The Colorado statesman., 1915-08-07
AFRO-AMER|CAN CUL[|NCS

The exposition to commemorate
fifty years achievements of the free
Negro, held at Richmond, Va, was be-
cause of the place selected for holding
the exposition, of particular interest
to the Negroes of the South. But it
is something more than an event of
local Importance, for as a national
celebration it is of interest to all Ne
groes and to all interested in the
progress of the Negro race. Presi-
dent Wilson has issued proclama-
ton In which he says: "As president
of the United States | bespeak the
active interest of the nation in the
exposition and trust that every facil-
ity will be extended to the leaders,
whose earnest work has made the un-
dertaking possible" Congress has
appropriated $4,000 ito aid in the
promotion and consummation" of the
exposition, thus giving to the event
significance which, under private aus
pices, it might have had difficulty in
commanding
Few are the Negroes who can draw.
from personal experience, a compre-
hensive picture of the progress of the
race since it was released from bond
age Since slavery days two genera
tions have been born in freedom, and
have accepted freedom as a normal
state and nothing to wonder at To
them the statement that in 1860 not
more than one Negro in hundred
possessed himself means nothing, for
no Negro who did not actually live un-
der slavery can realize that such an
institution actually existed in a coun-
try founded on the principle that free
dom Is right and not a privilege
To these new generations this exposi-
ton should mean a great deal 1t
should fix in their minds a vision of
the progress of the race which no
amount of, imagining could give them.
and 1t should inspire them with de-
sire to hand down to their children
the traditions of slavery in order that
they and succeeding generations may
appreciate the blessings of liberty.
A "whirlwind" membership cam
paign was outlined for the provisional
organization. colored branch of the
Young Women's Christian association
at Indianapolis recently. when 81
members of the branch were present.
each of these being made a captain of
team. 1t was decided to place 100
teams in the field with 500 new men,
bers as the objective. Previous to the
meeting the city was districted and
| each of the teams will be expected
to work in a definite section In order
that the entire city may be thorough
| ly canvassed.
The need of an association for col
ored women has never been more ap-
parent than today when the roomins
house problem is more serious than at
any previous time in the history of
the city. The high cost of living has
increased the cost of board till it is
impossible for the working girl outside
OF profession to board and room, thus
making cheap rooms desirable These
are usually found in the less desirable
sections of the city, and the result is
that the moral standard of the girls
| and women is being lowered
Those who feel the need of Y. w.
c. A. home for the colored women and
girls of Indianapolis, whether members
OF the branch or not. are urged to join
in this campaign and do something for
1t If nothing more than to take out a
membership or secure one member. It
is up to the Christian people of the
colored churches and the clubs or
ganized for uplift work to give their
assistance in this effort.-Indianapo
News.