The Athenaeum. (Atlanta, GA) 1898-1925, November 01, 1924, Image 20
52
THE ATHENAEUM
States Senators: H. R. Reeves, Mississippi, and B. K. Bruce, Missis
sippi. There were also twenty-one representatives. This progress
was too sudden and since it was not based on the foundation of
training and experience it naturally fell. With the rare exception of
such offices as Registrar of the Treasury held by J. W. Lyons and a
few municipal positions, the Negro was no important figure in
politics.
But a new type of Negro has sprung up. One who has been
trained in the best colleges and universities of the country, a Negro
who has sat at the feet of some of the Country’s greatest politicians.
This type of Negro politician has come forth from the dark pit of
prejudice, race hatred, and vile propaganda, caused by the rapid
advance of his forefathers in the field. He has come forth to prove
to the world that the; Negro is capable of holding his own in politics
In 1912 we find a country-wide movement urging Negroes to register
and vote. As a result of this sixty-five delegates were elected to the
National Convention. In 1916 there were thirty-five delegates. Such
appointments as these show us the consideration that parties are giv
ing to the Negro: the appointment of R. H. Terrell as Judge of the
municipal court at Washington, D. C., in 1918; that of J. L. Johnson,
minister resident and consul general at Monrovia; J. F. Carter con
sul at Faintave Madagascar and that of Emmet J. Scott special as
sistant to the secretary of war.
This present day Negro has not solely followed tradition with re
ference to party affiliations but shapes his policy according to the
circumstances. The Black and Tan Party in Texas in 1920 put out a
full state ticket. In Louisville, Ky., a ticket composed entirely of
Negroes from mayor down was voted on by Negro voters. Because
of ill treatment from the Republican party the citizens of Baltimore
ran W. A. Hawkins for congress with seven thousands votes. J. R.
Pollard of Virginia; in 1920 ran for U. S. senator receiving seventeen
thousand votes. Although no Negro has reached congress in recent
years quite a few have gone to state legislatures. The following are
a few during the years 1919-21. N. Y., J. C. Hawkins; Ohio, Henry
Higgins; Missouri W. M. Moore; Penn., J. C. Asbury and A. Stevens.
This present year marks a great advancement in Negro politics.
The re-election of H. Lincoln Johnson as National Committeeman
from 1 Georgia. The election of A. B. George of Chicago as its first
Negro Judge of the municipal court, the successful term of Walter
Cohen as collector of Revenue at New Orleans, the prominent part
played by Negro women with special refrence to the Women’s Fed
eration of Clubs—all of these points are manifestations of the place
held by Negroes in politics of the present day.
The Negro must fast realize that he occupies a unique place in
American politics. To a very large extent, he holds the balance of
power. The sooner we educate our masses to the point of registering
and voting the sooner will political parties be forced to pay obeis
ance to the Negro population.