I believe in God, who made of one blood all nations that on earth do dwell. I
believe that all men, black and brown and white, are brothers, varying through
time and opportunity, in form and gift and feature, but differing in no
essential particular, and alike in soul and the possibility of infinite
development.
Especially do I believe in the Negro Race: in the beauty of its genius, the
sweetness of its soul, and its strength in that meekness which shall yet inherit
this turbulent earth.
I believe in Pride of race and lineage and self: in pride of self so deep as
to scorn injustice to other selves; in pride of lineage so great as to despise
no man's father; in pride of race so chivalrous as neither to offer bastardy to
the weak nor beg wedlock of the strong, knowing that men may be brothers in
Christ, even though they be not brothers-in-law.
I believe in Service—humble, reverent service, from the blackening of boots
to the whitening of souls; for Work is Heaven, Idleness Hell, and Wage is the
"Well done!" of the Master, who summoned all them that labor and are heavy
laden, making no distinction between the black, sweating cotton hands of Georgia
and the first families of Virginia, since all distinction not based on deed is
devilish and not divine.
I believe in the Devil and his angels, who wantonly work to narrow the
opportunity of struggling human beings, especially if they be black; who spit in
the faces of the fallen, strike them that cannot strike again, believe the worst
and work to prove it, hating the image which their Maker stamped on a brother's
soul.
I believe in the Prince of Peace. I believe that War is Murder. I believe
that armies and navies are at bottom the tinsel and braggadocio of oppression
and wrong, and I believe that the wicked conquest of weaker and darker nations
by nations whiter and stronger but foreshadows the death of that strength.
I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their
souls, the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their
friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color;
thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of beauty and love.
I believe in the Training of Children, black even as white; the leading out
of little souls into the green pastures and beside the still waters, not for
pelf or peace, but for life lit by some large vision of beauty and goodness and
truth; lest we forget, and the sons of the fathers, like Esau, for mere meat
barter their birthright in a mighty nation.
Finally, I believe in Patience—patience with the weakness of the Weak and the
strength of the Strong, the prejudice of the Ignorant and the ignorance of the
Blind; patience with the tardy triumph of Joy and the mad chastening of
Sorrow.
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