- Transcription
NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL
JAMES E. SHEPARD, PRESIDENT
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
July 1, 1919.
Hon. T. W. Bickett,
Executive Mansion,
Raleigh, N.C.
Dear Sir:
I am writing to express my appreciation for the high and christian stand you have taken in regard to the formation of the "Ku Klux Klan." But this is not surprising, because you have always taken a stand on the side of civic righteousness and justice. I sincerely hope you will not relax your efforts until you drive this obnoxious organization out of the state and out of the South. The very name is obnoxious and tends to revive feelings and prejudices which were fast being eliminated, and as you have so well said, it tends to create racial prejudice which ought not to exist between the races in the South.
There is, however, a feeling growing among the colored people, that perhaps all of their best efforts go for naught, and that it is needless to hope. If such an organization as this flourishes in the state, then these fears are certainly well founded. I believe that the Negro can safely trust the fair-mindedness of the Anglo Saxon, who knows that his permanent greatness depends absolutely upon his treatment to a backward and less fortunate people. I want to assure you that the best colored people in the state stand for law and order. They will continue to do so, and they are going to continue to rely upon the fair play and justice of those who are in the places of authority, and who mold sentiment in North Carolina.
We are just at the beginning of a new era in our state. Especially is this true along educational lines. The energetic Superintendent of Public Education is endeavoring to promote education among all the people and reduce the illiteracy which hangs like a pall over our state. The Negro leaders have welcomed with great joy this new era and they have determined to join hands with the leaders of the white race, who believe in giving to all a square deal. With all the laws and the execution of them in the hands of the white people, there is never an excuse for lynching.
It is a pleasure always to point with pride to the fair and sane record of the state of North Carolina in its treatment of the Negro, and we point with special pride to the heroic stand of its Christian Governor.
Again thanking you and with sentiments of the highest personal esteem, I am
Yours sincerely,
