Fitz Herbert Headly to the Negro World - 8-th, 2004 - 08: 0   (Posted By: Webmaster)

Enclosure: Fitz Herbert Headly
President of UNIA Division, Luderitz, to the Negro World
[[Luderitz, South West Africa,
August 9, 1921]]

A VOICE FROM LUDERITZ, DUTCH SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Sir-

Permit me space in your valuable organ to voice the opinion of this branch of the U. N. I. A. and A. C. L. in these remote parts of the motherland here in Luderitz of what seems to be a tyrannical system of serfdom and injustice that is to be meted out to some, if not at least all of the race of Negroes. In Luderitz, or at least the Protectorate/ so-called, and in South West Africa, the Negro stands wholly and solely in the majority here, and according to mandate that was issued to Union of South Africa, with the exception of trading in arms and liquor, he is at liberty to toil in whatsoever sphere of life that is beneficial for him to earn a livelihood.

Now, Mr. Editor, as is well known the world over, in particular in our motherland, we are segregated, discriminated, disfranchised, jim-crowed in cattle trucks, coal boxes, and last, [bu]t not the least, butchered by the other fellow with rifle and machine gun bullets. But what we are dealing here with mostly is segregation wholly in its aspects in the former regime of our oppressors, the Germans) The Negro was located a distance from the city a mile or more, and a demarcation line fixed so that black and white alike had to abide with the consequences that no white trader was allowed in the Negro quarters, but the oppressors were so ravenous after the Negroes' paltry earnings that he was compelled to break his own law and rush to the Negro for support in the line of trading to suffice his bewildering wants. In the Negro quarters they have only four small businesses, two general groceries and two eating houses, and, as is known, the Negroes, or I may say, part of them, can't gather as yet the principles of organization, brotherly love and racialism, for instead of husbanding their resources together, they will and are still dealing with the white man when there are stores at their very own doors to acquire the same commodities from. What have we received in return for our aid and supporting the white man [but] that the three culprits that have followed our very heels for support have written an article to municipal authorities this week demanding them to close up our businesses?

Kindly publish this broadcast, so that the League of Nations can see and know what is going to become of their sacred mandate of this colony. Be it known that this was originated from German Jews, but we arc testing it in a court of law.

What handicaps us here is that we are not blessed with one of our own kin who knows the arts of the judiciary and have to resort to one of his own kind. But, Mr. Editor, the real facts are these, that they arc content to leave the organization from going unscathed for the venue of the attack were centered on our organization, as you will see from the clipping that is here inclosed, which I trust that, as a noted scholar of our race, you will decipher. They have branded us with the right stamp and that is (i.e.) giving my poor, downtrodden brother intelligence, and if we haven't or do not accomplish anything else in Luderitz we have compelled them for once to take notice of our renowned leader's work. Long may he reign to lead us on to the desired goal!

This article, sorry to say, the cowards won't take on any publications whatsoever here from a colored man, but I have replied in writing to the magistrate, as he himself is chairman of the Municipal Council. Sorry we are not in a position to procure a typer or otherwise I would be able to forward copy of letter for your esteemed approval. But as far as I can gather from certain sources, the magistrate has advised the Council not to attach discredit to the organization at all. I outline the record of our first six months' progress since staging our first meeting.

What progress has been made in keeping down the high roll of offenders that the prisons are almost empty. Hospital accommodation with us here , there is none , and caring for sick, needy and destitute was one of our main objects. Embodied with our constitution an auxiliary bearing a six-pence for sick and medical attendance for all members is well on its way progressing. Previous to our Garveyism here, should sickness or death step in on us we were left to the government and Providence up on high should death intervene ; town prisoners were told off with sometimes a blanket. In fact, the one you died on was wrapped around your place or thrown in a stretcher sometimes and you were buried without the least sign of spiritual rights. These are only a few of the mild facts that were disclosed to him, for he has only lately arrived to take up his duty as magistrate. His reply I haven't received as yet, so if any I am eagerly awaiting such. Even the two medical practitioners have indorsed my sentiments, while they have even certified to the fact that we are better payers than their own, although our earnings are away below those of our white brothers.

Thanking you for space for publication of same, as we are so far apart, I deem it advisable that the world may know our sufferings. Yours for the cause,

FITZ HERBERT HEADLY
President Ludcritz Division
S.W. Protectorate, Africa

Printed in NW, 8 October 1921. Headlines abridged.

[Marcus Garvey]