Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-05
THE coLORED SCHOOLS.
Prof. 0regory's Views Of the Recent ~
lantA Convention.

/ O8O"ys vsOWo " ~ ASCCVnS ~
| lanta Convention.
Prof. Jas. NJ. Gregory Of Howard University,
president Of the American Association of Edu-
Gators Of Colored Youth, who has returned
from the convention at Atlanta, Ca. when
greeted by q SrAR reporter, said the trip Of the
delegates to Atlanta had been exceedingly
pleasant
ut was not" he said, until stepped on
the cars at Atlanta that I noticed anything
which had the appearance of discrimination.
In the union depot were three signs: First,
waiting room for ladies; second, waiting room
for gentlemen, and third, waiting room for
colored people. Here to me was Q curious
division of the human race into ladies, gentle
men and colored people"
Atlanta?'
I'VE were most cordially welcomed by the
people Of Atlanta" said the professor, Through
the mayor Of the city and by the heads Of the
leading institutions Of learning there. The
mayor spoke encouragingly Of the educational
work done by the city and state for the colored
people OF the state were in hearty sympathy
with the movement and that objection to the
education OF colored youth usually came from
cranks or persons Of slight importance. As a
solution Of the race problem lie recommended
tho Observance OF the golden rule, supple
mented by the law of the road: Keep to the
right"
Was the convention largely attended," in
| CURED The STAR reporter.
An OF the sessions were well attended by
DON whites and blacks. Delegates came from
All sections of the country, from New York to
Florida. The leading religious denominations
sent Representatives to represent their educa-
uonal work among the freedmen. There were
representatives from nearly all the colleges,
universities and academies and teachers asso-
THE WORK OF THE CONVENTION.
sable papers were read by some Of our lead
ing educators. The papers contained much
valuable information which will be given to
the public in pamphlet form az soon as they
can be printed The sessions were most orderly
throughout without the least jar or unpleas-
antness. We regard the address to the public
as the most important work of the convention.
We believe that it expresses the sentiment of
the colored people generally and their friends
upon the situation. Several important COM
mittees were appointed. There is a committee
to consider the advisability of establishing a
Chatauquan school for the especial benefit Of
the teachers OF tho south. There seems TO be
pressing need for such an institution where the
teachers can become acquainted with the best
methods of school work and literary topics
while spending an agreeable and pleasant vaca-
ton.
"A committee was also appointed to appear
Oeiore TIE commissioners OF the columbian eX-
position to ask for q department of exhibits
which will show the advancement made by the
cOlored people in education, mechanical pur-
suits and material progress.
"A third committee was appointed to bring
to the attention of Congress the subject of ma
tlonal aid to state education. 1t is expected
that this committee will appear before the COM
mittees Of education both of the House and
Senate Afterward they will present me-
mortal to Congress on this subject. These COM
mi - ~ II
In the country and good results may be ex-
pected from their labOrs.
One feature especially noticeable was the
enthusiasm that everywhere prevailed. Much
information was gained. New thoughts were
awakened. Those engaged in the same work
had an opportunity to compare their views and
methods. Each one returned home with
higher conception of his work and more de-
termined to .Persevere in his labors."
What is the outlook for the association in
the future?
The association is well established" said
Prof Gregory, 'and will take up and consider
all questions which concern the material men
tai and moral interests of the colored people.
We propose to keep abreast Of the demands of
the times.
CoLoBED SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH.
"What is your impression Of the colored
schools of the south?'
Judging from those saw in Atlanta,
should say that the schools of higher grade are
in very prosperous condition. There are few
schools In the country that are better equipped
with outfit and facilities than the Cannon
School Of Theology. Clark University is per-
haps the most successful in training the youth
in industrial pursuits. They have every facil-
ity for carrying on this work. You may gain
some conception Of their work when tell you
that they realized $4,000 last year from the
products OF their shops. Atlanta University
was the first school OF grade established in the
state 1t has been especially successful in MAIN
tanning high grade of scholarship. Their
students usually enter corresponding classes in
northern colleges.
The A.M.E. Church has recently organized a
school under the name of the Morris-Brown
College. They have one large building beauti-
fully located and expect this year to commence
another.
1.-The Baptist denomination maintains two
schools in Atlanta-a theological school, which
is doing good work. and seminary for Young
ladies called the Spelman Academy. 1t was
my privilege to pay New Year call at the last
named institution. The teachers and students
were assembled in the hall Of their COM
modious chapel l was invited to say q few
words by the distinguished principal, Miss
Packard There sat before US 100 y.ung ladies,
neatly dressed, intelligent and earnest. As
stood and gazed upon their attentive and eager
faces 1t seems that an inspiration came over me
such as had never felt before. Here truly
great work is accomplishing. None could be
greater or more important. Here the young
girls who are to become wives and mothers re-
ceive the training which fits them to preside
over the home. Women govern the home and
the home rules the state. One thing, especially,
that l observed about the schools Is that the
teachers are deeply interested in their work
and are especially fitted for their position be-
cause Of this interest. The close contact be-
tween teachers and pupils was noticeable. 1t
is u fact that those teachers who come among
the colored people without sympathy or in
terest fail to arouse any ambition or lofty pur-
pose. As Col. Sellers says, They would fave
the soul Of the negro, but would not touch
hiIn.'"
what is the outlook Of Howard University?"
Howard University has future before it.
Every institution has a mission. In my humble
judgment the mission Of Howard University is
to give higher education to colored youth. Its
success will depend largely upon its adhesion
to this idea. II should he the Athens for the
colored youth who, having come up through
the schools of the south, seek for broader learn
ing and higher culture. believe it will be the
policy Of the trustees and faculty to cling to
this one ideal"