The Negro on Relief

Abstract

The gravest problem which confronts the nation today is that of relief. It is the nightmare of the New Deal; the skeleton in the closet of our present economic system; the morning-afterthe-night-before for our harrassed taxpayers and the bete noir of the Brain Trust. In spite of a period of bold experimentation, there still remain in the United States approximately 22,000,000 who must drink at the public trough and listen to siren songs-Happy Days Are Here Again, Prosperity Is Just Around the Corner-which corner ?-and man, woman or child must go hungry in this the richest country on the face of the globe. A study of the attitudes of key citizens, in the communities we represent, towards the unfortunate souls who, through no fault of their own, must accept charity, would, make an amazing document. The distinguished Senator from Maryland, Millard Tydings, recently commented before an investigating committee that he could not understand why so many Negroes are on relief. One of the major topics for private conversations at luncheon clubs throughout the country is, why is there such a disproportionate number of Negroes on relief? Off-therecord conclusions most frequently reached and disseminated are that Negroes are shiftless, lazy, indolent, and irresponsible. The basic factors behind this crucial problem are seldom considered and never studied. For the purpose of providing a basis for discussion on this complex and comprehensive subject I shall limit my paper to: (1) The extent of the problem; (2) Discriminatory practices; (3) Apparent pauperization of Negroes and lowering of morale; and (4) Work relief projects.