The Home, the Store, the School and Church, and the Factory are the infallible signs of civilization; the people who support these exhibit the true signs of enlightenment.
In this volume you will have an opportunity of learning how the leading schools were started by the friends of the race. You will learn how men and women left their homes of ease and comfort and went among the new-born Freedmen, and assisted in reconstructing the individual and home life. You will also learn the names of noble men and women who have founded, supported and endowed institutions for the training of the head, hand and heart of the coming generation.
An account will be given of the schools founded, manned and supported by the race itself; and, for the first time, the world will be enlightened as to what the race is doing for its own education; illustrations of buildings, presidents, professors and students will gladden your eyes.
Short sketches of men and women who have shown skill in the professions, and achieved success in business, will be presented, calculated to give inspiration to the youth of the future.
Having witnessed the instructive exhibitions of the author of this volume, and heard with pleasure his instructive Lectures, I take great pleasure in introducing to the present and future generations "Evidences of Progress Among Colored People." For I know no man better qualified by his knowledge of the history of the race and by his personal examination and careful study of our problem, also his intimate acquaintance with individuals about whom he writes, than Mr. G. F. Richings.
I am yours for God and the Race,
Benjamin W. Arnett.
Tawawa Chimney Corner,
Wilberforce, Ohio, March 20, 1896.