Progress and Achievements of the Colored People / Containing the Story of the Wonderful Advancement of the Colored Americans—the Most Marvelous in the History of Nations—Their Past Accomplishments, Together With Their Present-day Opportunities and a Glimpse Into the Future for Further Developments—the Dawn of a Triumphant Era. A Handbook for Self-improvement Which Leads to Greater Success

by Kelly Miller; Joseph R. Gay

EDUCATE YOUR CHILDREN

It can not be doubted that education is the father and mother of opportunity and success in life.

You may know this from your own deficiencies, therefore, give those belonging to you a chance at opportunity and success by educating them.

You bring helpless beings into the world; you see them growing up amid modern surroundings that demand education, and it can not be possible that you will permit them to become weeds in the human garden—useless incumbrances to be thrown out upon the garbage heap.

It is the right of your children to be educated to fit some sphere in life. They are yours, and look to you to aid them. Besides, whatever you do to educate your children must redound to your own advantage.

Some people are jealous because their children know more than their parents. If your mind runs that way you come within the condemnation:

“He that provideth not for those of his own household hath denied the faith; he is the companion of the destroyer.”

Think this over and let it sink into your mind.

Your children want things you did not have when you were a child, and therefore, if the things that were good enough for you are not good enough for your children, they must go without. You reason like a cheese that is full of blind mites.

We are progressing far beyond the dreams of your youth, and your children are tied to the car of progress. You must not only let them go along with it, but you must help them to keep up with the procession. They are confronted by opportunities, and you dare not blind their eyes to them. Education is the only thing that will keep their eyes wide open to the chances of life.