Speech concerning black Americans and the future of democracy, 1970 (Doc 2 of 2)

ReadAboutContentsHelp

Pages

11
Complete

11

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

in 1891 by W. S. Sacborough, a teacher at Wilberforce University. Scarborough wrote:

"The trouble is that the negro is advancing too rapidly for many of the whiteliners of the south, and there is a determination to call a halt. Consequently, all sorts of schemes are designed to impede the progress of the blacks . . . . the negro has been patient - yes, more than that. He has prostrated himself at the feet of the government, and has remonstrated with it to give him protection in the enjoyment of his rights. The government has failed to do its duty, in that it has disregarded his request . . . .

"The end is not yet. In fact, the struggle has just begun. The blacks themselves intend to have something to say as to what shall b e done with them. They intend to have a hand inthe settlement of the question, and until they do the question will never be settled . . .

"He has seen so many broken pledges, violations of oaths, and disregard for public platforms and public declarations on the part

Last edit 12 months ago by ZincPants
12
Complete

12

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

of political parties, that it is found no longer advisable for the colored people to have great faith in them. This is the conclusion that many blacks have come to.

"Recent outrages in the South, and the tendency in the North to unite with southern leaders against the blacks, the efforts of religious bodies to rid themselves of their colored membership, the desire of political parties to carry elections iwhtout the negro vote, prejudice and ostracism, all are having their effect, and are making new creatures of the more thoughtful American negroes. They impel the negroes to adopt plans and measures that will in some way aid them in changing their present condition for something more desirable.

"It is not a wise policy to continue alienating the affections of the negro, especially when there is no possibility of removing him from the coutnry. As the whites have all to lose, and the

Last edit 12 months ago by ZincPants
13
Complete

13

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

negroes but little, wisdom should dictate a conciliatory polcy at least . . . .

"The so-called 'negro problem' or 'white man question' can be settled peacefully, and will be settled thusly if the whites permit it. Our American white citizens may defer a solution by all sorts of schemes and devices, but the time will come when they - north and south - will have to cnfront the inevitable, and grant the negro the rights that belong to him or suffer the consequences."*

-30-

*W. S. Scarborough, June 18, 1891

Last edit 12 months ago by ZincPants
Displaying pages 11 - 13 of 13 in total