National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/May 31/Text
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"The followers of Sincerity and Faithfulness must consort with all the people of the world with joy and fragrance; for association is always conducive to union and harmony, and union and harmony are the cause of the order of the world and the life of nations. Blessed are they who hold fast to the Rope of Compassion and Kindness and are detached from animosity and hatred!" Baha'o'llah.
_ “And now the American nation, be it colored or white, if they unite and be in accord, the Lights of the Oneness of Humanity will shine. Eternal glory and bliss will dawn. Divine spirituality will encompass. The Divine Favors will . descent. And umder the Leadership or training of the Real Shepherd, who is GOD, all these sheep will be preserved and protected. And in the pasturage of happiness will they graze and will attain to that which is the goal of life. This is the © benefit of UNITY. This is the result of Love. This is the sign of the Most Great
Peace. This is the Star of the Oneness of Humanity. Consider how blessed it is!" 7 Abdul Baha.
A Compilation on the Story of the Convention for Amity.
"I pray in your behalf, that your hearts may be enlightened with the Light of the Love of GOD; that your minds may develop daily; that your spirits may be set aglow with the fire of His Glad-tidings; wtil the Divine Foundations in the human world may become promulgated. And the FIRST of these Institutes is the One- — ness of the Human World and Love among all mankind : and secondly, is the Most.
Great Peace."
From the foregoing Words uttered by Abdul Baha, we know that any real growth toward a better understanding between the colored and white races can never be realized save through the quickening of the heart, the awakening of the conscience, the development of the mind. He indicates Clearly that attainment unto > understanding, affiliation, fellowship -~ is a heart and head process. While pondering over these Words recently another Divine Injunction seemed ever before us, namely: "While there is yet time, let us avail ourselves of the opportunity" -and this Injunction had a very deep significance for some, so deep that almost the very life pulse depended upon all thoughts and words looking toward brotherhood being immediately translated into the world of action.
We have had a wonderful Convention in Washington, — all because Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, while visiting Abdul Baha in Palestine over a year ago, received the following Instruction from Him: "I want you to arrange in Washington a Convention for the ey of the colored and white people. Of course you must have people to help you.”
These Creative Words became the propelling power, the great spiritual dynamic which made possible this great Convention.
There never was a Convention before -- the pulse of which was so entirely
BP300.2 spiritual -~ the emanations entirely spiritual. Thoughts of human brotherhood
.U54 permeated the very heart and soul and mind of those present. There were no elecT262 tions, no appoirtments, no business sessions, no money consideration or finances 192] mentioned in any way. Yet the work of the Convention was that of considering deeply May31 |
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the greatest business in all the world -= the business of a heavenly civilization based on an actuai brotherhood, a brotherhood sincerely lived. There were no struggles, no strained relations, no great human organization and machinery. It was 411 so entirely free from the usual pressure of varying human opinions, for all aims were merged into one great aim, and that aim revolved around the contentment, peace and happiness of all, |
This Convention was a haven of rest for the weary and heartsick; a heavenly oasis in the desert of this sordid earthly existence with its complexities, its inharmonies and its misunderstandings. It was not only a privilege to be there: it was heaven. Why? Because for the first time in the history of Washington some of the most educated and wise among the people, the deep thinkers of both races, the serious-minded, the spiritually-minded, were assembled in this splendid gathering, all forgetting for a time the injustices, the unkindness of the world without; and were not only listening attentively to the speakers, but all were feeling the heart throbs of that vast audience. Something vital was happening; the hosts of the Supreme Concourse were at work; those who have passed on and who had this Cause at heart, were there, too, serving from the eternal realms of might; and the great and holy thing which happened was the joining of sincere hearts, Oh! how the hearts of all were touched; how the antagonisms melted in the sunlight of Heavenly Benedic-~ tions! The Holy Spirit of COD moved upon the hearts and the Center of the Covenant o'ershadowed all. Abdul Baha prayed that hearts might be enlightened with the light of the Love of GOD and that minds might develop; -- so it came to pass, -~ through Divine Confirmations -- that the hearts and minds were quickened: there was not a single adverse criticism, not a ¢omplaint of any kind. The speakers delivering their messages, the voices contributing their share to the heart appeal through song, and the attitude of the andience, -- all, as one soul in many bodies, felt that "it is a blessed thing to gladdem the hearts of men, and wrong to be the cause of pain; that to be iind and merciful is right, while to hate is sinful; that justice is a noble quality, and injuesice an iniquity"; and all truly felt that the remedy for the serious illness afflicting the body of the world is to "shed the Light of a boundless love on every human being" -- that quality of love which manifests its reality in deeds. | ?
Mrs. Parsons proved to be a great general in the management of the Convention, and one could realize in 4a measure why Abdul Baha had chosen the angelic and wise Mrs, Parsons for this great work. Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook, that queenly sister of ours, never manifested her ability more gloriously. She was the unique figure,who, with her few master strokes, brought about much of the success of the Convention, and without whose assistance we would have fallen short of accomplishment along many lines. Mrs. Gabrielle Pelham contributed such a mighty and artistic effort toward the success of the Convention that one wonders just at what point she deservesthe most credit. To be associated with her is a blessing, to love her is a _ privilege, to watch her serve is an inspiration. Mrs. Boyle contributed a splendid effort, and she served with joy and efficiency. Some of the best publicity work of the Convention was ‘accomplished through Mrs. Boyle for she it was who personally interviewed almost every Club and Civic organization in the City. This was real service and far-reaching in its effect. Miss Martha Root rendered her usual valuable services in connection with the Press, and like others who served at this Convention, she was at her very best. She was ably assisted in this work by Mr. Louis G.Gregory and Mr. Neval Thomas. Mrs. John R. Ashton with her loving and effective service will ever be remembered for her self-sacrificing endeavor in the path of unity. Miss Mary Little, Mr. Roy Williams and others also served in many ways that made for a united effort. Furthermore let it be recorded that there was not a man, woman or child in the Bahai Assembly of Washington who did not contribute their own particular kind of effort toward the success of the Convention. The greatest joy imaginable takes possession of the writer of these lines when considering what it has meant and what it means for the future to attain unto an honest, sincere unity. There is nothing
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so conducive to happiness in this Great Day of GOD as a demonstration in the way of results forthcoming because of UNITY. "Verily, therein lies a lesson for those who learn," The Law of God, the law of co-operation and consultation was put into practice truly. The effect was marvellous. How many longing hearts have prayed for years for just such spiritual scenes and glorious results as were achieved'
No one can realize, through the medium of words, how great was the Power of these dignified, heavenly, spiritual gatherings; how great was the spiritual atmosphere of the place; ani again, mo one can measure the good accomplished and what a mighty force went out from these meetings for the amity worth while, and which all truly sincere souls so much desire.
We are alone now, sach one of us with the Divine Friend, each in our respective corner of the Vineyard -- tears may be streaming down our face as we contemplate on this mighty Convention -- the "Mother Convention" of all other like Conventions to be born in the future, ani we pause before the mighty onrush of thoughts, ijeas, plans for the future work, the work of continuing the great bonds which have been started on "so firm a foundation". The Cause which is "in our heart" will have the joyous, glowing, superhuman effort which a full realization of the beauty of co-operation has revealed,
What is the measure of our happiness? "Nobody knows."
"Y charge you all that each one of you concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on Love and Unity." Abdul Baha.
We asked the "Ideal Sage", Jenabe Fazel, to express a few thoughts about the Convention, and he graciously dictated the following:
"The effect of the Convention for the amity of the while and colored people was not confinéd to the sessions of the three days. Nay, rather, its influence will be felt throughout Eternity. The Convention was a ssed sown, and there shall be gathered many harvests. It was a Light set. aglow, but it will grow and grow until it will become a world illuminating sun. It was a sapling planted, and it willdevelop and raise its arms toward heaven until the time when all the birds will make their nests in its cool and airy branches. It was a Lamp that received its oil from the Kingdom of GoD. It was organized by a clear Divine Command. Its sessions were held under the Power of Love and Devotion. The founders had no other aim except to execute the good »sleasure of the Lord. I feel assured that this Convention will set to thinixinzg the leaders of thought, the statesmen and scholars of this country, so that they may likewise lend their help to the furtherance of this great service."
"Indeed to GOD belonzs Power in the past and in the future! And verily GOD is powerful over all thinzs!" Abdul Baha. .
We have.asked some of the friends to write brief reports of the Convention so that those who were deprived of the pleasure of attendance may see the "rainbow of promise"; way see also through these various expressions how certain events are foreshadowing future greater events; and also with the hope that the warmth of the spirit will touch every heart to such an extent that all will want to arise with heart and soul to further the great Divine Plan of Unity, manifesting through deeds
as well as words the joy of “living the life."
The following report by Mr. Louis G. Gregory is published in full because of its splendid historic interest. It is indeed a valuable and accurate record:
"The Convention for Amity between the colored and white races, May 19, 20, and 21, was arranged under Instructions from Abdul Baha. Its record adds a brilliant and wonderful volume of deeds and sentiments to human welfare. The attendance was large, the music inspiring, the enthusiasm powerful, as lofty purposes were set forth. The Divine Confirmations seemed the mightiest that have ever attended such a
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gathering. The five sessions were held at the First Congregational Church, historically famous for its opposition to racial prejudice. United press reports
created interest throughout the city. The speakers, without exception, struck the
highest notes of justice, freedom, love, understanding, sympathy, the abandonment
of prejudices, vniversal brotherhood, sacrifice of self in obedience to the Divine
Will. A majority of these speakers were Bahais, but other voices from kindred
spirits were raised. Many of those who took part were people active in political,
social, business or religious life. The signs of great happiness appeared in the
faces of the speakers and were reflected by those in attendance. Considering the ~
various elements brought tosether, the harmonious blending of all, it was a visible sign of the Pentecostal Fire to which so nany of the friends testified.
Nothing but the Confirmations which descend from the Kingdom of Abha to bless the
efforts of those who are firm in the Covenant of God could have brought together
people of such varied thoughts, opinions and tastes with such astonishing results.
The full significance of this convention can perhaps be realized only in future,
when the great vibrations of love which it set in motion will be traced by all the
participants to their origin. Deeply significant was a message from the Center of
the Covenant, His Holiness Abdul Baha, transmitted to the convention by Mr.
Mount fort Mill Ss;
"Say to this convention that never since the beginning of time has a cony vention of more importance been held. This convention stands for the oneness of humanity. It will become the cause of the removal of hostilities between the races, It willbecome the cause of the enlightenment of America. It will, if wisely managed and contimmed, check the deadly struggle between these races, which otherwise will inevitably br ealc out .!
"irs. A. S, Parsons, walking the path of sacrifice, loyally accepted the responsibility assigned her by Abdul Baha during her pilgrimage of last year. She was ably supported by a number of ladies, prominent among whom were Mrs. Mariam Haney, Mrs. Coralie F, Cook, Mrs. Louise D. Boyle, Miss Martha Root, and Mrs. Gabrielle Pelham. The Washington House of Spirituality acted in an advisory way for months. Miss Mary Little, unofficially, rendered valuable aid. Nineteen ladies, prominent in the commmity, gave the prestige of their names as patronesses, The music for the entire convention wis under the direction of Mrs. Gabrielle Pelham. It was planned to express the fine arts in Negro life and brought to the meetings great happiness.
"Dr. Jason Noble Pretae. pastor of the church, opened the first session with a prayer, in which he invoked God, who out of one blood created all the nations of the earth, to make us realize that we are all one and each our brother's keeper.
"Vr. William H, Randall, »residing, said, 'We feel the spirit of the age, which calls upon us to remodel society, so that the human family can live in peace. and happiness. The spiritual power alone can do this.'
"Senator Samuel IM. Shortridge of California made an eloquent address dwelling upon peace and good will among all mankind. He promised in all proper, prudent and possible ways to be the champion of the colored race. He exhorted all to trat beautiful service which binds men to the Kingdom of God.
"Mr. Albert R. Vail delivered a most eloquent and appealing address on 'The Radiant Certury of the Passing of Prejudice.' 'Nobody knows,' he said, ‘'how much trouble prejudice has brought to the world except the loving heart of God, who today leads His children to unity and peace.'!
"Vrs. Henry Grant and Master Lenore Cook, accompanied by his uncle, Mr. Will M. Cook, rendered solos.
"Mrs . Gabrielle Pelham, thrillingly told the story of the heart songs of a people. These plantation melodies were wonderfully sung by the Dunbar Community Singers, Mr. W. Scott Mayo, director. ;
"Verses from the Bahai hymm, Great Day of God, were sung at the Degaaning and end of each session.
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"On Friday morning, Mr. Vail, presiding, reat & prayer for America. Looking at the truth of God's teaching, he said, we find that all men are brothers. At most, some are strong, and they should help tha weak. Some have vision, and they should open the eyes of the blind. Some have loving hearts, and they ought through kindness inspire others to be kind.
"don. Theodore Burton of Ohio, referred to his association with the late Theodore Roosevelt, then President, on the same platform sixteen years ago, and how the latter had said that it was wrong to close the door of hone and opportunity upon any race. He deplored the increase of prejudices stirred up by the war among all races. He denounced injustice and lawlessness and made a strong plea for tolerance and ‘true freedom,
"Mr. C. Lee Cook of Louisville, Ky., was irtroduced as a visible proof of the reality and supremacy of the spirit and mind, a scholar, artist, philan-thropist, organizer and promoter of racial understanding. Mr. Cook has been a cripple from early childhood and finds it necessary to use a sml1l vehicle of his own planning and construction to transport himself from place to place. He regards adversity as a spur to success. Mr. Cook voiced cordial greetings to the convention. He taught the efficacy of spiritual citizenship, by which human problems can be solved. Patience and service must be dedicated to that end. He hoped this convention would be a means of altruism to the world of humanity. If we are found fit to die for an ideal we shall live. We cannot look upon each other with disparagement, when glorious ideals are before us. In conclusion he paid a beautiful tribute to Abdul Baha,
"Friday evening Dr. Alain L. Locke, professor at Howard University, presided. He expressed the great spirit of the convention as the unity of the heart and mind in human uplift.
"Hon. Martin B. Madden of Illinois urged equal opportunity for white and colored citizens. All must be treated on a basis of exact equality before the law. Since their freedom the colored race has made wonderful progress and the government should uphold its own dignity by enforcing justice.
“ir, Alfred H. Martin, President of the Ethical Culture Society of New York, delivered a polished address on 'The New Internationalism and Its Spiritual Factors.' According to the spiritual conception of democracy, he said, the more efficient ought to help the less efficient. The whites should help the blacks, and the blacks in turn mst serve as missionaries to those whites who are so victimized by prejudice that they cannot see the PERSE RES OLES behind the black skin.
"Saturday morning Ora Gibson read the Prayer:
"'Q God! O God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy Commandmerts and abide in Thy Law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. 0 God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of knowledge and cheer their hearts by Thy Love. Verily Thou art their Helper and their Lord.'
"ir. Mountfort Mills, presiding, said, 'We are forwarding a more farreaching purpose than is indicated by the vrogram. We seek that mighty Force to develop a new civilization. Amity between the races is a by-product of this. This civilization requires intelligence of the heart.'
"Vr. William H. Randall said; 'My note is the power of God. We live too mach in the past. This is a new day. Let us live according to its ideals. Severance, service and selflessness are the three graces of the new day. Let us discover and apply what our hearts teach us.'
"Miss Martha Root read letters from Lieut. General Nelson A. Miles of the American Army and Rev. Dr. Samuel MacComb or Baltimore, both expressing hearty approval of the work of interracial amity proposed by the convention.
"Dr. C. Sumer Wormley, with his wonderful voice, sang two solos and responded to an encore. :
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"Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, responding to the subject, 'Bible Prophecies of Universal Brotherhood,' said he would attempt to conver only the spirit of these prophecies. The points of difference among mankind are far less than the points of contact. If we emphasize the points upon which men agree, it will be the means of ushering in the Kingdom of God upon earth. All the Holy Messengers of God have taught love. Our duty is to put aside all personal ideas and to uphold the banner of God's love. |
"Vr. Howard MacNutt of Brooklyn presided at the last session, Saturday evening. He said, 'This has indeed been a Pentecostal Convention; for only the power of the Holy Spirit can blend these two races together. On the program you will find the words of Christ and of Abdul Baha, teaching love and unity. Race with race and man with man, we must abandon prejudices to reach unity. We must forma real brotherhood and for this the Divine fabric is love of God.
"Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook, a Bahai and a member of the Washington Board of Education, made a fine address on ‘Negro Poets'. She made a sympathetic presentation of the works of Phyllis Wheatley, the slave girl of the eighteenth century who wrote many peoms, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, William Stanley Braithwaite, Jessie Faucet and others, showing the praiseworthy results of their attraction to the Muse. Greatly to the delight of the audience she read several poems, one of them humorous. :
"The Howard University Glee Club sang several selections.
"Mr, C. Lee Cook, by request, spoke a second time. 'I am going to have a heart to heart talk, to cast aside all proprieties and tell you that happy experiences and blessed memories brought me to this city and platform to lend a hand to the master stroke of divine justice and equal opportunities for all races.' And this he did in a most eloquent heart~-appealing way.
"Jenabe Fazel with a most interesting address closed the meeting. The glances of the Almighty are turned toward such gatherings as these, whose objects are love and reconciliation. The aims of all the Prophets of God, for which they underwent persecution, was the establishment of peace among the people of the world. It is evident that racial prejudice has long been a disease attacking the body of humanity. The horizon has been dark. However there has now arisen a ray of light through the tyranny and injustice. It is in our midst and the law of progress is due to it. Here he told of religious and racial hatred in Persia, and how they were disapvearing under the glorious Light of the Sun of Truth which has now arisen. He mentioned two colored men who in past years were famous in Persia. One of them was Lokman, knows as the Wise, whose sayings are on the lips of thousards. Another was one of the Persian kings, a most sagacious prince, whose court became famous for learning.
"He then gave a graghic account of the progress of the Divine Cause in Persia, where the Bounty rained down unon thousands of vneople and the Divine Love brought a community of interest.
""My only race is the human race. My only religion is the religion of God. My country is the whole world. All tears must be wiped away, for it.is the age of divine justice. It is the time of universal service. Leaders of bumanity, teachers, preachers, editors, must take the lead in developing these ideals. The Sun of Reality has dawned from the horizon of the world. The Breeze of Generosity is wafting and the Call of the Kingdom has reached the ends of the earth. Ere long . there will be a great wave of love. The banner of wniversal peace will be hoisted. All differences will vanish. All gloom will be dispelled. We shall all be leaves of One Tree, flowers of One’ Rose-garden, and all the friends of God will embrace each other,.'"
"They (the Bahais) believe that mankind must love mankind; that universal amity must be practiced;. .. . that we must forget prejudice and that universal love must become the dominant note of the Twentieth Century." Abdul Baha.
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Mr. Wm. H. Randall of Boston has told us at various times that he is not a writer yet we feel his "soul is marching on through the Convention"; and how very much he himself was effected in order to share with us the following:
"It was apparent from the beginning that the Convention was under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit, and that it unfolded from day to day the great purpose of healing the diseuse of racial misunderstanding, just as a flower opens its petals to the sunlight.
. "I was impressed that this Convention was not people, but a spirit, and it was the impressiveness of this spirit, and not the thoughts of the speakers, that prevailed throughout. As the sessions progressed the harmonies of amity and fellowship became apparent in all hearts. At the end of the second evening one splendid colored man sitting just behind me, exclaimed that this surely is the advent of the new Day of racial understanding and sighed 'I hardly know where I an, so happy am I', and I turned to him and said, 'I know where you are. You are in heaven because you are in race unity', and he replied; ‘Surely brother it is so’. This was the keynote of the whole gathering, and this was the spirit that has gone forth as a silert voice and a healing power to unite the white and colored races in the bonds of friendship and goodwill and equal opportunity. It was symbolized in the opening session in the following words: 'The beauty of the new moon is its crescent of light, and not its face of darkness, and this Convention is as a crescent, sending forth the light of amity und goodwill to unite the white and colored people. May it become full orbed with the resplendent face of understanding and cooperation.' It was 4 spiritual call, because the remedy is spiritual, and springs from the power of universal peace to mankind.
"Half a century ago slavery was abolished, and this Convention heralded the abolishment of prejudice. The speakers were brilliant and sustained throughout the sessions the dawn of the great day of mutual tolerance, understanding and brotherly love. Although many eminent speakers were invited, it seemed as if the spirit made the selection and resolved the program into the very best, including Senator Shortridge of California, Hon. Theodore Burton, Hon. Martin B. Madden, Mr. C. Lee Cook, of Louisville, Ky., and Alfred Martin of New York. The Bahai speakers were never more eloquent, and I was impressed with this gift God has given them in comparing with the speakers of National reputation who assisted the program, including Mirza Abmad Sohrab, Albert Vail, of Chicago, Louis Gregory, Mountfort Mills and Howard MacNutt, and concluding with the pure breath of Jenabe Fazel. Truly Abdul Baha has fulfilled His promise -- 'Arise, turn thr heart to the Kingdom and I will make of thy lips a cup of utterance.!
"Spirituals, explained by Mrs. Gabrielle Pelham, sung by the colored people, were heart aWakening and the music given by the Howard University Chorus and Howard University Glee Club deserves the highest praise. One will never forget the singing of 'Mamny' by Master Lenore Cook, for it seemed as if he typified the love, the yearning and the music of the heart of the colored people.
"One cannot pass ‘over the program without realizing what a splendid address was given by Mrs. Coralie Cook on 'Colored Poets and Their Poetry’, and as she spoke so sweetly and simply, but with perfect culture, one realized the very purpose of the Convention, that after all color is merely ircidental to beauty and that the human soul reflects the same qualities regardless of skin. I look back with the deepest gratitude to Mr. C. Lee Cook for he seemed to inspire assistance and give color to the Convention life.
"Altogether this Convention will be heard through the ages for it voiced the Power of God, and the great ideals of unity went forth from the Ark of the Covenant as doves to carry this Message to all mankind.
"The dear. friends wno so untiringly arranged and perfected this Conventior were certainly inspired with spiritual guidance, and are standing in the light of the Kingdom. Tke Master once said, ina general sense, your names are better known in heaven than upon earth."
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Mirza Abmad Sohrab's beautiful contributionsin his "Diary Card" serics
furnish glimpses which friends and strangers alike will enjoy: The Hadleigh, Washington, D. C., May 18, 19¢1.
The program of the Convention for Amity between the Colored and the White Races is excelient. Nineteen thousand copies have been printed and circulated throughout churches, schools, hotels, stores and other pubiic Institutions, excellent publicity achieved and geniune enthusiasm aroused in all parts. There are many favorable comments in regard to the objects of the Convention. Both white and colored are waiting for deeds of justice and fair play, for constructive plans and loving sympathy, and many of them are straining their ears toward the utterances ‘of this most important gathering to see whether a ray of light will issue from the depth of the hearts. The truths of the oneness of the world of humanity must be proclaimed so that the sleepy ones shall become awakened, the dead ones arise and the negligent become aware. Mrs. Agnes Parsons and her co-workers, Mrs. E. R.Boyle, Mrs. C. F. Haney, Mrs. G. Pelham, Miss M. Root and Mrs. Coralie Cook are to be congratulated for the fine program they have prepared, the preliminary arrangements they have made and the beautiful interest they have created through their untiring labor and exertion. Jenabe Fazel looked at the program with great pleasure and felt inwardly that the spirit of Abdul Baha has been directing and controlling the deliberations of the Committee of Arrangements. This morning Mrs. Parsons, Mr. Randall, Miss Juliet Thompson, Mrs. Haney and Mr. Vail called on Jenabe to welcome him to the city. They were all most happy that he is here. Mrs. C. L. Cook of Louisville was also amongst those present and Jenabe was most delighted to see her again. In the afternoon Mrs. Boyle took Jenabe for a ride through the Rock Creek Park! It is an Elysian Beauty, green, sylvan and cool and one never is tired of looking at the verdant trees, flowing waters and soul-elevating scenery. In the evening 4 scholarly lecture was delivered to the members and guests of the National Pen League and International Literary Association, an organization whose objects are to foster general interest in the output of writers, artists and composers of all countries. The lecture was on Persian literature and poetry. Several hundred were present amongst them many professors, writers and diplomats. The President, Mrs. F. J. Stoddard, presided at the meeting and made a joyous introduction. There were artists who sang and played Persian music from Omar Khayam and the Rose Garden of Saadi. It was an appreciative audience. Every one was attracted.
The Hadleigh, Washington, D. C., May 19, 19<l.
The first session of the Convention for Amity between the Colored and the White races opened this evening at the Congregational Church, 10th & G Streets, N., W. The Church was filled to capacity with people of both races, There were about 2,000 men and women who were attracted by the objects of the meeting. It was an inspiring, enthusiastic audience whose fervent wrayer was to wipe out from the face of the earth all racial prejudices. Mr. W. H. Randall was the Chairman, Rev. J. N. Pierce orfered the invocation, expressing the noble sentiments of the lovers of humanity. Senator Samuel M. Shortridge of California delivered a remarkable speech on inter-racial justice and peace. He said: "You know and I know that for a nation to be great and perpetuate itself it must be homogeneous. I hope this Convention will result inbringing about a tolerant feeling between races." Mr. Randall said: "This Convention is not called for the purpose of discussing racial differences. Tke only problem before us is love, tolerance and sacrifice. We must live as a natior in peace, and we must live as a people in peace." The last speaker of the evening was lf. Vail of Chicago. His talk was brief but to the point. He said: "The age of prejudice must pass with the new cycle of universal comsunication." Mrs. Gabrielie Pelham, a remarkadle woman of culture and musical attainment had arranged a wonderful program of music. In a graphic, poetic way she . told the interested audience of the origin of a number of plantation songs and the Dunbar Community Singers, led by Mr. W. S. Mayo,rendered them in typical plantation
spirit. More than any other thing, the loving sympathy manifested between the two races sitting side by side, demonstrated the moving spirit animating the bodies. Seldom a scene so pregnant with spiritual significance for the future of America and the world has been witnessed! This is indeed a constructive Convention, taking hold of the subjects in the spirit of brotherhood and mutual understanding. The keynote of the Corvention is embodied in the following quotations contained in the program. Christ: "A new commandment I give wmto you that ye love one another." Baha'o'llab: "Union and harmony are the cause of the order of the world and the life of nations." Terrence: “Exercise your right in such a mamer as not to injure another mar's right." Lao-tze: "Requite injury with kindness." Epictetus: "This world of curs is one city." Zoroaster: "Do as you would be done by." Abdul Baha: "If men could only learn the lesson of mutual tolerance, under standing and brotherly love, the unity of the world would soon be an established fact." These are powerful ideals, the underlying purposes of each were set forth in the speeches of the speakers tonight and the spirit of which will fill the world with light, love and life. Jenabe Fazel was today busy receiving callers and paying calls on the friends. He attended part of the evening session and was delighted with the actual results of the Convention based on heavenly seenEenae>
The Hadleigh, Washington, D. C., May 2, 1921.
The problems of Race from national and international points of view, economic ani educational were discussed in detail by the different speakers at the morning and evening sessions or the Convention. They all showed the supreme desire for reconciliation, for an era of inter-racial amity. In the morning Mr. A. Vail acted as chairman and introduced Hon. Theodore Burton who spoke on "New Cooperation". His remarks were wise and statesmanlixe, and the audience welcomed them with vigorous applause, whatever he uttered in regard to the equality of opportunities and the dispensation of tive justice and democracy. Mr. C. Lee Cook of Louisville delivered a cogent and remarkable address on "Racial Understanding." Mr. Cook comes from the £outh and is thoroughly familiar with the disadvantages of our Colored brethren, and his remarks were similar unto the rays of light that dispel all clouds of hatred. Physically unable to walk, Mr. Cook's soul soars in the heaven of pure love, knowledge and wisdom. His presence in the Convention has beer a direct blessing and a constructive influence. Mr.tL.G. Gregory spoke most eloquently on the "New Springtime" -- the new age with its new aspirations. He held his audience entranced with the sweetness of his humility, the eloquence of his words and the beauty of his spiritual and mental artistry. In the afternoon Jenabe Fazel spoke in the home of Mrs. Agnes Parsons to a group of inquirers who afterwards asked questions which were answered with the greatest serenity and calmess. At the evening session Dr. A. L. Z,ocke of Howard University was the chairman. A refined, cultured, discriminating gentleman of knowledge, presiding with the utmost grace. Hon. Martin B. Madden lectured on: "Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship," stating that anti-lynching legislation would be enacted at this session of Congress and it would be signed by the President. Mr. Alfred Martin of New York, the President of Fthical Culture Society gave the most eloquent address on "The New Internationalism and Its Spiritual Factors." It was a privilege to listen to his appeal for Cosmopolitanism, world citizenship, universal democracy, and brotherhood or man. The address given spontaneously was a gem of erudition,
a combination of the powers or the mind and susceptitutities of the heart. It will remain as a distinct and precious contribution to the literature of this Convention all the addresses of which are reported and will be a repository of sound infor mation.
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The Hadleigh, Washington, D. C., May 21, 1921. The last day of the Race Convention was a clarion call to the oneness of the world of buranity; a call so clear and insistent that in time the whole world
will heed and abide by it. No other remedy will solve these puzzling problems except the love of God and this was pointed out with great emphasis; for when the love of God appears in the hearts of men, there will be room for nothing else, mutual understanding will result and the universal symphonies of the Kingdom will be sung. All differences will be removed. The newspapers, Star and Post gave many columns to the reports of the lecture; the Washington Bee, a Colored paper, published long articles and the publicity achieved was phenomenal. Many Colored Ministers and well-known teachers attended the sessions and the comments on all sides were most favorable and praiseworthy. No one realized that such constructive and instructive addresses would be delivered, but unquestionably the spirit of God inspired the torgues. The Colored people now realize that there is a group of men and women wko are their friends, who will work for their progress, who will champion their neglected cause in many parts, and who will not sit idle until equal justice and opportunity is presented to both -~- nay rather to all races. This morning Jenabe Fazel and about 12 other Bahais were invited to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ashton to have breakfast. It was a heavenly getherine, full of the joy of divine fellowship. They all sat around the table, read the words of Abdul Baha and listened to the wisdom of the great teacher. The two sessions of the Convention were celestial. In the morning Iir. M. Mills of New York, was in the chair and read the message of Abdul Baha to the convention, glowing with the, spirit of hope and courage to go forward and continue this mighty work; Mr. W. H. Randall delivered a heavenly address on "A New Pathway to Universal Peace," stating that when women come to their own, they will be the greatest factor for the establishment of Peace in the world. Fe was fired with the power of Conviction and sincerity. M. Ahmad Sohrab spoke on "Bible Prophecies of Universal Brotherhood." The last session had Mr. H. Maclutt in the chair. He spoke very beautifully about the work of the Convention in the future; Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook spoke on "Colored Poets and their Poetry" and read a number of poems with real feeling and power. They were truly appreciated by the vast audience. Mr. C. Lee Cook of Louisville delivered a second address on the spiritual value o7 the Sermon on the Mount to be applied to our racial relationship; and then Jenabe Fazel gave a ringing talk on "The Solution of the Race Problem in the Orient" -- the peace and amity established between the races and religions through the Revelation of Baha'o'llah. All through the various sessions there were songs and music by the members of the colored race, and the last night Howard University Glee Club sang several well known pieces by Burleigh. Altogether it was a spiritual feast of friendship and amity between the white and the colored races and its efrect will be world-wide. The Hadleigh, Washington, D. C., May 2c, 1921.
The outward results of every spiritual movement is witnessed with the spiritual eye -- so the effect of the Race Convention which came to an end last night will travel through the Kingdoms of the hearts from country to country, city to city, carrying on its zgolden wings the thrilling glad-tidings of a better day, a new day of justice and brotherhood. Hail to all the workers’ Well done all ye who for the last several months labored and laid the foundation of this new edifice of interracial Amity. As the bright and the Bahai Paul, the little son of Mrs. Haney said: "I wish we had a race Convention every week. Then this hate and antagonism would surely be abolished." There is no doubt that many of the colored papers and magazines throughout the country will gladly publish the fine addresses given at this Congress and will welcome and read all that was said on this crucial problem, Thus already a spiritual constructive revolution is set on foot. The army of light is drilled and eauipped with the instruments of kindness, the sword of love and the ammunition of understanding, they go out fighting -- driving away from their trenches and fortifications the soldiers of prejudices, hatred and intolerance. Their heads will be crowned with the diadem of victory, their hopes will be realized, their dreams fulfilled and their sacrifices accepted by the
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Supreme Commander who mapped this plan and spread this engagement -- so dramatic in its divine consequence. This morning a number of the members of the Teaching Committee held a meeting in the home of Mrs. A. Parsons, discussed many problems in regard to the promotion of the Word of God, to send teachers to the South, Northwest and Atlantic Coast states. The members were all unaminous that every one must arise and proclaim the coming of the Kingdom, every Bahai is a teacher and his responsibility is to sow the seeds in the hearts of men. In the afternoon Jenabe Fazel delivered an address on "Woran's Progress in Persia" to the Women's City Club. There was quite a large wumber present and all were happy to hear their oriental sisters are advancing in knowledge and independence. At noon Dr. and Mrs. Slater of Chicago were the guests at dinner and were glad to meet and speak with our beloved teacher of the Word. In the evening a beautiful meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Ashton -- Colored and White Bahais sat side by side with the utmost spirituality and wity and listened to a glorious talk on the abolition of all racial prejudices as taught by Baha'o'llah and Abdul Baha and exemplified in their divine lives. Joyous and happy, these souls soar in the atmosphere of celestial realization. They are the salt of the earth, the flowers of the garden of love, the stars of the heaven of sanctity and the letters of the
book of life.
"Praise be to GOD, in this century of illumination hearts are inclined toward amity and fellowship and minds are thoughtful upon the question of the unification of rankind. There is an emanation of the Universal Consciousness today _, which clearly indicates the dawn of a Great Unity." Abdul Baha.
The following from Miss Martha Root carries the spiritual charm which likewise characterizes all expressions about the Convention:
"When the race problem is settled and the spiritual citizenship of the
- hole world is entered into, history will explain the psychology of this first Convention for Amity Between the Colored and White Races. It was an acorn of the
Love-Power of the Center of the Covenant of God, -- in it were hidden a hundred thousand forests of Divine Wisdom! 3
"Baha'o'llah, Abdul Baha, the Bab and the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse brought home to every soul the LOVE OF GOD. Hearts opened, the whites were exhilarated, the colored felt the Spirit of Pentecost and both exclaimed in the voice of the spirit: 'This is sincerity’. Each suddenly saw in the other the LOVE OF GOD. The music of the colored spoke eloquently to all hearts the Universal Love of God; the spirituals told the story of suffering and in all the worlds of God the music of that convention made its apveal. The statesmen who spoke caught the spiritual atmosphere and arose in majesty to announce the Sovereignty of God in €@ll solutions. The Bahais spoke of the Vital Principles of this new Great Day of God; they were inspired. Mrs. Gabrielie Pelham explained the heart-thrilling music; and another true artist, Ifrs. Coralie Franklin Cook talked of colored poets and their poetry. Boston, New York and Western friends said: ‘'We could with spiritual profit have something just like this in our cities.'
"Mr. C. Lee Cook of Louisville, Ky., will be eternally remembered for the spontaneous tribute he gave to the great Divine Educator of humanity dwelling in Acca -~ Abdul Baha, His entire talk was full of excellent suggestions. (Mr. Cook had all the addresses taken down by a Senate stenographer, typed and presented with his love, to the Committee of the Convention. This record representing the vast range of elevating ideas will be dynamically useful in future work.) Mr. Alfred Martin of the Ethical Culture Society of New York showed that the inter-racial problem can be solved by rising to the spiritual conception of democracy.
"Jenabe Fazel Mazandarani, the beloved apostle of Persia closed the convention with the Bahai solution of the race problem in the Orient. His talk was
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the solvent that made all hearts one heart, all eyes one eye of faith looking to the Center of the Covenant of God.
"Mrs, Agnes S. Parsons who arranged the convention had the consummate wisdom and courage to make it truly universal. It was based on Heavenly Peachings. . It was under the patronage of splendid women of different faiths; a majority of the | Committee was composed of Bahais. The press, because of the broad scope of this convention, gave it unusual publicity and lo! this is what occurred: the LOVE OF GOD awakened all hearts, they opened to one another and were happy. Each showed
the other what he had; each shared."
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"If GOD had not loved humanity he would not have created it. Creation presupposes love. GOD is the real Father; all are His children. All the creatures are equal in this one family of GOD save whosoever is more kind, more compassionate- he is nearer to GOD." Abdul Baha.
“close their eyes to racial differences" and were truly happy to go forth from this Convention ready to upraise the Standard of the Oneness of Mankind which is the "basic harmony of the world." The barrier of color is destroyed forever when enlightened human beings meet upon the Spiritual Heights, and realiqm as Abdul Baha instructs that ;
"For man, two wings are necessary: One wing is the physical power and material civilization; the other is the spiritual power and divine civilization." So we have had more than a glimpse of the divine civilization. We realize fully that to establish the Oneness of the Kingdom of Humanity requires the Power Spiritual. To realize this is a joy, but to arise and uphold this Standard, to apply the Divine Remedy needed, is the only course which will satisfy the sincere soul. There are those who not only believe but know that "humanity will not find rest" save under the Shadow of the Divine Teachings revealed for this Great Day. "Do not only say that Unity, Love and Brotherhood are good; YOU MUST WORK FOR THEIR REALIZATION."
What could be more wonderful and comforting to us all than to be the re-~ cipients just now of an Assurance from Abdul Baha! After the Convention, Mrs. Parsons sent the following cable to Abdul Baha:
"Convention successful. Meetings crowded. Hearts comforted."
‘And the following cable answer came back in an almost miraculously short time:
"The white colored Convention produced happiness. Hoping will establish
same in all America,"
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THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN By Mariam Haney, Secretary.
The Mendote,
Washington, D.C.
May $1, 1921.
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