The northwestern bulletin., 1923-08-18
Timely Topics
BY George w. Holbert


league convenes in Hot Springs, Ark,
and many of the representative men
and women of the race will gather
there to discuss the affairs of their
organization and to devise ways and
means of enlarging and improving
the various business enterprises OF
the race throughout the country,
with which they may be interested in.
Closely following comes the Knights
|tof Pythias and then at Chicago the
great Elks' annual gathering. All OF
these different race organizations
bring together thousands of the lead
ing men and women Of our race. Com
ing as they do from all parts Of the
United States, where different condi-
tions exist in almost every section of
the country, 1T affords a wonderful
opportunity for the exchange Of ideas
and the discussion of those things
which concern us as a race. Think
ing of these great conventions of our
race members and knowing some
thing of the benefits they bring to
the community in which they may
meet, I was just wondering why the
Twin Cities do not make an effort to
bring some of these conventions here.
There certainly isn't any place that
can offer more scenic or natural beau
ty than we can, especially in the sum-
mer time, when most of these con-
ventions are held, and am sure the
civic and race pride of our citizens
would be sufficient to guarantee their
care and entertainment. There are
hundreds of homes here, which,
feel sure, would be thrown open for
the accommodation of those who
would gather here and even IL we
haven't hotel or feeding facilities ev-
erybody could be well taken care OF
IL the citizens co-operated. Other
cities follow this plan very success
fully. and I don't believe that the
people of the Twin Cities are less hos
pitabIe than those of other cities
where I have attended conventions.
I believe IL a concerted effort was
made that some of these organiza-
tions could be brought here. Cant
we have something like the white
peoples Civic and Commerce associa-
ton? believe 1t can be done, OF
course it takes a little money to pro-
mote these things, but when those
who are in business or who may be
situated so as to derive some proht
from any unusual influx of people are
properly approached and the situa-
ton clearly explained to them,
don't believe there would be many
that would refuse to subscribe their
proportion to financing any move OF
this kind. Then, too, 1t would be OF
great value, from the fact that 1t
would give hundreds of our people
an opportunity to get acquainted with
this great Northwest of ours; to study
the conditions and learn something
of the opportunities that await them
here, and might eventually be the
means of attracting to us many good
and desirable citizens. Here Is a
chance for the Business league, the
Urban league, the Women's Federat-
ed clubs, the fraternal bodies and the
churches to get together and envolve
some working plan to invite some Of
these big national organizations to
come to the Twin Cities. Who will
take the initiative in starting this
move?
. Have lust been informed that rath-
er prominent man of Minneapolis is
criticising me rather severely because
live in Minneapolis and write for a
st. Paul paper. 1t rather strikes me
as narrow criticism. / can't remem-
Der that I have ever in any of these
articles sought to exploit either one
of the cities over the other one. In
all cases whenever I have proposed
or suggested a movement / have al
ways referred to 1t as a Twin Cities
affair. 1t seems to me that the inter
ests of the two cities, especially where
our race is concerned, is so closely
linked that everything of racial or
der should be cooperative. Primari-
ly though, ! felt that I wanted to
reach the greatest number Of the peo.
pie. Naturally, thought what tc
my mind was the best circulating me.
dium, and don't believe there is any
doubt in anybody's mind who is con
versant with local conditions, but thai
; the Bulletin Is that medium. I am q
, Twin Cities man and have friends ant
! interests in both places.
Every one is making ready for Chi
cago, and the Elks, Of course, antici
pating great time. The Bulletin Il
going to make special effort to Civ,
its readers the most complete repor-