Carver High School - Memories Yearbook (Winston Salem, NC)

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OUR PRINCIPAL ' S MESSAGE DR. W. H. WATSON, B.S.; M.A.; Ed.D. There obtain in the world today two general ideologies. One embraces communism, or communistic tenets and the other. Democracy. These two ideologies are being put to the supreme test for survival. So serious is the situation, that the Western Nations are presently locked in combat with those who subscribe to communistic beliefs. For American citizens, communistic beliefs have no place. It is regretable, however, that because of certain weaknesses in our present form of democracy, communists are finding fertile soil here in which to plant their deadly seeds. They play up certain inequalities inherent in our version of democracy, and appear to offer first class citizenship to those segments of our population who are denied legally a few of the privileges en- joyed by the masses. It is easy to see how this approach appeals to the unsuspect- ing among us. As American citizens, we must make democracy work. By implication we agree that there is at present wide variance be- tween democratic principles and practices. In order that this chasm existing between principles and practices may be narrowed, each of us has a very specific and deliberate task to undertake. One of the greatest factors at work today inhibiting the complete realization of our democratic goals is the lack of under- standing. As a people, we tend to consider anything different, or out of our range of experience, as undesirable or inferior. This basically erroneous concept has gained such wide spread acceptance that even many of those affected are found accepting these practices or beliefs. What, then, can we do to allay these present practices? The answer is simple; the task, however, is probably more difficult. We shall have to prove ourselves competent in not only a few areas, but in all areas. I submit a plan of procedure that might well be studied: In the first place, the race personality is not what might be. Admittedly, we have a few negroes in key positions who are no less than ambassadors of good will, and who are consciously or unconsciously, making democracy work. Jackie Robinson is a shining example of persons in this category. Try to balance your scales, however, with the thousands — yes, millions of others- who have neither ambition nor desire to achieve full citizenship status. Such a balance is impossible of achievement. On the contrary, many in this mass category not only register little or no ambition, but really constitute that great body who degrade the race and for whom there is little hope of restitution. I challenge you Seniors of 1952 to make yourselves a hub of democratic ideals from which will radiate good will and under- standing to all mankind. Let all whom you influence see in you democracy at its best. Continue your education whether formally or informally. Seek wider horizons of endeavor. You have the difficult task of proving that, with proper training, you too can achieve in any field, and that you too can make a significant con- tribution. There are at work today forces who would make democracy functional. We should seek to discover who these people are, join their ranks, rid ourselves of undemocratic beliefs, and strive to make ourselves fit intellectually, economically, and morally to accept democratic principles. As we increase our knowledge and understanding of democracy, accordingly, we shall increase our determination to make it work. Good Luck. 1 W. H. WATSON.

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DEDICATION In grateful admission, sincere appreciation for his loyalty in our behalf, we, the members of the Class of 1952, dedicate the 1952 edition of The Yellow Jacket to our Music Director, MR. CHARLES STAFFORD GREENE.