Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/20

Rh distinguished friend and brother, Prof. D. B. Williams, A. M., of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute does me in the association of his name with this poor effort. As the reader will note, Prof. Williams has written the introductory sketch, for which I am under great obligations to him.

The object in putting forth this feeble effort is not for the praise of men or for the reaping of money, but to promote the future welfare of Afro-American journalism by telling to its constituents the story of its heroic labors in their behalf. As I have said in my circular to editors, January 1st, 1890, so say I now: "I believe that the greatest reason why our papers are not better supported is because the Afro-Americans do not sufficiently comprehend the responsibilities and magnitude of the work."

If the eyes of my people shall be opened to see the Afro-American Press as it is, and as it labors with the greatest sacrifice, I shall feel that Providence has blessed my work and that I have been amply rewarded. This volume may find its way to the cottage of the lowly and humble, the home of the scholar and the hands of the critic. I would invite its earnest perusal by each and all, and, at the same time, pray your most lenient criticism of its make-up, construction and thought. I would ask you to speak a good word for it, not in the hope of placing honor upon my head or the dime in my pocket, but in the hope of forming a favorable sentiment and creating an able and constant support for the Afro-American editor whose labor unites with all in building up and furthering the interest of our common country.

Lynchburg, Va., 1890.

P. S. To the hundreds of men and women laboring in journalism, the author owes an apology for not making personal mention of all of our papers now published, and their editors; also, the numerous correspondents and great phalanx of our brave and ambitious women who have espoused the cause. Many of you are able and efficient, and all of you deserve particular mention, but you will agree that it would take ten volumes, yea, more, to make satisfactory personal mention in this work of the many laboring for the race and for humanity.