904 N- 24TH ST. SHOE REPAIR SHOPS YOUR OWN—LAKE SHOE SERV ICE NONF BETTER; 2107 Lake St. THOMAS SHOE REPAIR SHOP First Class Material. Satisfaction Guaranteed. WE. 5666 1415 N. 24th St. MISCELLANEOUS WELCH OIL COMPANY Quality and Service 24th and Nicholas Streets WORKERS CENTER HALL FOR RENT For meetngs, parties, dances, enter tainments. All facilities. Rent reas onable. Special rates to organizations for regular weekly meetings. 2404 Parker St.Cor. Parker & 24th GENERAL AUTO REPAIRING Batteries Charged 50 Cents McERRIWEATHER GARAGE 2209 N. 22nd St. SAVE TIME, WORRY, CONFUSION AND MONEY BY CONSULTING THIS COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF NEIGHBORHOOD AND CITY BUSINESSES. _ tne Panmy- The Professor proved his right to the Title or A. list"! „ ___, 11 —i-1---r~ . r E[ _, * I J I fTH4^ UXVY. arv^ WWfKT-WWX jW' .THE- WHWT- ' ’ U<MP*N” CH(MStt>«?H£v^j £\no isnr '—tClJ' rr pe^fe crey | DO YOU KNOW WHY--- E kf Win Igca Aioag LiteTte —f *m***at ByRsfea ----% S'-—7sr~v ^ 1 8»eV*\« > \ **HA*C» 'OS txwm O 7 \ r»4e NBN fTMvfqA «t?I l^S^SSfr paTSf.— J ll^5 0wr ° "*“( Y*"° T^f ,T-^t' «ojy «* _\ m I " ^ lMTga«ATK)WM OmmOR Ooj. Y. yfrggcfr r » -.-. __ Clarice Is Soon Cured r ... 111 II I llll Ill.I-l -—Mwnna.iin.1.. ■■ _______ _ what: you Ooht <smok€ ? why • D€A(i, How. PeRPCCTLy <S\u.y • Yoo ^SHOULD MW, Towes’s wew tad€ ooAReTre Hou>ea — it's simply adorable \vrvn/— f Gfc&vr <juws ! no, al; but You ain't Been \ JuST *MOKIW' o*o,R£Trej, 1 ryyy.€Do'e? i ®«s wSf k X SNSLL cm all J IS TAKING A TH* Houss COUPLE of . ——"y \ draw in > \ ROOK-’ ^-— BY QnOLLy! IT LOOKS SSS IF FDCM6 1<S fci6-HT._ | CLAfctCE are. you STAfcTlKKS- IH To SMOKE ? ~1