The Wisconsin weekly blade. [volume] (Madison, Wis.) 1916-1925, 1919-06-26
"a Gala and Interesting Program
---- by the Local Committee
Committee
BY A. ]. Long

Madison, WIS, June l1th, the Pro-
Igressive Association of the Race In
the State of Wisconsin held its first
RArmy rooms OF the Wisconsin State
Capitol and quite a number Of mem
hers and delegates from various
towns in the state were present. The
Econvention opened it's meeting for
business at $3.50 P. M, the singing of
America preceded the program of the
day. The invocation was rendered
by Rev. jefferson. The Local Presi-
dent Mr.. ]. N. Wilson delivered an
oration and welcome address to the
members and friends OF tho organiza-
ltion. MIR. George p. Hambrecht,
chairman OF the Wisconsin State In
.dustrial commission delivered most
eloquent address and welcome 20 the
Organization in behalf OF the state OF
wisconsin and was greatly applaud
fed for his remarks OF encouragement
and good will shown 10 the race in
lthe past. Mr.. Hambrecht will be re-
membered by the members of the race
as one most instrumental In present
ling to the Governor of the State OF
WISCONSIN, a bill which appropriated
ways and means for a delegation of
the race to attend the Negro celebra-
tion of Emancipation held in Chicago
A. ~ .
one OF its sessions.
He spoke in glowing terms of the
races progress in the industrial
world, the Negroes gallantry in the
recent war and advised them to con-
.tinue In their efforts for advance
ment for success awaits them.
the organization, addressed the Con-
vention and his address was an elo-
quent one. he spoke largely of the
educational advancement of the race
as a means most essential in solving
the problems that confront the race
in It's aspiration for recognition and
success
Mayor Sayles OF Madison rendered
the organization the key of the city
In the nature OF a most hearty well
come on behalf OF the citizens of
Madison. He spoke largely on the
necessity OF having competent per-
sons as officers in charge of organi-
cations that strive for advancement
and attainment. He spoke OF the
progress OF the race in general and
related several stories relative to the
part the Negro played in the recent
Worlds conflict. He has been Wis
itor to the school founded by our late
Booker T. Washington. and spoke in
most complimentary terms of the con-
duct and workings of that grand in
stitution which will live as a monu-
ment to its deceased founder.
Rev. Ferguson OF Milwaukee. re-
sponded to the call from the chair
with most eloquent address relative
ito the progress the race has made
reckoned) since 1t was freed of Its
fetters. He said 1t Is not the heights
which we have reached that places us
so conspicuously on the worlds hor-
tzon but 1t Is the depths from which
we have come. The Reverend was
greatly impressed with the cordial
welcome rendered the organization
and said he could not find words to
do honor to the occasion, of which he
was Justly proud. He spoke OF the
uplift of the race and he said the
good people are getting together and
have come to the conclusion that the
brotherhood OF men is a solution of
all differences and prejudice. He
spoke OF the part played by our boys
overseas and in conclusion he said the
hesitancy of the kaiser's people to
sign would be eliminated IL they were
told the black boys were coming.
Rev. Philips of Madison. welcomed
the organization In a most eloquent
address on behalf of the churches OF
Madison. Other prominent speakers
completed the days program and in
all It was a gala day for the Pro-
gressive Association Of which its
members should be Justly proud. And
in conclusion when you stop to think
this convention held its meetings in
the Grand Army Rooms Of the State
Capitol, fitting tribute to that army
(Grand in very TRUTH from the fact
that its fight to loosen the shackles
OF slavery from the race who met here
and enjoyed such a privilege was not
in vain, Yet It remains unto the
Negro both individually and collec-
lively 10 unloosen the shackIes OF pre-
judice. segregation and injustice prac-
tieed upon him today. AS in the days