The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1907-11-07
SCHOOLS J &c
OF The South Should be Sup,
X. ported by Negroes ~
Taxing Themselves, IL Necessary,
Says DR.. Booker II. Washington
In q Circular Letter to tho
,..,. y- Southland. -.
To the Editor: The Advocate.

To the Editor: The Advocate: ) ..
Again, beg to request that you
permit me through the columns of
your valuable newspaper to address
the >colored people Of the South
In relation to a matter which
1s of the most vital, pressing and
far-reaching Importance, upon a mat
ter upon which very largely depends
the whole future of our race.
I call attention to the matter at
this time because our people, as a
whole, have more money just at this
period Of the year than is true OF any
other period. / am most anxious and
concerned that they shall husband
their money and that it not be sduan-
dered for things without which they
can get along and that a large pro-
, portion OF 1t shall go toward the edu-
cation of the children Of the masses
of the race. During the fall of the
year and at the Christmas season, our
people literally waste thousands Of
dollars that might be spent for their
permanent welfare. I would partic-
ularly through your newspaper
reach the people of the smaller
towns and country districts where
not less: than eighty-fve per cent OF
our people live.
With but few exceptions, the
provision made for the public schools
for Negro youth throughout the
country districts is very poor. The
school terms are short and in many
cases the teachers themselves have
not had education enough to fit them
to uplift those whom they are called
upon to- teach. There are many ex-
ceptions ,Fof course, but In the main
what / have stated is true. I am
making this appeal more especially
for. the children of the masses be-
tween the ages OF Aye. and sixteen
years Of age who must get all of
their, education IN the public schools.
Few OF. these can or will be sent
away to 9 boarding school, an indus
trial school or a college. If the rank
and file of our children do not get
their education In the public schools,
they will get none at all.
If the children of this generation
grow up In Ignorance it goes without
saying of course, that the children
OF the next one, also will grow up in
Ignorance, and the race will perpetu-
ally have fastened upon 1t stupefy-
Ing Ignorance and all the attending
Ills. Leaders among our people in
every community throughout the
South should make it duty to keep
In close and sympathetic touch With
the public school officials. They
should secure every dollar possible
for school buildings, for school re-
pairs for good teachers and for the
extension Of the school term, but If
the school authorities cannot. or will
not provide these requisites for the
education four children every COM
- muntty should organize movements
through which the children may be
educated. They should be educated
at any cost. The people should tax
themselves to supplement what the
public schools are already doing.
know at this time Of communi-
ties where the school term has been
extended to six and eight months by.
the simple planting Of a School
farm On the school farm, cotton
and other products are raised and the
money used for suDplementing the
school term. If some communities
have done this other can do it. The
colored people Of Mason county,
Alabama the county in which [ live,
raised more than $4,000 last year by
extra taxation to help educate the
children Of the country schools.
More than twen.y new scnoolnUuses
have been built and a majority Of the
schools have had Ineir terms extend
ed to six and eight months as {, re-
suit Of this organized movement.
very much hope that similar organ
lied movements may be uudertak ken
throughout the South by our people
The teacher who remains in q COM
munity without improving the
srhoolhouse or lengtheuing the school
term leeds to be replaced by a bet
er and more enterprising teacher
At this time the most urgent need is
in three directions:
First: Good schoolhouses. Some
Of the schoolhouses at present in use
are not fit for cattle to oss aud united
effort to improve this condition Of
affairs should be made.
Second: Organize effort should
be directed everywhere To extend
the school terms to a; lenst six and
eight months In the year A three
or four months school term ynea r s
practically nothing lin the education
Of children.
Third. A good teacher ny all
means should ,be secured, and when
secured should be retained. NAgood