In
the discussion from day to day of the various features of this
programme, the question came up as to the advisability of putting a
member of the Negro race on for one of the opening addresses, since the
Negroes had been asked to take such a prominent part in the Exposition.
It was argued, further, that such recognition would mark the good
feeling prevailing between the two races. Of course there were those
who were opposed to any such recognition of the rights of the Negro,
but the Board of Directors, composed of men who represented the best
and most progressive element in the South, had their way, and voted to
invite a black man to speak on the opening day. The next thing was to
decide upon the person who was thus to represent the Negro race. After
the question had been canvassed for several days, the directors voted
unanimously to ask me to deliver one of the opening-day addresses, and
in a few days after that I received the official invitation.
The receiving of this invitation brought to me a sense of
responsibility that it would be hard for any one not placed in my
position to appreciate. What were my feelings when this invitation
came to me? I remembered that I had been a slave; that my early years
had been spent in the lowest depths of poverty and ignorance, and that
I had had little opportunity to prepare me for such a responsibility as
this.
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