|
Race and Place Newspapers
The Reflector
Location: Charlottesville, VirginiaArticle Transcripts
Date of Publication: August 26, 1933 (Wednesday)
Frequency: weekly
Page 1
Column 2
Transcript of Article
This Is Your NewspaperIn outlining the program of The Reflector, we made loud the boast that we could not bring you all of the news, but that we could present to you that which was closest to you. We are proud of that boast and it sums up, in a few words, our aim. It was a statement, meant for real citizens and honest- to goodness race lovers who enjoy community pride and a keen sense of loyalty to worthwhile negro endeavors. It has been proven, beyond doubt, that such folks as those just described did receive the message and sincerely believed in the same. Our circulation shows plainly that we are giving that which the readers want. It was our boast and your co-operation that enable us to say proudly, "This is your paper."
We attempt to create civic pride; each week we present comments on your problems, on current problems; the "Open Forum" is your medium of protest, of expression of opinion; the society column is a log of your social activities; each part in the paper is yours; no single column, no certain page, the entire paper is yours.
No, space does not allow us the advantage of giving you the latest stock reports; we cannot afford a music and book critic at present, nor do we feature latest scandals or sporting news, but we have made this your organ of expression, your newspaper because it makes itself interested in your local problems; it enjoys your social activities with you, in a word, it is a service that truly "reflects the spirit of the community."
Summary of Article
The editor explains his commitment to being an "organ of expression" for Charlottesville's African American community.
Column 1,2
Transcript of Article
Scottsboro or CharlottesvilleMuch has been said about the Scottsboro case, even more has been written about this ignominious affair. Every child who is old enough to read the newspaper or strong enough to sit beside his parents at church, has either read the details or heard them discussed over and over again. To outline the case here would be an unpardonable repitition.
There is another case however that has not reached the courts; the newspapers do not feature it; it is not outlined before groups in mass meetings. The case is known as the "Charlottesville Case"; no quite as spectacular as the first-mentioned case but most assuredly as serious and far more pathetic.
We have in our midst, hundreds of young men and women, growing into manhood and womanhood, without the slightest idea of their civil rights. We have also, hundreds and hundreds of matured citizens, who have lived these many years without putting forth the least show of effort to demand certain rights as American Citizens. For instance, there are a certain group of unfortunates who receive baskets at Christmas time and get by as best they can the other three hundred and sixty four days. Our streets are mudholes, occasionally graced by a load of cinders and fine rock. The newly acquired park is a wilderness with not a single attraction save the beautiful trees and the untiring efforts of Mrs. Cora B. Duke. Yet, we remain content with our conditions and dare become indignant over the Scottsboro affair. Several meetings have been held in interest of that case, now, when shall we meet to adopt a program that will better local conditions?
The Scottsboro boys should have our sympathy, and also such financial assistance as we are able to donate, but organization and financial aid in interest of that case before this Charlottesville case is even considered, strikes us as an example of poor judgement, and compel us to believe that maybe the desire for "personal glory" is playing a hand, for the "Charlottesville case" is just as serious and far more pathetic than the Scottsboro case, but we admit, not as spectacular, therefore not promising as much interest and the same degree of publicity.
Summary of Article
Encourages Charlottesville activist to center their attention locally rather than focus on popular causes in neighboring cities such as Scottsboro.
Column 3
Transcript of Article
Making Life WorthwhileThere is an old saying, "The gentle touch of a friendly hand, the light of a knowing smile, the call of a heart that can understand, are the things thatmake life worthwhile." This little quotation embodies the sum total of my present thoughts. What makes life worthwhile? The world today is figuratively sick with strife, disappointment, poverty, hatred and misunderstanding. Material help is good, cooperation for betterment even surpasses good, but spirituality is the most efficient cure. It is a medicine without a patient and one may minister and receive it without money. A leper spurned gold that was scornfully tossed to him by Sir Launfal, a legendary knight, but later accepted sympathy offered through brotherhood and understanding.
Every man may be rich in spirituality. A trace of it is found in every human being, but the development of it is all important. This isn't a country to country, or house to house proposition, but a man to man. This is not far reaching, for if it is nourished within, the results of it may be seen in our every-day activities.
A professional football player who knew that great stakes were up on him played hard, but something was lacking. Feeling "down and out", he knew the game was lost. The crowd started cheering, the echo filled his heart with new determination, and as they cheered he rushed to victory. The story is old, but it illustrates my point, that an understand nod, a friendly hand shake, or a kind word, may mean everything to an individual when material things are of no avail.
Then, how may one aid in making life worthwhile? Place your hand in the heaped up heart of the weary wanderer, and smooth out the rough places. In the mad rush for ascendency or power, forget the law of "the survival of the fittest" and as you climb, lend a hand to the fellow who is struggling just below you. No one can scale the heights of success a better way than by lifting as he climbs. In traveling the roadway of life, look for the roses and trample the gravel, it is better to crush it and make it compact, a part of the earth, than to lift it and thrust it heedlessly into the eye of a chance passerby.
I am not advertising a heaven on earth. Christ did not have that when he was here. I am only expounding a theory that may influence someone in making life worthwhile for at least one person a day.
Summary of Article
Inspiring poem celebrating the simple pleasures of life.
Page 3
Column 1
Transcript of Article
Society Notes of CharlottesvilliansMiss Marie Howard, formerly of Charlottesville recently completed a business course at New York City.
Miss Elsie Armstead of Oak Union, was the guest of Mrs. Willie Key of Ten and one-half St. Mrs. Key accompanied Miss Armstead to Oak Union last Sunday Night.
Mr. Joseph Bowles is reported ill at his residence, on Fifth Street S.W.
Little Sister Stewart, daughter of Mr. Charles Stewart of Page Street was struck by a car Sunday. She was carried to the University hospital and is reported improving.
Mr. and Mrs. Lankston Ward, Master Henrie Hawkins, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Green and Mrs. Mabel Hawkins were among those who attended the rally that was held in White Hall Sunday.
Little Julian Roberts is ill at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roberts on Fourth St.
Little Artelia Malinda Boyd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Boyd, of Washington, D. C. is doing nicely since her birth last month. Mrs. Boyd will spend the rest of the summer with her father, Mr. Farrar on Page Street before joining her husband in Washington, D. C.
The "Felicitas Contract Bridge Club" held their annual picnic at the beautiful home of Mrs. Samuel Brooks, of Keswick, Va.
Dr. W. B. Dabney of Preston Avenue is indisposed at his residence. He is suffering from a broken leg.
Mr. Oscar Conn, and her sister, Miss Otelia Abott visited their parents in Lynchburg Sunday.
Mr. Isadore Staples, who has been quite ill, is able to be out again
Mrs. Virginia Monroe has returned to this city, after concluding a visit with relatives in Madison, Va.
Mrs. Beatrice Jones, Mrs. Ida Waley, Mrs. Virginia Allen and Miss Gracie Farrar, motored to Madison, Va., and spent the day there Friday.
"Booker's Rhythm Boys" are now featuring Mr. Robert Kenna, a sensational entertainer.
Little Henry Bell sustained a broken arm while at play last week. He was treated at the University Hospital.
Summary of Article
Various local announcements detailing activities of Charlottesville's black community,from political activism, to college graduation, and musical entertainment.
Column 2
Transcript of Article
Society Notes of Earlysville, VirginiaMr. and Mrs. Coles Howard of Detroit, Mich., are visiting Mrs. Susie Givens, mother of Mrs. Howard.
Mrs. Marie Southall is home from New York, visiting relatives and friends.
Miss Alice G. Woodfolk is the weekend guest of Mrs. Southall.
Mr. and Mrs. George Meade, Mrs. Charles Woodfolk, Mrs. E. A. Franklin and Mrs. A. G. Woodfolk motored to Louisa last Sunday to attend the revival services.
A canning and drying demonstration held in different communities proved to be a great success. It was first held at Albemarle training school, second in the home of Mrs. Overton, Oak Union; third at the home of Mrs. Cordelia Goggins, fourth, Mrs. Mabel Woodfolk. Another meeting was held Aug. 18th at the residence of Mrs. Horace Miller, Advance Mills, Va. These meetings were held under the auspices of Mrs. M. C. Greer.
Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Greer and daughter Evangeline, spent a week in N. C. visiting Mr. Greer's mother.
Mrs. Effie Thomas of Ruckersville is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Kennedy.
Mr. Elmer Estes left for Va. State College to attend the annual 4H Club meeting.
Reverend I. A. J. Kennedy will conduct revival services to be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, beginning Aug. 27.
Summary of Article
Various notes and updates on the social happenings of the black community in Earlysville, Virginia.
Search Newspapers | Return to Introduction