Afro-American courier. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 1926-19??, 1933-07-01

The hooking bird and canary birds, which seem
to do the singing for bird family far superior to
and independent of any mechanical notes, chords and
scales.
Count the musical instruments from The banjo to the
bass violin from the blow pipe to the psater from the
jews harp to the pipe organ-n fact any instrument
that must be picked blown, played pedaedn short
any man made instrument, and must be admitted that
they lose their charms when compared to natures most
wonderful gift to mantle natural UCce.
Wherever and whenever sngs-and sings
enoughhe makes forget the size and kind of instru
ment that follows him. he convnces you that nature
complete within herself and not be added to
produced.
All races and nations have developed a music pecu-
liar to their advancement experience, and conditions In
discussing Americas music-the part which the Negro
has played in this field of endeavors part Of history
and speaks for itself. If America ve-Negro Nusc will
have place; if America to be-Negro music will
find place 1t was born in due time and out of neces
sly it came at time when it too dark to any
thing around them for which to live and dark and
hard pressed to anything before them for which
nope The way closed; information of bust
ness burdens were becoming heavier and tasks made
longer; companonshp and human contact for the good
of the soul could not be engaged
In such condton-the old folk lost sight of earth
and its encouragement fixed their eyes heaven-and
with mellow and contre heart-tod God through song
OF their oppression and made known their hearts
sire.
It happens that the Old Folk not only gave us this
music but they kind enough to give America their
sons and daughters who have become acknowledged
tiers of the art and render them body can
The Negroes musical talent is by means confused
plantation melodies and folk songs Nature has been
exceedingly kind to him in the field of music All ac-
knowledge his musical gift; say he is a genius
others if other group is vyng for the head of
the class in either spiritual classical music whether
rendition fr compostiion--he must confer with our
group 1t is an open secret-that entertainers-we
stand at the head of the class For the gift of
has been-and is wonderful asset.
The Negro has sung and played himself into homes
hearts and pocketbooks, of Kings, Queens Emperors .
Lords Statesmen, the socially high the secluded rich
friends and foes SO often-he has been abe-through
song-to tear down the walls of secuson and prejudice
change the minds and attitude of the msinormed and
establish lasting friendship among the former careless
and unconcerned.
Since music is fed-let us renew our love for
and devotion to this science-et us strive to keep the
plantation melodies and folk songs pure and free from
Jazz and let is be to master music in its en-
tlrety The field is ours let posses -and with this
one accompllshment-may continue to sing our way
into the hearts of men, uprootng prejudice and bursting
the bonds of opposition that have formerly bound US
Parents, friends, and visitors, it is both fitting
and becoming that extend to youone and ala most
cordial welcome to these the graduating of the
class OF l93-whch also commentaries the thirty ninth
anniversary of Central Mississippi College We are bub-
bling over with JOY and delight having you as our
may happen that will give you moments worry or
cause you to regret the coming
/ We welcome you because are yours and you are
cups because some of haye followed from early
emdho0da quite few of you there when we were
born We welcome you because have outstanding evil
dences OF your love- sympathy and interest in whatever
success we nave attained and because of what you've
done to make this occasion possible
Permit me to ask that you pardon if in any way
these exercises fall below your expectations and be sure
. and oint
we have done our best.
Others may entertain you far better than we can but
be when it's all there are none whose hearts
ring truer than ours; who will hear readily when
you speak quickly when you call than the
members of the class of 1888 Your presence serves
to inspire and will tend to lead us on to new fields
and accomplishments We inexpressiby anxious
about your and comfort this OCCASION it seems
that hearts beat faster and every
do service Fnal-be at and accept our SINGER
est thanks and very high appreciation for the coming
" hznA vLCvIry NJ