The role of American Jewry in supporting the Negro civil rights revolution and the August 28 March on Washington was commended today by A. Philip Randolph, director of the march, in an address before the National Press Club. Mr. Randolph, president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, warmly and voluntarily cited the “fine cooperation” of synagogues and the Jewish community.
Stressing “the human worth of the individual,” Mr. Randolph noted the need for brotherhood to involve not only Negroes and whites but also Jews and Christians. He referred to the Judeo-Christian heritage of America, and said that every individual deserves equality of treatment.
Explaining the need for Negro leadership of the march, he said “we need allies,” but stated that the leaders must come from the group directly affected. He pointed out that no one but a Jew could be expected to lead the fight against anti-Semitism, although the Jewish group could not win its struggle alone. It was his point that Jews, like Negroes or other minorities, need the support of others. Mr. Randolph said his movement needed white support, and was getting that backing. In this connection he singled out Jews as especially helpful to the Negro cause.
District authorities meanwhile made known that police preparations have been made to arrest and prosecute members of the American Nazi Party or other hate groups, if they foment or perpetrate violence on Wednesday. Intensive police plans to cope with racist attempts to disrupt and discredit the march have been made. Photographs and descriptions of various agitators have been circulated among police responsible for anti-riot precautions.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
