Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1924-04-19

without fear or favor give my unpids-
ed Judgment will be seriously question
ed bysome. To me, however, my duty
ed by some. To me, however, my duty
/. Crispus Attucks-patriot.
2. BENJAMIN OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
3. Frederick Douglass
a. Paul Laurence Dunbar-poet.
5. Henry Ossawa Tanner painter.
6. William Edward Burghardt Du'
Bois-scholar.
Z. Bert A. Williams actor.
s. Charles Young-soldier.
9. Booker T. Washington,-sdu
10. Richard Allen-churchman
"In field of poetry our bards nave
carried on so nobly that one should
have place on the roll Of honor
There are many distinguished persons
among them. James Weldon Johnson,
Leslie Pinckney, Hill, Langston Hughes
and Contee P. Cullen Of our own day,
who have evinced SUCH rare taste,
singular style, thoughtful theme ana
withal poetic charm; have in mark
ed degree impressed the poetic world
with their songs.
cit is seriously questioned, however,
that any of these can be matched with
the philosophic, unique and original
Paul Laurence Dunbar. Better than any
other creature in history the genius of
this great poet has immortalized his
! own race in America. The wide spread
of popularity of his work and the true
humorous as we'll as solid ring Of his
peerless talent in innately picturing
| our ante bellum and immediate post
bellum dialect gained in three century
episode of the race easily picks him
out as one of the Ten Greatest Negro
es of our country"
Dunbar. although poet was essent
tally a fighter. He fought for self, for
fame, and to show the possibility OF
unadulterated Negro blood.
! THE RACE NEEDS FIGHTERS.
Here we consider those whose ambi
tion and privilege it was to defend the
honor of their country and it's tradit-
ions. In this field Crispus Attacks and
Charles Young are our chief opponents
of soldiery and patriotism.
In comparing these two bright per-
ors, one comes into full consideration
acts one must do to be called great.
Lack Of information on Attuck's life
] prior to his memorable fall on the Bos
ton Commons shedding the first drop
of blood for American liberty in our
war for independence, makes judg-
mant difficult.
In the case of the late Charles Young
there is striking contrast and yet a
close similarity.
in Colonel Young's acts there was
the constant use Of the will, purpose.
fighting and struggling for the oppor-
tunity to be patriotic. Contrawise
Crispus Attucks' great act occurred up
on the heels of the moment and in lin
eral Massachusetts. Col Charles Young
! fought his way through the highest mil
itary institution of the new world to
the highest military position oi any
of any member of the race No attempt
can De uldu6 lO lHSluudIe Illdl VI lSuuS
| Attacks would not have been equal to
the task, but rather to say that Young's
life is long story of recorded facts.
while Attacks, truly heroic figure,
furnishes theme initiating much con
| lecture.
They are both similar in that thew
were both patriots, both dying in harm
ess voluntarily in the service of our
country. Col. Young like the great so,
der he was however, fought the hard
er battle subdued his will to the un-
fair and unjust dictates Of his govern
ment.
He was a great character. and Is
Justly named as member Of the myth
cal ten. He is a cause for pride and
worthy of emulation by the youths Of
color in America.
Indeed, there are eight great Ne
groes who have produced in America.