NEW YORK: Light Him Up!

Generations of teen-age Harlem Negroes have belonged to block gangs. Their rough-&-tumble rivalry, their extortion of five-cent tributes from nonmembers, has been a part of Manhattan life since saloons were gaslit. But war brought a disquieting transformation—packs of adolescent Negroes began to arm themselves with clubs, "switchblade" knives and crude, home made pistols. In the past few months they have gradually begun to terrorize the law-abiding folk of Harlem, who no longer sit so peacefully on their bedding-draped fire escapes, and fear to walk home from a dish of "rice &...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!