Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/439

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
OPINIONS OF EMINENT MEN.
431

will consent to allow your opinion to be published in the work, as coming from you, kindly answer the following questions, carefully and concisely, and forward to me by mail within thirty days:

Do you think the Press in the hands of the negro has been a success?

In your judgment, what achievements have been the result of the work of the Afro-American editor?

Do you think the Press has the proper support on the part of the Afro-American? If not, to what do you attribute the cause?

What future course do you think the Press might take in promoting good among our people?

If you will furnish the opinion in thirty days, address me a postal card stating the same.

Yours for the Race,

I. GARLAND PENN.

Opinion of W. S. Scarborough, A. M., LL. D.

1st. I believe that the Press in the hands of the negro has fully demonstrated the possibilities of the race, in all the routine of journalism. The success of the negro journalist has been phenomenal, notwithstanding the lack of encouragement and the indifference on the part of those who ought to rally to his support. The fact that the negro Press has succeeded, despite adverse circumstances, is conclusive proof, in my mind, that its future is assured.

2d. Among the achievements of the Afro-American editors, the first and foremost has been the establishment of a closer bond of union among us, by which we have been enabled to present a solid front, make a stronger fight for our rights, and thereby demand fair play in the race of life. The negro editor, by virtue of his position, has not only