Page:The Negroes in a Soviet America (1935).pdf/2

 FOREWORD

THE world is caught in the depths of a great crisis. Masses of people live on the brink of starvation. Discontent and unrest are more widespread than ever before. Changes are taking place in society and in government. Intensive preparations for war and movements towards fascism are developing quickly. These are times of great changes and of quick transformations.

The old ideas, upon which generations of people have been raised, are crumbling because life no longer justifies them. New ideas take their place. People in all walks of life are seeking new solutions, an effective way out of present conditions.

What is the relation of the Negroes in the United States to this rapidly changing world? They are now living through one of the most trying times in their history. What is the way out? This question presents itself more sharply to the Negro masses than to any other section of the population.

It is our purpose in this pamphlet to answer this question.

We believe we express the minimum desires of the Negro masses when we say that they want at least:

1. A decent and secure livelihood;

2. The rights of human beings;

3. An equal, honorable and respected status in all public and social life.

Capitalism has not been able to provide these needs, and is less and less able to do so. There are those who say that by reforming capitalism it can be made to fill the needs of the masses. We will show why this is impossible.

There is only one real, effective way out for the masses. It is not an easy one. But no basic change in society is easy. This way leads to a Soviet America. This is the only realistic vision of freedom possible today. It must be achieved, it can be achieved.

How? We will first show the basis of Negro slavery in the United States today. We will then show how all events are pushing towards another revolution in the United States and what role the Negro people will play in this revolution. We will then try to describe the tremendous vista of freedom and advance possible in a Soviet America. Rh