"From the Negro" – Handwritten Essay by Lewis H. Latimer

Lewis H. Latimer (1848–1928) was a pioneering Black inventor, draftsman, poet, and writer. He worked alongside Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, playing a crucial role in the development of electric lighting and telephone technology. Beyond his inventions, Latimer was a staunch advocate for racial justice and civil rights, often using his writings to address the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans. This essay likely reflects his deep understanding of the racial inequalities of his time, as well as his optimism for a more just and equal society.
The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup]Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
From the Negro New York Even now, we can see by the act of January the [illegible] how times have gone. But circumstances have changed. No longer that justice is found passing the idle many of high caste [illegible] men and crowned with the rays of hope and [illegible]. Experience upon justice scorns forth. No longer does the will of the many drive along crushing out the man of the Black. It mortifies a cause living not in the idea, a spirit its existence must recognize. While Brown looks furtively to justice, but poorly borne, [illegible] an applied form of the learned, the [illegible] bridge, where history has withstood the [illegible]. Upon which, is this: “Would this be made to Right?” Much has come of this science [illegible], this [illegible] comes, rolling down the tide, the air beating fire upon [illegible] hewn [illegible] of which a firm labor well [illegible] “LABOR.” But a newer era dawns upon this scene as coming, West, back [illegible], in [illegible] elegance. The new comes to the House Negro. May it find its interests, its prospects, its worth, clung with he who partakes, he who sees. The science working of justice, labor and broad-thinking [illegible] bringing truth [illegible]. He has long been blessed to [illegible] the right – from a large part of the fight. The second page continues: Is another glory of Black having yet first to have [illegible] under the representation of Daniel O’Connell. America’s [illegible], the new ad struck from this scene, leads to the head of the columns and asks the labor, “Has my people fought for other than Ignorance?” The answer comes moving back from the land of the New York. With all there is, men would rise to [illegible], but [illegible], simultaneously, the banner from the soil below falters, framing its folds. Undisturbed thereon is one word, “Equality.”