Claude McKay

“ As always, the coloured workers are ready and willing to meet the white workers half way in order that they might unite in the fight against capitalism; but, owing to the seeds of hatred that have been sown for long years by the master class among both sections, the whites are still reluctant to take the step that would win the South over to Socialism. The black workers hold the key to the situation, but while they and the whites remain divided the reactionary South need not fear. ”

“ During the War, Marcus Garvey, a West Indian Negro, went to New York and formed the Universal Negro Improvement Association, and African Communities League for the redemption of Negro Africa. The movement has had an astonishing success. Negroes from all parts of the world, oppressed by the capitalists, despised and denied a fighting chance under the present economic system by white workingmen, have hailed it as their star of hope, the ultimate solution to their history-old troubles. ”

“ This group palpably ignorant of the fact that the Negro question is primarily an economic problem, evidently thought it might be solved by admitting Negroes who have won to wealth and intellectual and other attainments into white society on equal terms, and by protesting and pleading to the political and aristocratic South to remove the notorious laws limiting the political and social status of coloured folk. ”

“ While all Negroes are agreed that the social barriers must be removed, there is much difference as regard to education and some institutions like hospitals and churches. The growing number of cultured Negro men and women find it extremely difficult to obtain employment that is in keeping with their education under the capitalist system of government. ”

“ And even when they are capable they are often up against the prejudices of their own people who have been subtly taught by the white ruling class to despise the talented of their race and sneer at their accomplishments. ”

“ It seems then that the only solution to the problem is to get lovely and refined white women to carry the message of Socialism to both white and black workers. There are many of them in the movement who should be eager to go. ”

“ The breaking up of the British Empire must either begin at home or abroad; the sooner the strong blow is struck the better it will be for all Communists. Hence the English revolutionary workers should not be unduly concerned over the manner in which the attack should begin. ”

“ Strangely, it is the professional class of Negroes that is chiefly opposed to Socialism, although it is the class that suffers and complains most bitterly. Dr Dubois has flirted with the socialist idea from a narrow opportunist-racial standpoint ”

“ During the period of Reconstruction a goodly number went from New England to educate the freed men and, although they were socially ostracised by the Southerners, they stood to their guns. To-day they are needed more than ever. The call is louder and the cause is greater. Among the blacks they will be safe, respected and honoured. Will they rise to their duty? ”

“ At the beginning the company had much trouble with the local authorities, but it has never been persecuted by the State of Federal Government, for it is non-Socialist of course. Although an international Socialist, I am supporting the movement, for I believe that, for subject peoples, at least, Nationalism is the open door to Communism. ”

“ Unless they are willing to be provided with cheap raw materials by the slaves of Asia and Africa for the industries of their overcrowded cities, while the broad, fertile acres of Great Britain are held for hunting and other questionable pleasures. ”

“ In the main the organisation strode to combat the insidious influence of Booker Washington, who, making light of the social and political status of his race, had put into practice, for its material benefit, the principle of work advocated by Carlyle. A group of wealthy and socially and politically influential bourgeois of the North helped to launch the movement and became its directing spirit. ”

“ Dubois been white he would certainly have secured a chair at Harvard, Yale or Columbia University, for which he is eminently fitted. Many negroes have obtained a sound education at great sacrifice, only to be forced upon completion of their studies, into menial or uncongenial toil. ”