Booker T. Washington, Builder o - African American History

Booker T. Washington, Builder of a Civilization. 112
body of colored people anywhere in the world. . . . I believe most profoundly in
the work of this convention because it represents the common masses of all our
people, those who are the foundation of our success as a race. I believe in you
because you do not pretend to represent the classes but the masses of our
people. I am here, too, because the Baptist Church among our people throughout
the country is affording them an opportunity to get lessons in self-government in
a degree that is true of few other organizations.
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"You who control this great convention have before you a great opportunity and
along with this opportunity a tremendous responsibility. It is given to you, as to
all men, to pursue one of two courses, and that is, to be big leaders or little
leaders. You can construct or you can destroy. The time is now at hand when in
each individual church organization and each district association and each State
convention and in this great national convention, the little man must give way
and let the big, broad, generous man take his place. Nothing is ever gained in
business, in education, or in religious work by being little, narrow, or jealous in
our sympathies and activities."
Two days later, after he had left the convention and returned home, Mr.
Washington received word that the convention had split, contending leaders
holding out for what they termed principles. Immediately on the receipt of this
report he dispatched the following telegram to the leaders of the two opposing
factions:
I earnestly beg and urge that each convention remain in session until all
differences are composed. In the event this cannot be done I hope each
convention will empower a small committee or authorize some one to appoint
committees that may have power in settling present difficulties so that next year
there may be but one convention. It is easier now to bring about reconciliation
than it will be later. It will be a calamity to the Baptist Church and to our race
for the present split to continue. It will soon spread to all the Baptist churches in
all the States. I would urge that each side manifest a broad
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liberal spirit and be willing to sacrifice something for the good of the cause.
Millions of our humble people throughout the country are depending upon our
leaders to settle their difficulties in a Christian spirit and they should not be
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