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Will There Be Another Lincoln, Nixon, Johnson or Kennedy?
By Samuel Archer AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2017 Samuel Archer
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5246-5013-1
CHAPTER 1
A "Negro" – Trying to Obtain a Construction Job
Owing to no willful, calculated fault of mine, I had been out of a job for quite a lengthy period, a few months then. The City, State, as well as the Federal Government, had construction projects in progress then within a 3 miles' radius from where I was living then. To be precise, in one instance, one of the projects was only three (3) blocks from my house. This I considered fortunate. I thought then that I would be, or would have been in for some 'luck'. But, unfortunately, it was never to be. The contracting companies to whom these contracts were awarded, or who undertook these projects, I have optioned not to mention their names on the 'Big Screen'. First, there was this contracting company, from the State of New Jersey. They were on the project 3 blocks away from my house then at Rockaway Blvd. & the South Conduit Ave. in Jamaica Queens NY. Upon inquiring about their 'Field Office', I was told that their main field office was located in Long Island City, Queens NY. I was not able to get to that field office, neither was I able to communicate with anyone, with authority, within that facility.
I repeatedly shaped, meaning, (sought employment) day after day wishing, whilst hoping, to be hired. I repeatedly made phone calls to the field office only to be constantly given the 'cold shoulder, and the run a rounds to the effect that the 'job' did not have a long duration, thus would be completed soon, henceforth, there was no need for additional labor force. The project would however vigorously continue, for an additional four to six weeks, and maybe even longer. During the periods, when I would shape this job, the magnitude of the labor force was at least ten of which, 'woefully', the only 'dark face' complexion individual whom I saw was the Operating Engineer, who appeared to have been of Asian descent. (an unusual phenomenon then). Note, this was a NY City construction project. The saga continued. I repeatedly sought employment on yet another NY City project. This time maybe 2 miles, the most three west, of the prior one. This time, the location of the job was Belt Pkwy & North Conduit Ave. within proximity of Lefferts Blvd. Upon inquiry, for the field office, I was told that it was located in Flushing, Queens NY. and that the company was based on Long Island NY.
With my thirst for work, and my memories now fully clicking then, I remember that this company also started a second project after I started shaping the one near Lefferts Blvd. The second job site this time was approximately 200 yds. north northwest, of the entrance ramp, from the Belt Pkwy West, leading onto the North Conduit Ave. Service Road, into the Van Wyck Expwy North. Here again, I made several visits to both job locations, especially to the site at Lefferts Blvd & the Belt Pkwy. I made repeated phone calls, with the hope that I would be employed but again, my efforts, and my aspirations were futile. My fellowmen do not feel yourself being bored. I know that you've already started feeling weary, and exhausted! "Wake Up"! The real story, is yet to be formed! Then, it will become more interesting. 'Sobbing' will be a relaxer, throughout your reading journey. It will be worth the wait!
The third contracting company which I sought employment from had their base in Staten Island one of the five amalgamated boroughs of New York City. The job location was in the borough of Queens, on the border line, between NY City and Long Island. Nassau County Included in work Areas Hook Creek Blvd. South, from where Merrick Blvd becomes Merrick Road; extending south along Hook Creek Blvd. across South Conduit Ave. Sunrise Hwy begins just about there. This was another NY City Street Road revitalization project. This job I would repeatedly check, shape, day after day, week after week, only to be defiantly told each time, by the 'supers', check with Paul. Paul would in return, tell me that I should check with Harry. In simple words, they were playing games with me. Otherwise they would say the job would soon be finished or that the city had not been paying them not forth coming with their money. They gave various apologetic reasons. Yet at the very same moment they were hiring laborers, of Caucasian ethnicity, and occasionally, one or two minorities, from the 'minority coalition.
On several occasions I would have a head count of twenty (20) white majority workers, and two (2) minorities, whom I assumed, would likely be coalition members. These presumably heartless guys, begrudgingly refused from hiring me; despite me having told them, that I lived in the neighborhood, and was the holder, of a [Laborer's Book]; which qualified me, for the type work being a member, of an International Laborers Union of North America. As if we were living in some Militarized Zone. There were days when 'New York's Finest' assigned to the 105 Precinct, could be seen guarding, this particular project preventing minorities associated, with the coalitions from stopping the job, especially on days when concrete was being poured. Can you imagine that this bizarre phenomena, is a book of itself? The very last conversation, I remember having on the phone with one of those two Supers who were apparently also, owners, or part owners, of the company TECH. This individual told me, that whatever work was left to be done on the project then was for himself, and his family, and that in common terms I should never call back the office.
My response to him was: "I will take you up on such a bold statement". In short, remember we're speaking and dealing with City, State, "Public Funds", of which some of my monies are involved taking into consideration that I'm required by law to pay city tax being a resident, of the city and state. Unlike some of my working peers, who work in the city, lives outside the city and even outside the state at times Pays no New York City Taxes, always remain constantly working while I live right here in the city, likewise and "shamefully" cannot find food to eat and not because of not trying. Re the subject of food, I'll elaborate on same in a later chapter. While travelling in search of employment, on the project most recently mentioned, I saw another contracting company preparing to start yet another city project within close proximity of the Hook Creek Blvd project a few blocks north. This 'impending' job then was located at the intersection of Brookville Blvd and the North Conduit Ave. leading onto the Belt Pkwy West. Upon inquiry I was told that the project would entail building of an overpass. The contracting company, in charge of the job then had their main office in College Point, Queens NY.
The setting looked so promising, I was now under the assumption that I had a job, as soon as they were through in setting up their office trailers and got the operations rolling. As if I was 'cursed', or set upon by some science spell. It was not to be during all these agonizing periods. I was faced with mountainous bills from the 'tip of my toes to the brim of my head not knowing, if I will ever overcome them or even catchup. Not knowing where to turn to for help. The job finally got started, as per usual, I repeatedly shaped, in the mornings. I made phone calls, to the head of the company. I had dialogues, only to have received, the same familiar run a rounds, as I had previously received, from prior companies. "Folks", Are we awake?
In an effort to demonstrate to these people that I was indeed serious and desperately in dire need of work, I subsequently got on my bicycle which was my only means of transportation then: my car having been out of commission, owing to the lack of funds. I rode approximately twenty miles from the job site, in Rosedale to the main office, in College Point, to meet with a top representative of the company. Unfortunately, only to be told that the job that I was shaping, and hoping to be placed on, was the only project the company had in progress then and thus lots of their key men were home, out of work. Secondly, should they intent on hiring any minorities they would have to belong to a coalition group! Never the less, should anything else comes up, he would keep me in mind. The young man to whom I spoke with then argued reasonably understandably, in some respect, thus gave me cause to reconsider my initial intended actions knowing that some of my civil rights were being violated. Incidentally this individual, did call my house about four months later, offering me a few days' work but by then I had gotten some work elsewhere.
Another job hunts, adding to the famed list of contracting companies who refused from giving me employment then. In other words, prevented me from caring for my family in contrast to my white peers. For yet another time we are back in Flushing. This time the main base, the offices, the whole nine yards was located in Flushing, Queens NY. The job location was Van Wyck Expwy North, from the exit of JFK Intl. Airport to the junction of the Grand Central Pkwy. and South, from the junction of the Grand Central Pkwy and the Van Wyck Expwy to the entrance to JFK Intl Airport. The field office was located at 116 Ave & Van Wyck Expwy which has now become a permanent site and location re field office and storage yard for other same new contracting companies. This project I estimated was a Joint City, State, and Federal Venture. I began shaping this job, long before it got started. I inquired and I knew the proposed nature of the job the format, it was slated to take. In lay man terms, I could make myself a man, off this job that's how big a job it was. Finally, when the project was about to begin, I introduced myself to the 'super' in charge then. I was then asked to write my name on a sheet of paper, inclusive of my address, and my telephone number. From all appearances, this sheet appeared to consist of not more than three names, the most four. I in turn told myself "This got to be it"! Again, I was in dire need of a job. "Oh sweet". I had high hopes and expectations of being employed close to my house, if given a slot, on this project.
The job finally got started. I showed up at the field office practically every morning before 7:00 A.M. with the anticipation that I could be hired instantaneously. This process I went through for over two months, without any luck, or success. With operations now in high gear, it was confirmed they would be operating two (2) shifts, double shifts a day, and a night shift. Upon hearing this, again it built my hopes of getting employed even higher. Sad to say, Just as like past experiences my luck had not changed for the better.
CHAPTER 2
Hatred of Color – Denial of Quality Income; Which Is It?
Evidently; it was now obvious, that I would have to perform some type of plastic surgery, with the hope that it would create a lighter, if not white complexion, and likely straighter hair, to enhance my chances, of being hired. The night shift eventually got started. I had no choice but to show up for both the day and the night shift. With nature having its course, and the devil standing in the midst this 'super' who seemed not to have liked the sight of me was the very same individual who had asked me to sign the employment list in the early stages. Being solid as a rock and seemingly unperturbed it would appear that this guy got so tired and disgusted seeing me. He ordered me to stay outside and off the platform which had linked both office trailers together. In his crude hostile mannerism, he insisted that I stayed outside the fence. In other words, on the outside which wasn't too close to the trailers. In his own words he said, "Have I not told you not to come inside these premises"! At one stage I thought of putting my camera into action for the records when I grievingly looked at the unbalanced proportion of white Caucasian majority workers in comparison to minorities among the labor force.
At one stage there were absolutely no minorities, no negroes, at all on the project. I can recall counting (26) white majority workers as compared to (0) minorities. I continued to shape the job. Incidentally one of the mornings I observed negotiations between a coalition group leader and the super. Notwithstanding, the following morning, an African was on the job for the very first time. It was my gut feeling that he was hired through the instrumentality of the coalition. My shaping ordeal continued. I was continually ignored. I eventually called the CEO of the company. I explained to him what I was experiencing from his subordinates, whom he supervises. His remarks were, Whenever they need men, they will hire you". In response I told him that they were already hiring of which I had proof. He denied same.
Being hungry and of course angry, my family in "wants", in every sense of the word. This project being the only major one going then, and having established myself, on the site I continued to shape it. Eventually, the super who had joined the operations for the second shift, and was now in charge of the day shift be it temporary was less hostile, and more compassionate. Along with another negro brother who was also in search of employment as myself gave us a sketch plan of a field office location within the bounds of JFK Intl Airport. We were instructed to inquire from the super on that job if he needed additional helpers. Re: if he needed additional helpers. I found that part to be strange. However, we did as we were instructed. The day in question was a Friday. We went to the location as was outlined on the plan. Surprisingly there were no activities there then, however, office trailers, and equipment we did see.
The weekend went by. Monday morning arrived praises to the almighty! Along with the other guy, we showed up at this field office this time there were activities. Upon our introduction, after a lengthy interrogation, we were eventually hired. I remember being told specifically that I would only be hired for a few days. I was somehow astonished and bewildered for a moment upon hearing that unexpected annunciation. Needless to say I was terribly in need of money whilst taking into consideration that I had been shaping the job, for over two months. I felt confident that once I was on at one location, there was the possibility of moving to the main project which in this instance was the renovation and revitalization of the Van Wyck Expwy.
I clearly remember being asked if I was a citizen of the United States of America? My reply was 'No'! However, "I am a legal immigrant". I did not have my documents with me then. I promised to present same the following day which I did. Despite me presenting my Alien Card I was again asked if I was a citizen. My reply, again was No! As if it was a 'Drill', it persisted even though they had all three pieces of documents (namely my Driver's License, my Alien Card, and my Union Book) in front of them, in their possession. I told myself Now on this occasion this individual insisted that he had nothing to do with employment hiring nor firing. In spite things being the same I told myself "What the heck give it another try. The situation however had reached to the point where I had ceased shaping that job. Surprisingly, after a week or so I received a telephone call to be precise it was a Saturday morning. The call was from the very same super whom I had the lengthy conversation with last. The said one who had sent me to the airport site. I was told to report to the job I was last on inside the airport. The next Monday morning I did as I was told. Ouch! It was quite a surprise to my intended coworkers even the super seemed at a lost for a while. The immediate reactions of these individuals, were as if I was an UFO Object "Unknown" Not to make mention of 'Unheard of. Nevertheless, I did work for another (4) days.
Due to rainy weather conditions, on this particular day taking into consideration the nature of the job as I had earlier made mention of painting an overpass and other elevated roadway steel structures, work was called off for the day. I was instructed to go home, and report only for my pay check the following day because they were closing that phase of the job. I did as I was told. Upon returning to pick up my check, I discovered what I had assumed that work was still being done on the said project. Not that I was surprised but what I discovered there and then, was that employees from this work site was being transferred to the main job on the Van Wyck Expwy. I collected my check and again I went back to the super on the main job whom I thought by then had an understanding of my situation being fully employed (and of course, to be explicit that I was no clown nor laughing stock. He gave me the usual 6 for a 9 story which again forced me to speak to the chief of operations.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Will There Be Another Lincoln, Nixon, Johnson or Kennedy? by Samuel Archer. Copyright © 2017 Samuel Archer. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
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