'Little Tokyo' Converted To Hodgepodge Of Negroes, Japs
By Floyd G. Snelson

Los Angeles -- I live in "Little Tokyo," as close to Japan as I could get at this time.

"Little Tokio" irotas

"Little Tokio" is a thriving bustling area in downtown Los Angeles, adjacent to the City Hall Civic center, and the new Union Station. When the 40,000 Japanese evacuated from the flourishing Nipponese colony in 1942 they were immediately replaced by some 80,000 Negroes, who migrated here from all parts of the country, mostly from the deep south. They re-named it Bronzeville, and the name now stands.

The Japanese now returning, reinvading "Little Tokyo" of yesteryear, finding it over crowded and parking space at a premium, are in the midst of despair and forlorn. They arrive daily, bag and baggage from 8 war relocation authority centers in bordering states. Just a few hundred have been able to find shelter and abode. Their return is marked with humility and tolerance, hoping and wishing the sepia brothers and sisters will "move over" rather than the braggadocio attitude of "get out." They like their new companions, and find that they get along all right with the Negro population.

Races Mingle

Bronzeville obviously is one hundred per cent of American by virtue of the fact of the loyal patriotism of the Negro, the number one minority of the U.S.A. Negro and white policemen patrol the streets just the same as in Chicago's Bronzeville, or New York's Harlem, without undue friction. All races mingle freely and enjoy life in the pursuit of happiness as described in the four freedoms.

It's grand to live in "Little Tokyo." In a place like this, if a person be guilty of treason or murder, should race, color, or nationality become the issue of purpose, bloodshed would be the answer. Few discuss the war. They take it in stride as just one of those things that happened. Peace with the love and friendship of amicable life abides.

In a mad rush to get away, the Nips disposed of their possessions helter skelter and in the re-invasion of "Little Tokyo" many hope to retrieve lost fortunes, via the courts, much to the displeasure of all concerned. Many sites reclaimed by the U.S. Alien Property Custodian Authority and private concerns were leased to Americans at "gift" prices, and they have enjoyed the "presents" immensely. Now, when some of the "lollipops" must be withdrawn, comes the pinch, resulting that many are impossible to find refuge elsewhere. The outcome of this reconversion may lead many of these newly made "squatters" and newly made "business folk" into ruin.

Land of Milk and Honey

Already sharks are stalking their prey, these so-called "vest pocket" proprietors who became "rich" overnight without protection for the future. Precise business acumen is sadly lacking and visibly imperfect. Coordination of purpose almost obsolete. Mass performance of duty is not considered essential. Just the "happy-go-along" of the unseasoned newcomer, in a land of "milk and honey." Experience, efficiency and worthy effort are still groping in the dark wilderness of ignorance. The whole matter is a rainbow in the heavens and we hope the skies of depression will not overtake them too soon.

Yesterday, tomorrow, and today, reconversion, obviously is taking its toll in regrets and headaches. Thousands learned to operate a lathe, blow-torch or power drill in an airplane factory with high pay. Some don't know how to mow a green grass terrace, or trim a fastidious hedge. People have so much money in Los Angeles. (even tramps are rich) they can't find anything to buy worthwhile and are throwing money away for lack of good use.