Last Words

Before going to Europe some events came into my life which were great surprises to me. In fact, my whole life has largely been one of surprises. I believe that any man’s life will be filled with constant, unexpected encouragements of this kind if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day of his life—that is, tries to make each day reach as nearly as possible the high-water mark of pure, unselfish, useful living. I pity the man, black or white, who has never experienced the joy and satisfaction that come to one by reason of an effort to assist in making some one else more useful and more happy.

Before I went to Europe, several events in my life came as great surprises. In fact, my whole life has largely been a series of surprises. I believe anyone’s life will be filled with such unexpected encouragement if they decide to do their best every day. By doing their best, I mean trying each day to live as purely, unselfishly, and usefully as possible. I pity anyone, black or white, who has never felt the joy and satisfaction of helping someone become more useful and happier.

Six months before he died, and nearly a year after he had been stricken with paralysis, General Armstrong expressed a wish to visit Tuskegee again before he passed away. Notwithstanding the fact that he had lost the use of his limbs to such an extent that he was practically helpless, his wish was gratified, and he was brought to Tuskegee. The owners of the Tuskegee Railroad, white men living in the town, offered to run a special train, without cost, out of the main station—Chehaw, five miles away—to meet him. He arrived on the school grounds about nine o’clock in the evening. Some one had suggested that we give the General a “pine-knot torchlight reception.” This plan was carried out, and the moment that his carriage entered the school grounds he began passing between two lines of lighted and waving “fat pine” wood knots held by over a thousand students and teachers. The whole thing was so novel and surprising that the General was completely overcome with happiness. He remained a guest in my home for nearly two months, and, although almost wholly without the use of voice or limb, he spent nearly every hour in devising ways and means to help the South. Time and time again he said to me, during this visit, that it was not only the duty of the country to assist in elevating the Negro of the South, but the poor white man as well. At the end of his visit I resolved anew to devote myself more earnestly than ever to the cause which was so near his heart. I said that if a man in his condition was willing to think, work, and act, I should not be wanting in furthering in every possible way the wish of his heart.

Six months before he died, General Armstrong expressed a wish to visit Tuskegee again. Nearly a year had passed since he had been paralyzed. Although he had lost so much use of his limbs that he was almost helpless, his wish was granted. He was brought to Tuskegee. The owners of the Tuskegee Railroad were white men who lived in the town. They offered to run a special train at no cost to meet him at the main station in Chehaw, five miles away. He arrived on the school grounds at about nine o’clock in the evening. Someone had suggested that we give the General a “pine-knot torchlight reception.” We carried out the plan. As soon as his carriage entered the school grounds, it passed between two lines of over a thousand students and teachers. They held up waving, lighted knots of “fat pine” wood. The whole reception was so new and surprising that the General was overcome with happiness. He stayed as a guest in my home for nearly two months. Although he had almost no use of his voice or limbs, he spent nearly every hour planning ways to help the South. Again and again during his visit, he told me that the country had a duty to help raise up the Negro of the South, as well as the poor white man. At the end of his visit, I resolved once again to devote myself more earnestly than ever to the cause so close to his heart. I told myself that if a man in his condition was willing to think, work, and act, I must do my part to advance his wish in every possible way.

The death of General Armstrong, a few weeks later, gave me the privilege of getting acquainted with one of the finest, most unselfish, and most attractive men that I have ever come in contact with. I refer to the Rev. Dr. Hollis B. Frissell, now the Principal of the Hampton Institute, and General Armstrong’s successor. Under the clear, strong, and almost perfect leadership of Dr. Frissell, Hampton has had a career of prosperity and usefulness that is all that the General could have wished for. It seems to be the constant effort of Dr. Frissell to hide his own great personality behind that of General Armstrong—to make himself of “no reputation” for the sake of the cause.

A few weeks later, General Armstrong’s death gave me the opportunity to meet one of the finest, most unselfish, and most appealing men I have ever known. I mean the Rev. Dr. Hollis B. Frissell, who succeeded General Armstrong and is now Principal of the Hampton Institute. Under Dr. Frissell’s clear, strong, and almost perfect leadership, Hampton has prospered and been as useful as the General could have wished. Dr. Frissell seems to make a constant effort to keep his own great personality in General Armstrong’s shadow. For the sake of the cause, he seems to make himself of “no reputation”.

More than once I have been asked what was the greatest surprise that ever came to me. I have little hesitation in answering that question. It was the following letter, which came to me one Sunday morning when I was sitting on the veranda of my home at Tuskegee, surrounded by my wife and three children:—

More than once, people have asked me what the greatest surprise of my life was. I have little hesitation in answering. It was the following letter. It arrived one Sunday morning while I was sitting on the veranda of my home in Tuskegee, surrounded by my wife and three children:

Harvard University, Cambridge, May 28, 1896.

Harvard University, Cambridge, May 28, 1896.

President Booker T. Washington,

President Booker T. Washington,

My Dear Sir: Harvard University desired to confer on you at the approaching Commencement an honorary degree; but it is our custom to confer degrees only on gentlemen who are present. Our Commencement occurs this year on June 24, and your presence would be desirable from about noon till about five o’clock in the afternoon. Would it be possible for you to be in Cambridge on that day?

Dear Sir: Harvard University would like to award you an honorary degree at the upcoming Commencement. But we award degrees only to those who are present. Commencement is on June 24 this year, and we would like you to be there from about noon until about five in the afternoon. Would you be able to come to Cambridge that day?

Believe me, with great regard,

Please believe that I hold you in high regard,

Very truly yours,

Sincerely yours,

Charles W. Eliot.

Charles W. Eliot.

This was a recognition that had never in the slightest manner entered into my mind, and it was hard for me to realize that I was to be honoured by a degree from the oldest and most renowned university in America. As I sat upon my veranda, with this letter in my hand, tears came into my eyes. My whole former life—my life as a slave on the plantation, my work in the coal-mine, the times when I was without food and clothing, when I made my bed under a sidewalk, my struggles for an education, the trying days I had had at Tuskegee, days when I did not know where to turn for a dollar to continue the work there, the ostracism and sometimes oppression of my race,—all this passed before me and nearly overcame me.

Such recognition had never even crossed my mind. It was hard to believe that America’s oldest and most renowned university would honor me with a degree. As I sat on my veranda with the letter in my hand, tears came to my eyes. My whole past life passed before me. I remembered my life as a slave on the plantation and my work in the coal mine. I remembered the times I had no food or clothing, and when I made my bed under a sidewalk. I remembered my struggle for an education and the difficult days at Tuskegee. There were days when I did not know where to turn for a dollar to continue the work there. I also thought of the exclusion and sometimes oppression of my race. All of this nearly overwhelmed me.

I had never sought or cared for what the world calls fame. I have always looked upon fame as something to be used in accomplishing good. I have often said to my friends that if I can use whatever prominence may have come to me as an instrument with which to do good, I am content to have it. I care for it only as a means to be used for doing good, just as wealth may be used. The more I come into contact with wealthy people, the more I believe that they are growing in the direction of looking upon their money simply as an instrument which God has placed in their hand for doing good with. I never go to the office of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, who more than once has been generous to Tuskegee, without being reminded of this. The close, careful, and minute investigation that he always makes in order to be sure that every dollar that he gives will do the most good—an investigation that is just as searching as if he were investing money in a business enterprise—convinces me that the growth in this direction is most encouraging.

I had never sought or cared about what the world calls fame. I have always seen fame as something to use to do good. I have often told my friends that I am content to have whatever prominence may have come to me, if I can use it to do good. I care about prominence only as a way to do good, just as wealth can be used to do good. The more wealthy people I meet, the more I believe they are coming to see their money as a tool God has placed in their hands to do good. I am reminded of this every time I visit the office of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, who has been generous to Tuskegee more than once. He always investigates closely and carefully to make sure every dollar he gives will do the most good. His investigation is just as thorough as if he were investing money in a business. This convinces me that the growth of this way of thinking is most encouraging.

At nine o’clock, on the morning of June 24, I met President Eliot, the Board of Overseers of Harvard University, and the other guests, at the designated place on the university grounds, for the purpose of being escorted to Sanders Theatre, where the Commencement exercises were to be held and degrees conferred. Among others invited to be present for the purpose of receiving a degree at this time were General Nelson A. Miles, Dr. Bell, the inventor of the Bell telephone, Bishop Vincent, and the Rev. Minot J. Savage. We were placed in line immediately behind the President and the Board of Overseers, and directly afterward the Governor of Massachusetts, escorted by the Lancers, arrived and took his place in the line of march by the side of President Eliot. In the line there were also various other officers and professors, clad in cap and gown. In this order we marched to Sanders Theatre, where, after the usual Commencement exercises, came the conferring of the honorary degrees. This, it seems, is always considered the most interesting feature at Harvard. It is not known, until the individuals appear, upon whom the honorary degrees are to be conferred, and those receiving these honours are cheered by the students and others in proportion to their popularity. During the conferring of the degrees excitement and enthusiasm are at the highest pitch.

At nine o’clock on the morning of June 24, I met President Eliot, the Board of Overseers of Harvard University, and the other guests at the appointed place on the university grounds. We were to be escorted to Sanders Theatre, where the Commencement exercises and the awarding of degrees would take place. Others invited to receive degrees included General Nelson A. Miles, Dr. Bell, the inventor of the Bell telephone, Bishop Vincent, and the Rev. Minot J. Savage. We were placed in line immediately behind the President and the Board of Overseers. Soon afterward, the Governor of Massachusetts arrived, escorted by the Lancers. He took his place beside President Eliot in the procession. Various other officers and professors were also in line, dressed in caps and gowns. In this order, we marched to Sanders Theatre. After the usual Commencement exercises, the honorary degrees were awarded. This ceremony, it seems, is always considered the most interesting part of Commencement at Harvard. The recipients of the honorary degrees are not known until they appear. Students and others cheer them according to their popularity. Excitement and enthusiasm reach their highest pitch during the awarding of the degrees.

When my name was called, I rose, and President Eliot, in beautiful and strong English, conferred upon me the degree of Master of Arts. After these exercises were over, those who had received honorary degrees were invited to lunch with the President. After the lunch we were formed in line again, and were escorted by the Marshal of the day, who that year happened to be Bishop William Lawrence, through the grounds, where, at different points, those who had been honoured were called by name and received the Harvard yell. This march ended at Memorial Hall, where the alumni dinner was served. To see over a thousand strong men, representing all that is best in State, Church, business, and education, with the glow and enthusiasm of college loyalty and college pride,—which has, I think, a peculiar Harvard flavour,—is a sight that does not easily fade from memory.

When my name was called, I stood, and President Eliot awarded me the degree of Master of Arts in beautiful, powerful English. After the ceremony, those who had received honorary degrees were invited to lunch with the President. After lunch, we lined up again. The Marshal of the day, who that year was Bishop William Lawrence, escorted us through the grounds. At different points, those who had been honored were called by name and greeted with the Harvard yell. The march ended at Memorial Hall, where the alumni dinner was served. It is a sight I will not easily forget: over a thousand strong men, representing all that is best in government, the Church, business, and education, glowing with the enthusiasm of college loyalty and pride. I think that loyalty and pride have a distinctly Harvard flavor.

Among the speakers after dinner were President Eliot, Governor Roger Wolcott, General Miles, Dr. Minot J. Savage, the Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, and myself. When I was called upon, I said, among other things:—

The speakers after dinner included President Eliot, Governor Roger Wolcott, General Miles, Dr. Minot J. Savage, the Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, and me. When I was called on to speak, I said, among other things:

It would in some measure relieve my embarrassment if I could, even in a slight degree, feel myself worthy of the great honour which you do me to-day. Why you have called me from the Black Belt of the South, from among my humble people, to share in the honours of this occasion, is not for me to explain; and yet it may not be inappropriate for me to suggest that it seems to me that one of the most vital questions that touch our American life is how to bring the strong, wealthy, and learned into helpful touch with the poorest, most ignorant, and humblest, and at the same time make one appreciate the vitalizing, strengthening influence of the other. How shall we make the mansion on yon Beacon Street feel and see the need of the spirits in the lowliest cabin in Alabama cotton-fields or Louisiana sugar-bottoms? This problem Harvard University is solving, not by bringing itself down, but by bringing the masses up.

I would feel somewhat less embarrassed if I could feel even slightly worthy of the great honor you give me today. It is not for me to explain why you have called me from the Black Belt of the South, from among my humble people, to share in the honors of this occasion. Yet it may not be inappropriate for me to suggest an answer. It seems to me that one of the most vital questions in American life is how to bring the strong, wealthy, and educated into helpful contact with the poorest, least educated, and humblest people. At the same time, how can we make each appreciate the life-giving, strengthening influence of the other? How can we make the people in the mansion on Beacon Street see and feel their need for the spirits of those in the humblest cabin in the Alabama cotton fields or the Louisiana sugar lowlands? Harvard University is solving this problem, not by lowering itself, but by raising the masses.

If my life in the past has meant anything in the lifting up of my people and the bringing about of better relations between your race and mine, I assure you from this day it will mean doubly more. In the economy of God there is but one standard by which an individual can succeed—there is but one for a race. This country demands that every race shall measure itself by the American standard. By it a race must rise or fall, succeed or fail, and in the last analysis mere sentiment counts for little. During the next half-century and more, my race must continue passing through the severe American crucible. We are to be tested in our patience, our forbearance, our perseverance, our power to endure wrong, to withstand temptations, to economize, to acquire and use skill; in our ability to compete, to succeed in commerce, to disregard the superficial for the real, the appearance for the substance, to be great and yet small, learned and yet simple, high and yet the servant of all.

If my life so far has helped lift up my people and improve relations between your race and mine, I assure you that from this day forward it will do twice as much. In God’s order, there is only one standard by which a person can succeed, and only one for a race. This country demands that every race measure itself by the American standard. By that standard, a race must rise or fall, succeed or fail. In the end, sentiment alone counts for little. For the next half-century and beyond, my race must continue to pass through a severe American test. We will be tested in our patience, our restraint, our perseverance, and our ability to endure injustice and resist temptation. We will be tested in our ability to save money and to acquire and use skills. We will be tested in our ability to compete and succeed in business. We must value what is real over what is superficial, and substance over appearances. We must be great yet humble, learned yet simple, and exalted yet a servant to all.

As this was the first time that a New England university had conferred an honorary degree upon a Negro, it was the occasion of much newspaper comment throughout the country. A correspondent of a New York paper said:—

This was the first time a New England university had awarded an honorary degree to a Black person. As a result, newspapers throughout the country wrote much about it. A correspondent for a New York newspaper said:

When the name of Booker T. Washington was called, and he arose to acknowledge and accept, there was such an outburst of applause as greeted no other name except that of the popular soldier patriot, General Miles. The applause was not studied and stiff, sympathetic and condoling; it was enthusiasm and admiration. Every part of the audience from pit to gallery joined in, and a glow covered the cheeks of those around me, proving sincere appreciation of the rising struggle of an ex-slave and the work he has accomplished for his race.

When Booker T. Washington’s name was called, he stood to acknowledge and accept the honor. The applause was as loud as that for the popular soldier and patriot, General Miles. No other name received such applause. The applause was not forced or stiff, or an expression of sympathy or pity. It showed enthusiasm and admiration. Everyone in the audience, from the main floor to the gallery, joined in. The flushed cheeks of those around me showed sincere appreciation for an ex-slave’s struggle to rise and the work he had accomplished for his race.

A Boston paper said, editorially:—

A Boston newspaper said in an editorial:

In conferring the honorary degree of Master of Arts upon the Principal of Tuskegee Institute, Harvard University has honoured itself as well as the object of this distinction. The work which Professor Booker T. Washington has accomplished for the education, good citizenship, and popular enlightenment in his chosen field of labour in the South entitles him to rank with our national benefactors. The university which can claim him on its list of sons, whether in regular course or honoris causa, may be proud.

By awarding an honorary Master of Arts degree to the Principal of Tuskegee Institute, Harvard University has honored itself as well as him. Professor Booker T. Washington has advanced education, good citizenship, and public understanding in his chosen field of work in the South. His work entitles him to rank among those who have benefited our nation. Any university that can count him among its graduates may be proud, whether he earned his degree or received it as an honor.

It has been mentioned that Mr. Washington is the first of his race to receive an honorary degree from a New England university. This, in itself, is a distinction. But the degree was not conferred because Mr. Washington is a coloured man, or because he was born in slavery, but because he has shown, by his work for the elevation of the people of the Black Belt of the South, a genius and a broad humanity which count for greatness in any man, whether his skin be white or black.

As mentioned earlier, Mr. Washington is the first Black person to receive an honorary degree from a New England university. That alone is a distinction. But he did not receive the degree because he is Black or because he was born into slavery. He received it because his work to uplift the people of the South's Black Belt has shown genius and broad humanity. Those qualities make any man great, whether his skin is white or black.

Another Boston paper said:—

Another Boston newspaper said:

It is Harvard which, first among New England colleges, confers an honorary degree upon a black man. No one who has followed the history of Tuskegee and its work can fail to admire the courage, persistence, and splendid common sense of Booker T. Washington. Well may Harvard honour the ex-slave, the value of whose services, alike to his race and country, only the future can estimate.

Harvard is the first New England college to award an honorary degree to a Black man. Anyone who has followed Tuskegee's history and work cannot help admiring Booker T. Washington's courage, persistence, and exceptional common sense. Harvard is right to honor the former slave. Only the future can reveal the full value of his service to his race and his country.

The correspondent of the New York Times wrote:—

The New York Times correspondent wrote:

All the speeches were enthusiastically received, but the coloured man carried off the oratorical honours, and the applause which broke out when he had finished was vociferous and long-continued.

All the speeches were enthusiastically received, but the Black man gave the best speech. When he finished, the applause was loud and lasted a long time.

Soon after I began work at Tuskegee I formed a resolution, in the secret of my heart, that I would try to build up a school that would be of so much service to the country that the President of the United States would one day come to see it. This was, I confess, rather a bold resolution, and for a number of years I kept it hidden in my own thoughts, not daring to share it with any one.

Soon after I began working at Tuskegee, I made a private resolution. I would try to build a school that served the country so well that the President of the United States would one day visit it. I admit this was a rather bold resolution. For several years, I kept it to myself, not daring to share it with anyone.

In November, 1897, I made the first move in this direction, and that was in securing a visit from a member of President McKinley’s Cabinet, the Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture. He came to deliver an address at the formal opening of the Slater-Armstrong Agricultural Building, our first large building to be used for the purpose of giving training to our students in agriculture and kindred branches.

In November 1897, I took the first step in this direction by arranging a visit from a member of President McKinley’s Cabinet. He was the Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture. He came to speak at the formal opening of the Slater-Armstrong Agricultural Building. It was our first large building for training students in agriculture and related fields.

In the fall of 1898 I heard that President McKinley was likely to visit Atlanta, Georgia, for the purpose of taking part in the Peace Jubilee exercises to be held there to commemorate the successful close of the Spanish-American war. At this time I had been hard at work, together with our teachers, for eighteen years, trying to build up a school that we thought would be of service to the Nation, and I determined to make a direct effort to secure a visit from the President and his Cabinet. I went to Washington, and I was not long in the city before I found my way to the White House. When I got there I found the waiting rooms full of people, and my heart began to sink, for I feared there would not be much chance of my seeing the President that day, if at all. But, at any rate, I got an opportunity to see Mr. J. Addison Porter, the secretary to the President, and explained to him my mission. Mr. Porter kindly sent my card directly to the President, and in a few minutes word came from Mr. McKinley that he would see me.

In the fall of 1898, I heard that President McKinley was likely to visit Atlanta, Georgia. He planned to take part in the Peace Jubilee ceremonies there, celebrating the successful end of the Spanish-American war. By then, our teachers and I had worked hard for eighteen years to build a school we believed would serve the Nation. So I decided to make a direct effort to bring the President and his Cabinet to visit. I went to Washington, and soon after I arrived, I made my way to the White House. The waiting rooms were full of people, and my heart began to sink. I feared I might have little chance of seeing the President that day, if at all. But I did get a chance to see Mr. J. Addison Porter, the President’s secretary, and explain why I had come. Mr. Porter kindly sent my card directly to the President. A few minutes later, word came from Mr. McKinley that he would see me.

How any man can see so many people of all kinds, with all kinds of errands, and do so much hard work, and still keep himself calm, patient, and fresh for each visitor in the way that President McKinley does, I cannot understand. When I saw the President he kindly thanked me for the work which we were doing at Tuskegee for the interests of the country. I then told him, briefly, the object of my visit. I impressed upon him the fact that a visit from the Chief Executive of the Nation would not only encourage our students and teachers, but would help the entire race. He seemed interested, but did not make a promise to go to Tuskegee, for the reason that his plans about going to Atlanta were not then fully made; but he asked me to call the matter to his attention a few weeks later.

I cannot understand how President McKinley sees so many people of all kinds, each with different business, and does so much hard work. Yet he remains calm, patient, and fresh for each visitor. When I saw the President, he kindly thanked me for the work we were doing at Tuskegee for the country. I briefly explained the purpose of my visit. I stressed that a visit from the nation's President would encourage our students and teachers and help the entire race. He seemed interested, but he did not promise to visit Tuskegee because his plans for going to Atlanta were not yet settled. He asked me to remind him about the visit a few weeks later.

By the middle of the following month the President had definitely decided to attend the Peace Jubilee at Atlanta. I went to Washington again and saw him, with a view of getting him to extend his trip to Tuskegee. On this second visit Mr. Charles W. Hare, a prominent white citizen of Tuskegee, kindly volunteered to accompany me, to reenforce my invitation with one from the white people of Tuskegee and the vicinity.

By the middle of the following month, the President had decided to attend the Peace Jubilee in Atlanta. I went to Washington again to ask him to extend his trip to Tuskegee. On this second visit, Mr. Charles W. Hare, a prominent white citizen of Tuskegee, kindly volunteered to accompany me. He added an invitation from the white people of Tuskegee and the surrounding area to support mine.

Just previous to my going to Washington the second time, the country had been excited, and the coloured people greatly depressed, because of several severe race riots which had occurred at different points in the South. As soon as I saw the President, I perceived that his heart was greatly burdened by reason of these race disturbances. Although there were many people waiting to see him, he detained me for some time, discussing the condition and prospects of the race. He remarked several times that he was determined to show his interest and faith in the race, not merely in words, but by acts. When I told him that I thought that at that time scarcely anything would go farther in giving hope and encouragement to the race than the fact that the President of the Nation would be willing to travel one hundred and forty miles out of his way to spend a day at a Negro institution, he seemed deeply impressed.

Just before my second trip to Washington, several severe race riots had occurred in different parts of the South. The riots had stirred up the country and left Black people deeply discouraged. As soon as I saw the President, I could tell that the racial unrest weighed heavily on his heart. Although many people were waiting to see him, he kept me with him for some time. We discussed the condition and prospects of Black people. He said several times that he was determined to show his interest in and faith in Black people, not just through words, but through actions. I told him that, at that time, scarcely anything would give Black people more hope and encouragement than a visit from the President. I said that his willingness to travel 140 miles out of his way to spend a day at a Black institution would mean a great deal. He seemed deeply impressed.

While I was with the President, a white citizen of Atlanta, a Democrat and an ex-slaveholder, came into the room, and the President asked his opinion as to the wisdom of his going to Tuskegee. Without hesitation the Atlanta man replied that it was the proper thing for him to do. This opinion was reenforced by that friend of the race, Dr. J.L.M. Curry. The President promised that he would visit our school on the 16th of December.

While I was with the President, a white citizen of Atlanta entered the room. He was a Democrat and a former slaveholder. The President asked whether he thought it was wise to visit Tuskegee. Without hesitation, the Atlanta man said it was the right thing to do. Dr. J.L.M. Curry, a friend of the race, agreed. The President promised to visit our school on December 16.

When it became known that the President was going to visit our school, the white citizens of the town of Tuskegee—a mile distant from the school—were as much pleased as were our students and teachers. The white people of this town, including both men and women, began arranging to decorate the town, and to form themselves into committees for the purpose of cooperating with the officers of our school in order that the distinguished visitor might have a fitting reception. I think I never realized before this how much the white people of Tuskegee and vicinity thought of our institution. During the days when we were preparing for the President’s reception, dozens of these people came to me and said that, while they did not want to push themselves into prominence, if there was anything they could do to help, or to relieve me personally, I had but to intimate it and they would be only too glad to assist. In fact, the thing that touched me almost as deeply as the visit of the President itself was the deep pride which all classes of citizens in Alabama seemed to take in our work.

When people learned that the President would visit our school, the white citizens of Tuskegee were as pleased as our students and teachers. The town was a mile from the school. White men and women in Tuskegee began making plans to decorate the town. They also formed committees to work with our school officials and give the distinguished visitor a fitting welcome. I do not think I had realized before then how highly the white people of Tuskegee and the surrounding area valued our institution. While we were preparing for the President’s reception, dozens of them came to me. They said they did not want to draw attention to themselves. But if they could help in any way or ease my burden, I had only to let them know. They would be more than glad to help. In fact, the deep pride that all classes of Alabama’s citizens seemed to take in our work touched me almost as deeply as the President’s visit itself.

The morning of December 16th brought to the little city of Tuskegee such a crowd as it had never seen before. With the President came Mrs. McKinley and all of the Cabinet officers but one; and most of them brought their wives or some members of their families. Several prominent generals came, including General Shafter and General Joseph Wheeler, who were recently returned from the Spanish-American war. There was also a host of newspaper correspondents. The Alabama Legislature was in session in Montgomery at this time. This body passed a resolution to adjourn for the purpose of visiting Tuskegee. Just before the arrival of the President’s party the Legislature arrived, headed by the governor and other state officials.

On the morning of December 16th, a crowd unlike any Tuskegee had ever seen before came to the little city. Mrs. McKinley and all but one of the Cabinet officers came with the President. Most of the officers brought their wives or other family members. Several prominent generals came, including General Shafter and General Joseph Wheeler, who had recently returned from the Spanish-American war. A large number of newspaper correspondents also came. The Alabama Legislature was in session in Montgomery at the time. The Legislature passed a resolution to adjourn so its members could visit Tuskegee. Just before the President’s party arrived, the Legislature arrived, led by the governor and other state officials.

The citizens of Tuskegee had decorated the town from the station to the school in a generous manner. In order to economize in the matter of time, we arranged to have the whole school pass in review before the President. Each student carried a stalk of sugar-cane with some open bolls of cotton fastened to the end of it. Following the students the work of all departments of the school passed in review, displayed on “floats” drawn by horses, mules, and oxen. On these floats we tried to exhibit not only the present work of the school, but to show the contrasts between the old methods of doing things and the new. As an example, we showed the old method of dairying in contrast with the improved methods, the old methods of tilling the soil in contrast with the new, the old methods of cooking and housekeeping in contrast with the new. These floats consumed an hour and a half of time in passing.

The citizens of Tuskegee had generously decorated the town from the station to the school. To save time, we arranged for the whole school to march past the President. Each student carried a stalk of sugar cane with some open cotton bolls fastened to the end. After the students came a display of the work of all the school’s departments. The displays were on “floats” pulled by horses, mules, and oxen. On these floats, we tried to show not only the school’s current work but also the contrasts between old and new methods. For example, we showed old and improved methods of dairying, old and new ways of tilling the soil, and old and new ways of cooking and keeping house. The floats took an hour and a half to pass.

In his address in our large, new chapel, which the students had recently completed, the President said, among other things:—

The students had recently completed our large, new chapel. In his speech there, the President said, among other things:

To meet you under such pleasant auspices and to have the opportunity of a personal observation of your work is indeed most gratifying. The Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute is ideal in its conception, and has already a large and growing reputation in the country, and is not unknown abroad. I congratulate all who are associated in this undertaking for the good work which it is doing in the education of its students to lead lives of honour and usefulness, thus exalting the race for which it was established.

I am truly pleased to meet you under such favorable circumstances and to see your work firsthand. The Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute is ideal in its conception. It already has a strong and growing reputation across the country and is also known abroad. I congratulate everyone associated with this undertaking on its good work educating students to lead honorable and useful lives. In this way, the institute uplifts the race for which it was established.

Nowhere, I think, could a more delightful location have been chosen for this unique educational experiment, which has attracted the attention and won the support even of conservative philanthropists in all sections of the country.

I think no better location could have been chosen for this unique educational experiment. The experiment has attracted attention and won support from even conservative philanthropists in every part of the country.

To speak of Tuskegee without paying special tribute to Booker T. Washington’s genius and perseverance would be impossible. The inception of this noble enterprise was his, and he deserves high credit for it. His was the enthusiasm and enterprise which made its steady progress possible and established in the institution its present high standard of accomplishment. He has won a worthy reputation as one of the great leaders of his race, widely known and much respected at home and abroad as an accomplished educator, a great orator, and a true philanthropist.

It would be impossible to speak of Tuskegee without paying special tribute to Booker T. Washington’s genius and perseverance. He started this noble enterprise and deserves great credit for it. His enthusiasm and initiative made its steady progress possible and helped the institution reach its current high standard of achievement. He has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the great leaders of his race. At home and abroad, he is widely known and deeply respected as a skilled educator, a great speaker, and a true philanthropist.

The Hon. John D. Long, the Secretary of the Navy, said in part:—

The Honorable John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy, said in part:

I cannot make a speech to-day. My heart is too full—full of hope, admiration, and pride for my countrymen of both sections and both colours. I am filled with gratitude and admiration for your work, and from this time forward I shall have absolute confidence in your progress and in the solution of the problem in which you are engaged.

I cannot give a speech today. My heart is too full of hope, admiration, and pride for my fellow Americans from both regions and both races. I am deeply grateful for and admire your work. From now on, I will have complete confidence in your progress and in your ability to solve the problem you are working on.

The problem, I say, has been solved. A picture has been presented to-day which should be put upon canvas with the pictures of Washington and Lincoln, and transmitted to future time and generations—a picture which the press of the country should spread broadcast over the land, a most dramatic picture, and that picture is this: The President of the United States standing on this platform; on one side the Governor of Alabama, on the other, completing the trinity, a representative of a race only a few years ago in bondage, the coloured President of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.

I say the problem has been solved. Today we have seen a scene that should be painted alongside portraits of Washington and Lincoln. It should be passed down to future generations. The country’s press should spread this most dramatic picture across the land. Here is the scene: The President of the United States stands on this platform, with the Governor of Alabama on one side. Completing the trio is a representative of a race held in bondage only a few years ago. He is the Black president of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.

God bless the President under whose majesty such a scene as that is presented to the American people. God bless the state of Alabama, which is showing that it can deal with this problem for itself. God bless the orator, philanthropist, and disciple of the Great Master—who, if he were on earth, would be doing the same work—Booker T. Washington.

God bless the President, under whose leadership such a scene is presented to the American people. God bless the state of Alabama, which is showing that it can deal with this problem on its own. God bless Booker T. Washington, an orator, philanthropist, and disciple of the Great Master. If the Great Master were on earth, he would be doing the same work.

Postmaster General Smith closed the address which he made with these words:—

Postmaster General Smith ended his speech with these words:

We have witnessed many spectacles within the last few days. We have seen the magnificent grandeur and the magnificent achievements of one of the great metropolitan cities of the South. We have seen heroes of the war pass by in procession. We have seen floral parades. But I am sure my colleagues will agree with me in saying that we have witnessed no spectacle more impressive and more encouraging, more inspiring for our future, than that which we have witnessed here this morning.

We have seen many spectacles in the last few days. We have seen the magnificent splendor and achievements of one of the South's great cities. We have seen war heroes march in procession. We have seen floral parades. But I am sure my colleagues will agree that nothing we have seen was more impressive, more encouraging, or more inspiring for our future than what we witnessed here this morning.

Some days after the President returned to Washington I received the letter which follows:—

A few days after the President returned to Washington, I received the following letter:

Executive Mansion, Washington, Dec. 23, 1899.

Executive Mansion, Washington, December 23, 1899.

Dear Sir: By this mail I take pleasure in sending you engrossed copies of the souvenir of the visit of the President to your institution. These sheets bear the autographs of the President and the members of the Cabinet who accompanied him on the trip. Let me take this opportunity of congratulating you most heartily and sincerely upon the great success of the exercises provided for and entertainment furnished us under your auspices during our visit to Tuskegee. Every feature of the programme was perfectly executed and was viewed or participated in with the heartiest satisfaction by every visitor present. The unique exhibition which you gave of your pupils engaged in their industrial vocations was not only artistic but thoroughly impressive. The tribute paid by the President and his Cabinet to your work was none too high, and forms a most encouraging augury, I think, for the future prosperity of your institution. I cannot close without assuring you that the modesty shown by yourself in the exercises was most favourably commented upon by all the members of our party.

Dear Sir: I am pleased to send you formal copies of the souvenir of the President’s visit to your institution. These pages bear the signatures of the President and the Cabinet members who accompanied him. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you warmly and sincerely on the success of the program and hospitality you provided during our visit to Tuskegee. Every part of the program was perfectly carried out. Every visitor watched or took part with great satisfaction. Your unique display of students engaged in their industrial trades was not only artistic but deeply impressive. The praise the President and his Cabinet gave your work was well deserved. I think their praise is a very encouraging sign for the future prosperity of your institution. Before closing, I want to assure you that everyone in our party spoke very favorably of the modesty you showed during the program.

With best wishes for the continued advance of your most useful and patriotic undertaking, kind personal regards, and the compliments of the season, believe me, always,

I wish you continued success in your very useful and patriotic work. With warm personal regards and season’s greetings, I remain, always,

Very sincerely yours,

Yours sincerely,

John Addison Porter,

John Addison Porter,

Secretary to the President.

Secretary to the President.

To President Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.

To President Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.

Twenty years have now passed since I made the first humble effort at Tuskegee, in a broken-down shanty and an old hen-house, without owning a dollar’s worth of property, and with but one teacher and thirty students. At the present time the institution owns twenty-three hundred acres of land, one thousand of which are under cultivation each year, entirely by student labour. There are now upon the grounds, counting large and small, sixty-six buildings; and all except four of these have been almost wholly erected by the labour of our students. While the students are at work upon the land and in erecting buildings, they are taught, by competent instructors, the latest methods of agriculture and the trades connected with building.

Twenty years have passed since I made my first humble effort at Tuskegee. We started in a rundown shack and an old henhouse, without owning a dollar’s worth of property. We had just one teacher and thirty students. Today, the institution owns 2,300 acres of land. Each year, students do all the work of cultivating 1,000 of those acres. The grounds now have 66 buildings, large and small. Students did almost all the work of constructing all but four of them. As students work on the land and construct buildings, qualified instructors teach them the latest farming methods and building trades.

There are in constant operation at the school, in connection with thorough academic and religious training, thirty industrial departments. All of these teach industries at which our men and women can find immediate employment as soon as they leave the institution. The only difficulty now is that the demand for our graduates from both white and black people in the South is so great that we cannot supply more than one-half the persons for whom applications come to us. Neither have we the buildings nor the money for current expenses to enable us to admit to the school more than one-half the young men and women who apply to us for admission.

The school runs thirty vocational departments alongside its thorough academic and religious training. All thirty teach trades in which our men and women can find work immediately after leaving the school. Our only difficulty now is that demand for our graduates from both white and Black people in the South is so great that we can fill no more than half the requests we receive. We also lack the buildings and the money for operating expenses to admit more than half the young men and women who apply.

In our industrial teaching we keep three things in mind: first, that the student shall be so educated that he shall be enabled to meet conditions as they exist now, in the part of the South where he lives—in a word, to be able to do the thing which the world wants done; second, that every student who graduates from the school shall have enough skill, coupled with intelligence and moral character, to enable him to make a living for himself and others; third, to send every graduate out feeling and knowing that labour is dignified and beautiful—to make each one love labour instead of trying to escape it. In addition to the agricultural training which we give to young men, and the training given to our girls in all the usual domestic employments, we now train a number of girls in agriculture each year. These girls are taught gardening, fruit-growing, dairying, bee-culture, and poultry-raising.

In our vocational teaching, we keep three goals in mind. First, students should be prepared for present conditions in the part of the South where they live. In short, they should be able to do the work the world wants done. Second, every graduate should have enough skill, intelligence, and moral character to earn a living for themselves and others. Third, every graduate should leave feeling and knowing that work is dignified and beautiful. We want each graduate to love work instead of trying to escape it. We train young men in agriculture and teach girls the usual domestic work. In addition, we now train a number of girls in agriculture each year. These girls learn gardening, fruit growing, dairy farming, beekeeping, and poultry raising.

While the institution is in no sense denominational, we have a department known as the Phelps Hall Bible Training School, in which a number of students are prepared for the ministry and other forms of Christian work, especially work in the country districts. What is equally important, each one of the students works half of each day at some industry, in order to get skill and the love of work, so that when he goes out from the institution he is prepared to set the people with whom he goes to labour a proper example in the matter of industry.

Although the institution is not affiliated with any religious denomination, it has a department called the Phelps Hall Bible Training School. There, a number of students prepare for the ministry and other Christian work, especially in rural areas. Equally important, each student spends half of each day learning a trade. This helps them develop skills and a love of work. When they leave the institution, they are prepared to set a good example of hard work for the people they serve.

The value of our property is now over $700,000. If we add to this our endowment fund, which at present is $1,000,000, the value of the total property is now $1,700,000. Aside from the need for more buildings and for money for current expenses, the endowment fund should be increased to at least $3,000,000. The annual current expenses are now about $150,000. The greater part of this I collect each year by going from door to door and from house to house. All of our property is free from mortgage, and is deeded to an undenominational board of trustees who have the control of the institution.

Our property is now worth more than $700,000. If we add our current endowment fund of $1,000,000, the total value is $1,700,000. Besides needing more buildings and money for operating expenses, we need to increase the endowment fund to at least $3,000,000. Annual operating expenses are now about $150,000. I raise most of this money each year by going from door to door and house to house. All our property is free of mortgages. It is deeded to a board of trustees with no religious affiliation, which controls the institution.

From thirty students the number has grown to fourteen hundred, coming from twenty-seven states and territories, from Africa, Cuba, Porto Rico, Jamaica, and other foreign countries. In our departments there are one hundred and ten officers and instructors; and if we add the families of our instructors, we have a constant population upon our grounds of not far from seventeen hundred people.

The number of students has grown from thirty to fourteen hundred. They come from twenty-seven states and territories, as well as Africa, Cuba, Porto Rico, Jamaica, and other foreign countries. Our departments have one hundred and ten officers and instructors. If we include the instructors' families, nearly seventeen hundred people live on our grounds at all times.

I have often been asked how we keep so large a body of people together, and at the same time keep them out of mischief. There are two answers: that the men and women who come to us for an education are in earnest; and that everybody is kept busy. The following outline of our daily work will testify to this:—

I have often been asked how we keep such a large group of people together and keep them out of trouble. There are two answers. The men and women who come to us for an education are serious about it, and everyone is kept busy. The following outline of our daily work shows this:

5 a.m., rising bell; 5.50 a.m., warning breakfast bell; 6 a.m., breakfast bell; 6.20 a.m., breakfast over; 6.20 to 6.50 a.m., rooms are cleaned; 6.50, work bell; 7.30, morning study hours; 8.20, morning school bell; 8.25, inspection of young men’s toilet in ranks; 8.40, devotional exercises in chapel; 8.55, “five minutes with the daily news;” 9 a.m., class work begins; 12, class work closes; 12.15 p.m., dinner; 1 p.m., work bell; 1.30 p.m., class work begins; 3.30 p.m., class work ends; 5.30 p.m., bell to “knock off” work; 6 p.m., supper; 7.10 p.m., evening prayers; 7.30 p.m., evening study hours; 8.45 p.m., evening study hour closes; 9.20 p.m., warning retiring bell; 9.30 p.m., retiring bell.

5:00 a.m., wake-up bell. 5:50 a.m., breakfast warning bell. 6:00 a.m., breakfast bell. 6:20 a.m., breakfast ends. 6:20 to 6:50 a.m., rooms are cleaned. 6:50 a.m., work bell. 7:30 a.m., morning study hours. 8:20 a.m., morning school bell. 8:25 a.m., inspection of the young men’s appearance as they stand in ranks. 8:40 a.m., devotions in the chapel. 8:55 a.m., “five minutes with the daily news.” 9:00 a.m., classes begin. 12:00 p.m., classes end. 12:15 p.m., dinner. 1:00 p.m., work bell. 1:30 p.m., classes begin. 3:30 p.m., classes end. 5:30 p.m., bell to “stop” work. 6:00 p.m., supper. 7:10 p.m., evening prayers. 7:30 p.m., evening study hours. 8:45 p.m., evening study ends. 9:20 p.m., bedtime warning bell. 9:30 p.m., bedtime bell.

We try to keep constantly in mind the fact that the worth of the school is to be judged by its graduates. Counting those who have finished the full course, together with those who have taken enough training to enable them to do reasonably good work, we can safely say that at least six thousand men and women from Tuskegee are now at work in different parts of the South; men and women who, by their own example or by direct efforts, are showing the masses of our race now to improve their material, educational, and moral and religious life. What is equally important, they are exhibiting a degree of common sense and self-control which is causing better relations to exist between the races, and is causing the Southern white man to learn to believe in the value of educating the men and women of my race. Aside from this, there is the influence that is constantly being exerted through the mothers’ meeting and the plantation work conducted by Mrs. Washington.

We try to remember that a school’s worth should be judged by its graduates. Some have completed the full course, while others have received enough training to do reasonably good work. Counting both groups, we can safely say that at least six thousand men and women from Tuskegee now work throughout the South. Through their example or direct efforts, they show the masses of our race how to improve their material, educational, moral, and religious lives. Equally important, they show a degree of common sense and self-control that improves relations between the races. Their example also helps Southern white men believe in the value of educating the men and women of my race. Besides this, Mrs. Washington’s mothers’ meetings and plantation work continue to have an influence.

Wherever our graduates go, the changes which soon begin to appear in the buying of land, improving homes, saving money, in education, and in high moral characters are remarkable. Whole communities are fast being revolutionized through the instrumentality of these men and women.

Wherever our graduates go, remarkable changes soon appear. People buy land, improve their homes, save money, gain education, and develop strong moral character. These men and women are rapidly transforming whole communities.

Ten years ago I organized at Tuskegee the first Negro Conference. This is an annual gathering which now brings to the school eight or nine hundred representative men and women of the race, who come to spend a day in finding out what the actual industrial, mental, and moral conditions of the people are, and in forming plans for improvement. Out from this central Negro Conference at Tuskegee have grown numerous state and local conferences which are doing the same kind of work. As a result of the influence of these gatherings, one delegate reported at the last annual meeting that ten families in his community had bought and paid for homes. On the day following the annual Negro Conference, there is the “Workers’ Conference.” This is composed of officers and teachers who are engaged in educational work in the larger institutions in the South. The Negro Conference furnishes a rare opportunity for these workers to study the real condition of the rank and file of the people.

Ten years ago, I organized the first Negro Conference at Tuskegee. Each year, this gathering brings eight or nine hundred representative Black men and women to the school. They spend a day learning about the actual economic, intellectual, and moral conditions of Black people and making plans for improvement. The central Negro Conference at Tuskegee has inspired numerous state and local conferences that do the same kind of work. At the last annual meeting, one delegate reported a result of these gatherings. Ten families in his community had bought and paid for homes. The “Workers’ Conference” takes place the day after the annual Negro Conference. It brings together officers and teachers who work in education at the larger institutions in the South. The Negro Conference gives these workers a rare opportunity to study the actual conditions of ordinary Black people.

In the summer of 1900, with the assistance of such prominent coloured men as Mr. T. Thomas Fortune, who has always upheld my hands in every effort, I organized the National Negro Business League, which held its first meeting in Boston, and brought together for the first time a large number of the coloured men who are engaged in various lines of trade or business in different parts of the United States. Thirty states were represented at our first meeting. Out of this national meeting grew state and local business leagues.

In the summer of 1900, I organized the National Negro Business League with help from prominent Black men. Among them was Mr. T. Thomas Fortune, who has always supported me in every effort. The league held its first meeting in Boston. For the first time, it brought together many Black men working in various trades and businesses across the United States. Thirty states were represented at our first meeting. State and local business leagues grew out of this national meeting.

In addition to looking after the executive side of the work at Tuskegee, and raising the greater part of the money for the support of the school, I cannot seem to escape the duty of answering at least a part of the calls which come to me unsought to address Southern white audiences and audiences of my own race, as well as frequent gatherings in the North. As to how much of my time is spent in this way, the following clipping from a Buffalo (N.Y.) paper will tell. This has reference to an occasion when I spoke before the National Educational Association in that city.

Besides managing the work at Tuskegee, I raise most of the money needed to support the school. I also cannot seem to escape the duty of accepting at least some of the speaking invitations I receive without seeking them. These invitations come from Southern white audiences, audiences of my own race, and frequent gatherings in the North. The following clipping from a Buffalo (N.Y.) newspaper shows how much of my time I spend speaking. It describes an occasion when I spoke before the National Educational Association in Buffalo.

Booker T. Washington, the foremost educator among the coloured people of the world, was a very busy man from the time he arrived in the city the other night from the West and registered at the Iroquois. He had hardly removed the stains of travel when it was time to partake of supper. Then he held a public levee in the parlours of the Iroquois until eight o’clock. During that time he was greeted by over two hundred eminent teachers and educators from all parts of the United States. Shortly after eight o’clock he was driven in a carriage to Music Hall, and in one hour and a half he made two ringing addresses, to as many as five thousand people, on Negro education. Then Mr. Washington was taken in charge by a delegation of coloured citizens, headed by the Rev. Mr. Watkins, and hustled off to a small informal reception, arranged in honour of the visitor by the people of his race.

Booker T. Washington was the foremost Black educator in the world. He was very busy from the time he arrived in the city from the West the other night and registered at the Iroquois. He had hardly freshened up from his journey when it was time for supper. Then he held a public reception in the parlors of the Iroquois until eight o’clock. During that time, more than two hundred distinguished teachers and educators from all parts of the United States greeted him. Shortly after eight o’clock, he was driven by carriage to Music Hall. In an hour and a half, he gave two powerful speeches on Black education to as many as five thousand people. Then a delegation of Black citizens, headed by the Rev. Mr. Watkins, took charge of Mr. Washington. They hurried him off to a small informal reception, arranged in the visitor’s honor by members of his race.

Nor can I, in addition to making these addresses, escape the duty of calling the attention of the South and of the country in general, through the medium of the press, to matters that pertain to the interests of both races. This, for example, I have done in regard to the evil habit of lynching. When the Louisiana State Constitutional Convention was in session, I wrote an open letter to that body pleading for justice for the race. In all such efforts I have received warm and hearty support from the Southern newspapers, as well as from those in all other parts of the country.

Besides giving these speeches, I cannot escape another duty. Through the press, I must call attention to matters affecting the interests of both races, in the South and across the country. For example, I have done so about the evil practice of lynching. When the Louisiana State Constitutional Convention was in session, I wrote an open letter to the convention, pleading for justice for the race. In all these efforts, I have received warm and wholehearted support from Southern newspapers, as well as newspapers across the country.

Despite superficial and temporary signs which might lead one to entertain a contrary opinion, there was never a time when I felt more hopeful for the race than I do at the present. The great human law that in the end recognizes and rewards merit is everlasting and universal. The outside world does not know, neither can it appreciate, the struggle that is constantly going on in the hearts of both the Southern white people and their former slaves to free themselves from racial prejudice; and while both races are thus struggling they should have the sympathy, the support, and the forbearance of the rest of the world.

Despite shallow and temporary signs that might suggest otherwise, I have never felt more hopeful for the race than I do now. The great human law that eventually recognizes and rewards merit is eternal and universal. The outside world does not know about the constant struggle in the hearts of both Southern white people and their former slaves. Nor can the outside world fully understand their struggle to free themselves from racial prejudice. As both races struggle, they deserve the sympathy, support, and patience of the rest of the world.

As I write the closing words of this autobiography I find myself—not by design—in the city of Richmond, Virginia: the city which only a few decades ago was the capital of the Southern Confederacy, and where, about twenty-five years ago, because of my poverty I slept night after night under a sidewalk.

As I write the final words of this autobiography, I find myself in Richmond, Virginia. I did not plan to be here. Only a few decades ago, Richmond was the capital of the Southern Confederacy. About twenty-five years ago, I slept under a sidewalk here night after night because I was poor.

This time I am in Richmond as the guest of the coloured people of the city; and came at their request to deliver an address last night to both races in the Academy of Music, the largest and finest audience room in the city. This was the first time that the coloured people had ever been permitted to use this hall. The day before I came, the City Council passed a vote to attend the meeting in a body to hear me speak. The state Legislature, including the House of Delegates and the Senate, also passed a unanimous vote to attend in a body. In the presence of hundreds of coloured people, many distinguished white citizens, the City Council, the state Legislature, and state officials, I delivered my message, which was one of hope and cheer; and from the bottom of my heart I thanked both races for this welcome back to the state that gave me birth.

This time I am in Richmond as a guest of the city’s Black residents. They invited me to speak last night to both races at the Academy of Music, the city’s largest and finest auditorium. It was the first time Black people had been allowed to use the hall. The day before I arrived, the City Council voted to attend the meeting together to hear me speak. The state Legislature, including the House of Delegates and the Senate, also voted unanimously to attend together. I delivered my message of hope and encouragement before hundreds of Black people, many distinguished white citizens, the City Council, the state Legislature, and state officials. From the bottom of my heart, I thanked both races for welcoming me back to the state where I was born.