Outliers
Many letters in the collection expressed the same opinions, but these letters were unique. While the perspectives in these letters do not represent popular thought, they show the wide range of opinions that existed on the issue of segregation in 1914.
A Proposal for Creating an African-American Colony
The better thinking part of our race does not think like Mr. Trotter. Also kindly thanking you for your good will toward the race and your advice to them with reference to a complete independence of the white people, may I kindly call your attention to the fact that we have a movement on to that effect and the same is incorporated under the laws of Oklahoma, I being the Supreme President of said movement.
I have been addressing large congregations of persons for about eleven months getting the endorsement of my people. I have men in every State. I hope to get the endorsement of my people to represent before Congress with reference to colonizing them on American soil by national legislation; they to be colonized on some thinly populated part of the United States or some other place that the government will prepare for them. Negro property throughout the Union to be appraised and paid for by the government and to become the property of the government is the plan. Then, the Negroes are to be moved to this new Liberia where they would reserve a right to make their own laws by a treaty with the United States and at the same time take an oath of allegiance to protect the constitutional laws of the United States.
A Woman Speaks Out on Equal Rights for Race and Gender
When the President received a deputation of negroes last week he became distinctly touchy and objected to their spokesman. He declared he had never been spoken to in such a tone and with such a background of passion.
It sounded reminiscent somehow. And then we remembered. That is exactly what he said when the women suffragists waited upon him a short while ago. So the negroes can take heart. They at least were favored with the identical sort of reception the first American accords to the American women. On both occasions, he brought the interview to an abrupt close, complaining of their spokesman; on both occasions he considered himself insulted and his dignity jeopardized. Indeed, if one would draw invidious distinctions, the negro came off best. For the president did condescend to explanations in a somewhat conciliatory form to them, whereas the ladies, God bless ‘em, had the interesting sensation of seeing the president turn his scholastic back upon them as he brought the interview to an end by abruptly leaving the room. . .
An African-American Supports Segregation
If there is separate departments for collord [sic.], such as Lavatories or even in the line of their duty, it is more than right to keep down all and any [discrepancies] that may arise. Mr. Trotter’s statement is groundless and uncalled for. . . .
The colord man are allowed all the show that he can prove himself efficient for, the field is open every where for Doctors, lawyers, and farmers and mechanics of all kinds and Mr. Trotter must learn to qualify himself before he can lead others, then he and all of the race can show to his fellowman and his country that we are men of merrit [sic.] an of value.