Activities Among Negroes
During the past few months colored writers of California have been quoted in eastern daily papers and magazines. The Literary Digest but recently quoted Mr. Marshall, an Oakland colored citizen and editor of a local paper. Many other daily papers have reproduced editoriais written by Noah D. Thompson of a Los Angeles daily paper. It, however, remained for the "Broadax" of Chicago to give the following bit of Interesting news to the public concerning Noah D. Thompson and his writings:
During the holidays Thompson wrote an editorial on the negroes' New Year's hopes and sent a copy, together with other writings of his, to President Coolidge, who wrote him a personal letter [illegible] "Broadax" in commenting on this letter recalls that only once before in the history of America has a president of the United States written a personal letter to a member of the colored race. The other letter was written to Phillis Wheatley, an African slave girl, who had written a poem complimentary to the then president George Washington.
The "Broadax" explains how letters are sent out from kings of nations, and presidents of republics; in many instances they are neither seen or read by the executive. He further states: "Usually a private secretary, with many assistant secretaries and clerks determine what's in the mail or periodicals that should be brought to the personal attention of the king or president, and it is considered a mark of considerable distinction worthy of his personal attention and acknowledgement. Such distinction has recently come to a member of the negro race by President Coolidge. The letter follows:
"Mr. Noah D. Thompson. Care of Los Angeles Evening Express, Los Angeles, California. My dear Mr. Thompson: I am very much obliged to you for sending me the editorial page of the Express of December 26. I was particularly interested in the editorial on the race question, [See below for full text. - MF] which I sincerely believe analyses this difficult problem accurately, and suggests the lines along which its solution will finally be reached. It is most gratifying to have the support in this regard of so understanding a student of public questions.
"Very truly yours,
"CALVIN COOLIDGE."
The San Antonio Inquirer of San Antonio has the following to say in regard to a memorial service recently held in a St. Paul church in memory of Eleanor Brackenridge, the philanthropist. Addresses were delivered by Miss Artemisia Bowden, principal of St. Phillips school for colored girls, and Miss E. K. Fairchilds, [Euretta K. Fairchild] secretary of the colored Y. W. C. A. Miss Bowden's address told of the manner in which Miss Brackenridge supported the work of St. Phillips school from its earliest stage until her death. Miss Fairchilds told of the interest in her work at the Y. W. C. A.
The Progressive Women's Club of colored women is planning to build a home for aged colored people in San Antonio. Their first donation was received from the Girl's Friendship club of that city
Colored people of the nation are mourning the recent death of Isaiah T. Montgomery, founder of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. He was a slave in Mississippi of Joseph Davis, the brother of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate states. The Chicago Defender says: "Isaiah T. Montgomery was one of the most remarkable men of his times. His father, an intellectual genius, his son inherited the father's passion for books and study. Born a slave he educated himself and won the confidence of Jefferson Davis, brother of Joseph Davis, and became home secretary to the president of the Confederacy.
"In 1902 President Roosevelt appointed Montgomery receiver of public money for this state, upon the recommendation of Booker T. Washington. He resigned the office in 1903 because of pressing business matters at Mound Bayou. He was a delegate at large to the Republican national convention in 1920."
Miss Rosaline Jordon, [Rosalind Jordan] who was graduated with the midwinter class of the San Jose high school, composed the music of the class song which was sung during class day exercises.
Mrs. Laura A. Brown, a club woman of national record, died at her home in Pittsburgh, Pa. She served for a number of years as vice president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Colored Women's clubs. In 1919 the late Mary B. Talbert appointed her director of Pennsylvania in the drive for funds to restore the Douglass home. During Harding's campaign she was appointed a member of the executive board of the Republican Women's committee of Alleghany county, Pa.. under the chairmanship of Mrs. Leonard Wood. She organized the Women's Christian Temperance Union of Pennsylvania and was candidate for the legislature in 1922. She was a member of the Warner M. E. church, Center avenue. Pittsburgh. She was affiliated with the Army and Navy Union of America, the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, and a member of the advisory board of the Douglas Memorial Home.
Colored club women in Oakland will be grieved to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Hendry of San Diego.
