Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-08-31
TO ColOrcd Americans:

TO Colorcd Americans:
The year 1918 is Il time unusual
and unprecedented in the history Of
Americans of African descent. Not
only are they taking part for their
country in an European war for de.
docracy, but within two months two
National Colorcd gatherings of entire
~ different mako up have laid before
e the government of the United States
the prescriptions of our race.
The Conference of Colored Edi-
tors and others was called togcthe
by the War Department. to which II
made complaint. The National Col
orcd Liberty Congress was called by
a national race committee to hold Il
peoples convention. From botn
meetings good is resulting.
Expressed in plain uncompromis
ing English, our just grievances were
brought squarcly before the House
of Representatives and before tho
American people, by said Liberty
Congress, and were made IL promin-
cnt and permanent part Of the
Congressional Records. (June 20,
1879
1t seems providentially fortunate
therefore, that this noteworthy
achievement on The part Of the
Liberty Congress is to be so soon
followed by the Eleventh Annual
Convention Of the National Equal
Rights League, to be held in Septcm
Der. in the city Of Chicago.
Last September, at the mcmora bic
tenth annual convention Of our
League in New York City, Mrs. Ida
| Hnos1ntt "a " ~ ri 10
champion of equal rights. brought
to us n cordial invitation to hold the
Leagues 1918 Convention in the city
Of Chicago, which invitation we
unanimously and heartily accepted.
AT CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER 1919
Therefore, by the authority vested
in me as President OF the National
Equal Flights League, do hereby
issue this call for the Eleventh An.
nual Convention of said League to
convene on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday, Of September II, is and
10, in the city Of Chicago, Illinois.
Fellow comrades Of the National
Equal Rights League and others, |
cannot even begin to express how
urgently important it is that our
people in all sections Of the country,
should give prompt and earnest heed
to this call.
by means of the great wOrld-w
all nations and races are being tried,
rs it were, by fire; their real worth
and stamina arc being severely test
ed, and none more SO than that of
Colorcd Amcricans; and we must not
allow ourselves to be found wanting.
double burden rests upon our
shoulders while this war lasts: we
must continue to perform all the
duties Of citizenship, freely sacriflc-
ing our time. our money, and our
blood for our country; and, at the
same time, we must double, rather
than diminish our eXertions in our
own behalf, INCREASINGLY pressing to
the front our own claims and de-
mands for an equal share in the pos
session and enjoyment of all those
rights for which we are fighting. Our
very freedom and life, and that Of
our unborn generations, depend upon
our keeping up this double fight
THE DOUBLE DUTY.
'HTss: i,
They are half towards, who while
fighting for their country, will not, at
the same time demand an equal
chance and square deal. And they
who seek and demand their rights
while unwilling to shoulder their
full share in the nations and the
worlds struggle for freedom. will
meet their deserved defeat.
Every considerable race on earth
is involved in this world-war, and the
future OF twelve million Colored
Americans, with that of other groups
of peoples, is to be determined in
its issue.
Besides our standing grievances,
there are new and perpleXing racial
relations and conditions evolving out
Of this war that call loudly for our
most earnest and immediate atten-
ton. These new war created cOndi
lions are of such vital significance as
should speedily bring together our
entire race leadership. This war will
result in permanent benefit to us,
only in proportion as we, as a race,
through our own leadership and
with organization nationwide, exert
ourselves earnestly, promptly and
wisely in our own behalf.
Let every community join this Col
ored Liberty Organization Drive. Let
us as a race get ready to enforce our
claim to World Democracy as an is.
sue Of this worlG war.
Therefore, let us get together for
organization as a race to enforce our
claims Is VOID democracy Every
church, civic, educational, fratornal,
political and business organizations
among our people without regard to
sect. sex or party, are invited to be
represented in the Chicago conven-
ton by one, two or several delegates
to deliberate on the organizing Of
our race for elfdefensc. An espec
ial appeal is made for the quick
formation Of equal rights and >dcmoc
racE leagues or committees for the
purpose OF sending delegates to this
national convention for race organ
iZation for liberty
Yours for Equal Rights,
BYRON GUNNER,
President National Equal