Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1912-12-20


This season Of the year, for several
years, have spoken word to you re-
garding the importance Of building up
a good, first-class school In every com.
munity. Plans are on the way by
which during the third week in Octo'
Der, 1913, the colored people through.
out the United States will celebrate
the fiftieth anniversary Of their actual
freedom as a race. In this connec-
ton it Is Of the greatest Importance
that we be able to show to the world
the progress that we have made In
sustaining and building up first-class
public schools. especially in the rural
districts
During the last so years we have
succeeded in reducing our ignorance
from 81 per cent to 80 per cent. This
is fine showing for so years Of free
dom. We must not stop, we must 60
further.
In every case where there are al
ready proper school facilities, the bust
ness men, together with the ministers
and teachers, should appeal constantly
to the public school authorities to see
that better provisions are made. I'm.
less we look out for ourselves. we
cannot expect other people to do so.
AS an illustration of what united and
constant effort can accomplish. would
state that during the last five years
the colored people in Macon county
Alabama, have contributed $12,133.05
toward the building Of new school.
houses; in addition they have con,
tributed $4,000 toward the extension
of school terms In the county. The re-
suit that nearly every school district
in Macon county has frst-c}ass
schoolhouse, we'll painted and we'll
furnished: the school term has been
extended from four to seven months
in the year, and the people are con-
tinuing to contribute in the way OF
extra taxation toward the upkeep OF
public schools.
We must not cease to agitate the
question of education. to keep the
white people in our communities in.
formed concerning our educational in
terests and desires. We cannot get
something for nothing.
While in many parts Of the south
the educational opportunities are so
few that 1t Is almost discouraging. in
other section the outlook Is bright.
For example at a meeting of the coun,
ty superintendents of Alabama called
by the state superintendent of edu-
cation in Montgomery few days ago.
the following sentiment, relating to
the negro, was unanimously endorsed:
"By providing him with schools and
churches instead of poison and whisky,
he will make a better and more use
full citizen. according to one delegate
present. Others expressed their opin-
ion on the negroes relation to educa-
ton, and it was the unanimous opin-
+ ion that the race should be aided as
much as possible by the state"
It is encouraging to note. too. that
in many counties in the south. the
teachers are under the supervision
and guidance Of Dr. James H. billiard,
president of the Anna T. Jeanes fund,
and are doing much to improve the
education of the race and to bring
about better relations between black
and white people. These Jeanes fund
teachers rhould have the constant sup
port and cooperation of our leaders
wherever they are at work.
In conclusion, let me urge ministers,
teachers, business men. women's clubs
and all classes to unite and make this
a banner year in the matter OF improv-
ing the public schools for our race.
(Signed)
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON,
Tuskegee Institute, Alabama.