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The Making of African American Identity: Vol. III, 1917-1968

CHICAGO DEFENDER
17 May 1919

WHERE WE ARE LACKING

THIS PAPER does not like to appear in the role of a common scold, yet it would be recreant to its
duty if it did not call attention to some acts of flagrant conduct on the part of our people. Among these
there is none that stands out so offensively as the practice as corner loafing. It is not an uncommon thing
to see a crowd of two or three hundred young and old, idly gaping about the corners, and especially at the
transfer points.
SO GREAT A NUISANCE has it become that respectable women and young girls shrink from
running that gantlet of foul-spoken, leering loafers. Professional and business men are loud in their
complaints against these insects, who block the entrances to their offices and stores, preventing ingress
and egress. ‘We have frequently called the attention of the police department to this intolerable nuisance,
but for some reason have been unable to obtain any action.
IF OUR ALDERMEN wish to render a great service to the section represented by them, they will
take whatever steps that are necessary to remedy a condition that has become an eyesore. They need not
be afraid of adverse criticism. They will be supported in this move by all the self-respecting elements in
their ward. While paying our respects to corner loafers it would not be out of the way to offer some timely
advice in the way of becoming conduct on the part of our people riding on the street cars.
ENTER THE CARS QUIETLY, have your fares ready, and ask for your transfer at the time of
paying your fare. This is a rule of the street car company, and the conductor must see to its enforcement,
so far as transfers are concerned, or lose his position. Once inside the car, sit quietly and avoid loud talk
with your neighbor. Above all things do not attempt a conversation with any one at the opposite end of
the car or several seats removed from you. The other passengers are not interested in what you have to
say, and the way you say it may give offense.
A LITTLE COMMON POLITENESS, a little of the old-time courtesy which prompts one to
say “Excuse me” or “I beg your pardon” gives one the stamp of good breeding and always calls for a
favorable notice of the person using such civility.
GENTLEMANLY and unobtrusive conduct on the part of man or woman always excites a
favorable impression. And we must not forget those of us living on the avenues and boulevards. Do not
sit in the open windows and upon the steps half clad. Do not arrange your toilet in view of the public.
These things should be done behind drawn blinds. These is no reason why a Colored neighborhood
should be marked by conduct on the part of its residents that belongs to a day that should have long since
passed. Such practices may find ready excuse upon the country cross roads of the South, but people living
in large cities are intolerable of such things and mark the neighborhoods where these things are observed
as plague spots. The pastors of our churches can lend a powerful hand in remedying the evils complained
of. Two or three times a week they have large audiences to which they can address themselves. They can
render especial service in dispersing the large crowds that congregate around the churches. After the
services are ended those in attendance should be told to leave the neighborhood immediately and not
loiter about obstructing the sidewalks while indulging in social chit-chat and neighborhood gossip.

*
National Humanities Center, 2007: nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/. Reprinted by permission of the Chicago Defender.
 SOME “DON’TS”
A fierce agitation is being waged by certain classes of citizens against immigration of Southern
people to northern cities. It is charged that they are undesirable and are supplanting white laborers in
various branches of work. In seeking a remedy to prevent laborers from the Southland securing
employment and making an honest living for themselves and their families, every vile thing possible has
been said and unlawful acts committed against the men and women who have come to this and other
cities of the North, during the past several months, while the Southern white is coming in droves on the
same trains and we hear no kicks from any one.
It is evident that some of the people coming to this city have seriously erred in their conduct in public
places, much to the humiliation of all respectable classes of our citizens, and by so doing, on account of
their ignorance of laws and customs necessary for the maintenance of health, sobriety and morality among
the people in general, have given our enemies ground for complaint. We consider it absolutely necessary
that a united effort should be made on the part of all law-abiding citizens to endeavor to warn and teach
those who by their acts bring reproach upon the Colored people of this city to strictly observe the laws,
city ordinances and customs and so conduct themselves as to reflect credit upon themselves: by so doing
it will disarm those who are endeavoring to discredit our Race.

We Call Attention to Some Things Which Don’t leave your job when you have a few
Should Be Observed by Our People dollars in your pocket.
Don’t work for less wages than being paid
Don’t use vile language in public places. people doing same kind of work.
Don’t act discourteously to other people Don’t be made a tool or strike breaker for
in public places. any corporation or firm.
Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into Don’t allow buffet flats or rooms rented
street brawls. with privileges to be conducted in your
Don’t use liberty as a license to do as you neighborhood.
please. Don’t allow children under 15 years of age
Don’t take the part of law breakers, be to run the streets after 9 o’clock p. m.
they men, women or children. Don’t get intoxicated and go out on the
Don’t make yourself a public nuisance. street insulting women and children and
Don’t encourage gamblers, disreputable make a beast of yourself — some one may
women or men to ply their business any time act likewise with your wife and children.
or place. Don’t undermine other people by taking
Don’t congregate in crowds on the streets from them their work.
to the disadvantage of others passing along. Don’t appear on the street with old dust
Don’t spend your time hanging around caps, dirty aprons and ragged clothes.
saloon doors or poolrooms. Don’t throw garbage in the back yard or
Don’t live in insanitary houses, or sleep in alley or keep dirty front yards.
rooms without proper ventilation. Don’t attempt to make an express wagon
Don’t violate city ordinances relative to of street cars.
health conditions. Don’t forget street car conductors are
Don’t allow children to beg on the streets. bound by rules of the car company which the
Don’t allow boys to steal from or assault law compels them to obey.
peddlers going their rounds during the day. Don’t oppose police officers in the dis-
Don’t be a beer can rusher or permit charge of their duty; you should be the one
children to do such service. to assist in keeping the peace.
Don’t abuse or violate the confidence of
those who give you employment.

National Humanities Center „ Chicago Defender, 17 May 1919. 2