The Colorado statesman., 1912-02-24

We are glad to do this. In fact, this
paper was the first to give publicity to
the open letter of Prof E. L. Black
shear of Prairie View, Tex, to DR..
Booker T. Washington, to take the
lead in the movement for national
celebration of the fiftieth anniversary
of negro freedom. We have given
the movement our earnest support
and have commended Prof. Black
shears cooperation with DIR. Wash
ington, Maj Wright, DR.. ]. w. e.
Bowen, Maj. R, r. Motion and others.
1t will be recalled probably by the
Star of Zion that the executive COM
mittee of the National Negro Busi-
ness league considered this whole
matter and reported to the negro
press series of recommendations. A
reference to our files enables MS to re-
print the recommendations put forth
by the executive committee of the
National Negro Business League.
They follow:
The executive committee, after
frankly discussing all phases of the
matter unanimously came to the con-
clusion that in view of the short time
that remains, 1t would probably be i'm
possible to hold national exposition,
such as was planned, that would re-
fleet credit upon the race or show
in any adequate way the progress
which has been made by the negro
people during their freedom. For that
reason, the memoranda which follow
were unanimously adopted by the ex-
ecutive committee, and the sugges-
tons contained there are earnestly
recommended to the consideration of
the negro people throughout the
United States, namely:
81. In view of the fact that the con-
gress of the United States has thus
far failed to make provision as sug-
gested by President Taft in his mes
cage to congress for a proper cele-
bration of the fiftieth anniversary of
the emancipation of the negro in the
United States.
I'm view of the further fact that
should congress now make an appro-
priation we fear the time would be too
short to enable us to carry out a cele
bration in the form as first planned;
Therefore we, the executive COM
mittee of the National Negro Business
league. advise that the race should
not await the expected action of con-
gress, and suggest instead of the large
central exposition as first planned,
that the celebration should take the
following form:
80. That the third week in October,
1913, be set aside for the celebration.
and be known as F'iftieth Anniversary
week.
%. That instead of a central eXposi-
tion the schools, churches and all 9th
er societies and organizations in each
community unite and cooperate for
The purpose of holding a local celebra-
tion; this celebration to take the
form of an exposition of the progress
In commercial. professional, moral, in
tellectual and religious directions
made by the race in that community.
~ We suggest that where it is
possible these expositions be held in
connection with existing county or
state fair organizations; 1t will not
be necessary to change the regular
date for holding such county or state
fairs.
"5. Wherever 1t seems feasible the
county or the state should be made
the unit of organization for the cele-
bration instead of the local com
munity.
SO We advise that especial effort
be made to secure in addition to the
physical exposition, a program of ap-
propriate speeches and other literary
features; the speakers to be as far
as possible the strongest and best men
that can be obtained. north or south.
"7. We advise that wherever pos
sible an effort be made to secure city,
county or state aid to carry out the
plans of the local committee.
IS. We suggest that, in case money
is secured from congress, 1t be appor-
toned among the states, to be ex'
pended under the control of the gov
ernor, or some other state authority.
In proportion to the number of color
cd people residing in the different
commonwealths.
80. We believe that the plans here
outlined have several advantages over
the plans previously proposed: (a)
First, it makes 1t possible to put the
whole race to work In planning and
preparing for the exposition and cele-
bration suggested. OBJ 1t will enable
more people to see the progress the
negro has made than would be pos
sible if they had to travel many
miles to some central exposition
10. In conclusion, we strongly urge
that our people begin now to plan
and prepare for the Fiftieth Anniver-
sary week, and that this be made at
once a means and an occasion for call
sng attention of the world to the i'm
mense progress the negro race in
America has made during fifty years
of freedom"