Booker T. Washington, Builder o - African American History

Booker T. Washington, Builder of a Civilization. 80
24.03.2006
mitigate by instituting, through the agency of the National Negro Business
League, what are known as Railroad Days. On these days each
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year colored patrons of railroads lay before the responsible officials the respects
in which they believe they are unfairly treated and request certain definite
changes. Although started only a few years ago these Railroad Days have
already accomplished a number of the improvements desired in various
localities.
As an aid to the committees appointed in the various communities Mr.
Washington sent out a letter addressed to these committees which was published
in the Negro papers. This letter advised that all protests on Railroad Days give:
first, "a statement of present conditions," second, "a statement of conditions
desired." There followed a sample detailed statement of the present conditions
about which there is usually cause for complaint accompanied by a similar
statement of the conditions desired.
It was then suggested that these specific recommendations be followed by these
general requests:
"1. The same class and quality of accommodations for colored passengers as are
provided for the most favored class of travellers.
"2. Such regulations as will protect colored passengers from the rudeness and
insults of employees of the railroad.
"3. Some definite authority to whom these matters may be referred, where
friction arises, and who will, in good faith, investigate and adjust them."
The letter concluded with this advice:
"All those who are going to act on the suggestions to make a united effort to
bring about better railroad and other travelling facilities should not omit to
remind our
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people that they have a duty to perform as well as the railroads.
"First, our people should try to keep themselves clean and presentable when
travelling, and they should do their duty in trying to keep waiting-rooms and