Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/494

486 freedom began, the colored man was not in the position to speak for himself; so the work had to be done almost entirely by his friends. But in his new condition, he must be the principal actor in securing the rights and privileges yet denied him. We must have leaders, just as all people have; and this fact brings the colored people to the front. Our newspapers must be a reliable source of thought and direction for the masses of our people. Here their grievances must be recorded, with suggestions as to how they may be redressed.

Another department of work among us as journalists, is to guide the masses into the best way of living. No people can be legislated into greatness. All we ask, all we can ask, all that any people can ask, of the Government is, that a fair chance in the race of life shall be guaranteed. We must do the running ourselves. There are certain things that tend to the elevation of a people, and without these no substantial progress can be made. First of all, we should say a good, solid character must be built up and maintained. History unites with reason in recording the fact, that no people of weak and corrupt morals has been able to endure. Slavery left us an abundant heritage of moral weakness which must be overcome. The fact that it is inherited can be no excuse for its continued existence. In rising to positions of responsibility and trust, the same demand for virtue will be made upon us that is made upon others; and less than this would not be for our good.

The accumulation of wealth is also a necessary factor in the elevation of a people. Poverty is weakness. Especially is this true when predicated of a people situated as we are, in the midst of a strong nation. Weakness can not dictate terms to strength. To remain en masse in the position of servants, is to be handicapped and kept down. With great odds against us, great sacrifices must be made in order to materially change our present condition. Industry and