Colored Federated Clubs of Augusta to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Colored Federated Clubs of Augusta to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Harper, Mrs. J. S.
Identifier
TI00131
Date
1918 May 29
Description
Letter referencing the lynching of Mary Turner and asking the President to punish the perpetrators and prevent similar occurrences.
Source
National Archives and Records Administration 230/06/41 file #158260 box #1276 NARA ID #54
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
Subject
African-Americans--segregation
Language
English
Text
Augusta, GA
The President of the United States,
Mr. President:
Whereas, the Negro Womanhood of Ga. has been shocked by the lynching of Mary Turner at Valdosta Sunday May 19, 1918, for an alleged unwise remark in reference to the lynching of her husband;
And whereas, we the Negro Women of the state are aroused by this unwarranted lawlessness and are discouraged and crushed by a spirit of humiliation and dread;
And whereas, we deplore the migratory movement of the Negro from the South, yet we cannot counsel them to remain in the light of these conditions under which we live.
And whereas, our labor is in these cotton and corn fields and rice swamps, and in this frightful hour of the world great war, our sons and husbands are giving their lives in defense of the country we all love so dearly;
And whereas, in every forward movement in our national life the Negro has come to the front and share in the advance and crimsoned every field of strife from Boston to "No Man's Land," for principles held sacred by every true American;
And whereas, we feel that our lives are unsafe as long as this iniquitous institution exists.
We therefore are asking that you use all the power of your great office to prevent similar occurrances and punish the perpetrators of this foul deed and urge that sure and swift justice be meted out to them.
Signed,--
Colored Federated Clubs of Augusta.
Mrs. J. S. Harper, President,
#913 Ninth Street.
The President of the United States,
Mr. President:
Whereas, the Negro Womanhood of Ga. has been shocked by the lynching of Mary Turner at Valdosta Sunday May 19, 1918, for an alleged unwise remark in reference to the lynching of her husband;
And whereas, we the Negro Women of the state are aroused by this unwarranted lawlessness and are discouraged and crushed by a spirit of humiliation and dread;
And whereas, we deplore the migratory movement of the Negro from the South, yet we cannot counsel them to remain in the light of these conditions under which we live.
And whereas, our labor is in these cotton and corn fields and rice swamps, and in this frightful hour of the world great war, our sons and husbands are giving their lives in defense of the country we all love so dearly;
And whereas, in every forward movement in our national life the Negro has come to the front and share in the advance and crimsoned every field of strife from Boston to "No Man's Land," for principles held sacred by every true American;
And whereas, we feel that our lives are unsafe as long as this iniquitous institution exists.
We therefore are asking that you use all the power of your great office to prevent similar occurrances and punish the perpetrators of this foul deed and urge that sure and swift justice be meted out to them.
Signed,--
Colored Federated Clubs of Augusta.
Mrs. J. S. Harper, President,
#913 Ninth Street.
Original Format
Letter
Files
Collection
Citation
Harper, Mrs. J. S., “Colored Federated Clubs of Augusta to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 May 29, TI00131, Race and Segregation Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.