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Twelve     THE BRONZEMAN

Sieges And Fortunes of

Editor's Note: Most appalling is the lack of knowledge on part of the Negro youth of the part their race has played in the development of American civilization.

It is hoped that this series of illuminating articles by Mr. Simon will be read by every High School student.

Astonishing as it may seem, it is nevertheless an overwhelmingly true social phenomenon that the generality of the Negro youths, graduates of high schools and others, are woefully uninformed on matters appertaining to the distinctive achievement of members of their own Race. This statement is not an outburst of carping criticism. I attached no blame whatever to these youngsters. They are usually denied such essential knowledge at the schools they attend. And, moreover, the intellectual aura of many a home of our group is not entirely sympathetic toward the Negro question, as such – both in the West Indies and in the United States of America. Observe, my dear Reader, that I have refrained – and advisedly, too – from using the word "problem" in conjunction with that of Negro. There isn't such a thing as the "Negro problem"; because the Negro is fundamentally, specifically, essentially a human being – divinely human, be it mentioned, like unto all other humans.

Will you not permit me, my dear Reader, a moment's indulgence in the niceties and refinements of a logical analysis – that is, to return once more, to a discussion of the Negro "problem" so-called. I take exception to the psychically destructive logic of some thinkers upon this issue. I resolutely refused to countenance the generally accepted belief that the Negro constitutes a "problem," anywhere – mainly on logically psychical ground. This attitude of mine yields to the necessities of creative thinking. It should always be remembered that our thought-creations become, in process of time, objects of reality – they materialize! This truism – this generally accepted fact – applies to all the tenets of our ethical and spiritual beliefs and customs, throughout the ages. It applies to all the achievements, also, of evolving man. Moreover, "As a man thinketh so is he." The facts and truths of the history of mankind prove the correctness of my statements. It is not necessary for me to detail many, or any of them.

[[image - drawing of a black woman with paper and quill, resting her head on her hand.]]
[[caption]] Phyllis Wheatley [[/caption]]

No Negro should subscribe to the maintenance of the idea that he is a problem – a social problem, which is the thought to be inferred. HE IS NOT! – neither to himself nor to anyone else. Why should a Negro hold to the belief that he is "a matter of uncertainty requiring further light to determine the truth.…" Does the Hebrew accept the burthen of such a stultifying, psychic inhibition? Do the Irish? Do the Scotch? THEY DO NOT! They instrumentality required for the disappearance of wrong-thinking is ACHIEVEMENT! "As a man thinketh so is he!" ACHIEVEMENT! is not being practice – at least, not appreciably well – by the Negro American. They must achieve ECONOMICALLY, then you must achieve POLITICALLY; and, lastly, he must achieve SOCIALLY. His greatest folly is his hankering desire to achieve SOCIALLY, first; and, lamely, POLITICALLY, next. That's all wrong! He will not arrive anywhere thusly. Today, – and it has been so for many thousands of years, – MONEY COUNTS – for a great deal. Such a social arrangement may be faulty to some thinkers. That point I shall not now debate. I am now concerned with a condition only – as it exists! The acquisition of money comprises the real struggle for existence. Upon this phenomenon is predicated the essential importance of individuals and races. In that struggle, racial characteristics are not important elements. This fact is fundamental to any serious study of the Negro and the "problem" so-called he is alleged to constitute. Now, to be specific: Professor Carver, "the Wizard of Tuskegee," is a Negro – par excellence! And yet, he is, at this writing, one of the ablest and busiest men in the country: – in his field of applied science. Soon he may offer to the world the novel invention of "Cotton Roads." Well, There's very Carver is daily approached by scores of the nation's leading industrialists for directive guidance, industrially. He was even offered, a few years ago, phenomenal independence, by the late Thomas Alva Edison, for the privilege of exploiting his industrial ideas. The transaction, I was told, involved millions of dollars. This fact was uttered by him, quite recently, here in Chicago, in one of exhortations to the youths of his Race. Another case: Robert T. Brown, "one of America's greatest thinkers," is a significant constituent of an international scientific society! – A society that is profoundly scientific! And so on and so forth.

The Negro should not concern himself with what others think of him, when such thinking is derogatory. That's their privilege – in a free country. Nor should he subscribe to the negative assertions, in thought or deed, relative to himself. Mark! if a man should think that he is a scum, he will eventually act like a scum! And if he should think that he is a "problems," he will constitute himself ultimately. There are they who think that the emaciated Mahatma Mohandas Karamchnd Gandhi is a scum. There are such supercilious persons – everywhere. But "The powerful radiations of the thinking of that one tiny atom of scum have profoundly troubled a great empire and threaten the economic stability of the whole world." Thoughts are things – e thereal and creative in essence: Therefore the Negro must think constructively – ALWAYS! He must think creatively, additively.

I deeply regret that space here is rather limited. That disability prevents me from dilating on this question. But let me end, my dear Reader, with these remarks: The Negro must recognize the broad fact that he is a MAN! – So methodologically, if no logically, philosophically. When he does so, there will be no further need for him to assume his accustomed mien of an animated apology in human form – a "problem." More, the Negro must presume and assume a mental attitude that will ensure his becoming SURE and CERTAIN of himself, like unto Professor Carver and Robert T. Brown. The world will then accept him as his own evaluation. FROM THIS MOMENT, THE NEGRO.

By Herbert V Simon