Brooklyn Eagle (February 13, 1943)
Wibecan pleads for equal rights in Lincoln Day talk
Says Americans after war will mean end of discrimination
In a plea for equal rights for Americans of all races and religions, George E. Wibecan, former confidential inspector for the late Borough President Ingersoll, in a Lincoln’s Birthday address over WNYC yesterday, declared that Americanism after the war would take on a new meaning:
…with no color distinction, no race prejudices or religious discriminations.
The broadcast was sponsored by the Crispus Attucks Community Council, with headquarters at the Carlton Branch of the YMCA, 405 Carlton Ave. Mr. Wibecan said:
The lesson of Lincoln’s life and leadership was never more pregnant with meaning than now. A product of the plain people, he believed that the government was made for the people and that all men were equally endowed oy me creator with lights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Let the spirit of Lincoln then be a guide to our men in the higher councils of the nation, that they may understand “might does not make right” and that the liberty of no citizen is assured so long as there exists anywhere under our flag, the individual, white or black, who does not enjoy those rights.
Renewed allegiance
Mr. Wibecan pointed out that the Negro people of the nation look upon Lincoln’s birthday as an occasion to renew their allegiance to America:
…because of an abiding faith in its traditions and in the leadership of the great men and women who laid its foundations.
He declared:
In time of stress and national need, the Negro can be counted upon to defend our flag and our institutions and to help preserve those immortal memories made possible by the struggles of our ancestors.