Call for a National Conference & Handwritten Letter (1895)

This historical document consists of a printed invitation titled "Call for a National Conference" dated September 10, 1895, and a handwritten letter referencing the same event. The printed invitation, addressed to Lewis H. Latimer, invites him to a National Conference of Colored Men, scheduled for December 12, 1895, in Detroit, Michigan. The conference aimed to unite Black leaders and intellectuals to discuss political, economic, and social progress for African Americans, advocating for equal citizenship, representation, and rights. The accompanying handwritten letter appears to be from an attendee or organizer, reflecting on the event’s significance. The letter discusses past gatherings, the role of Black leadership, and challenges in racial advocacy, demonstrating the complexity of organizing and participating in Black political movements of the late 19th century.

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Transcription Printed Document: "Call for a National Conference" (September 10, 1895) Chicago, IL, Sept. 10th, 1895 Mr. Lewis H. Latimer, N.Y. City You are cordially invited to attend a National Conference of Colored Men, that will meet at Detroit, Michigan, on the 12th of December, 1895, at 10 o’clock in the morning. We, the undersigned, after mature deliberation and considerable correspondence with a number of prominent men of our race in various parts of the United States, have arrived at the conclusion that the time has come when leading and active colored men should unite to deliberate on our present condition, and upon principles and measures important to the welfare, progress, and general promotion of the race. [...] We believe that our civil, political, and intellectual advancement can be better promoted through the channels of organization and cooperation, and we favor and propose to organize a National Committee, for in a multitude of counselors there is strength and safety. Handwritten Letter (December 14, 1895) (Partial transcription; some words are difficult to decipher, and the letter is incomplete): “My dear L, I am here by invitation helping to lay out some of the lines of the convention at Detroit, dec. 12-14. You would scarcely know me, after the [rest?] and the cordial reception by old friends, whom I have not seen since I was here last, 1879. Counsellor Stewart was gracious enough to advise me by mail, that he had called on McDuff and damned be he who first cried “Hold enough!” But as I charitably suppose he did not know I was out of the city, he did not send me the clipping. I only read it yesterday. Well, it is a curious compound, and it shows that the galled jade winces and squirms and snorts considerably. You will notice I did not base my article on his letter but [Barquet’s?] Note. The brazen effrontery of the fellow! I enclose an extract for your private delectation of a letter, rec’d today, from a [L.C.?] man, a student at the Univ[ersity] with Mac. When I was a professor there. Do not show it to anyone because I do not want to, and shall not [urge?] personal matter in my reply, which will be forthcoming, when I get through with this convention work. I shall…”/