In speaking of the work of this committee Miss Bowles said, “The Y. W. C. A. is the only organization that is handling the work with all girls alike, and the result of its efforts is bound to be the building up of the confidence of the colored race, not only in the nation itself but in Christianity. With the colored, as with all other women and girls throughout the world, the aim of the Y. W. C. A. is a constructive foundation of Christian ideals. Girls are girls, whatever their race or complexion. As naturally as a flower demands sunshine and rain, a girl craves good times, pretty clothes and happiness.”
In closing this vital chapter, the writer can think of no better way than to quote the following words of Miss Bowles when she summed up the past and pointed out the future regarding the leaderships of Colored women among their own people in the United States.
“The war has given opportunity to the colored woman to prove her ability for leadership. She had her chance and she made good. With all the strength of having suffered, she will be able, through the patience born of suffering, to lead the women and girls whom only she can lead. The time is past for white leadership for colored people. As white and colored women, we must understand each other, we must think and work and plan together for upon all of us rests the responsibility of the girlhood of our nation.”
THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The “Y” Men
The buildings where, “Y” men do live
Have comforts like, dear mothers give.
Fine lodgings they are for single men,
Who with the best do want to blend.
Without rank smoke and vulgar swear
Billiards and pool are also there
The gym., the baths and sleeping rooms
Give to their healths the greatest booms.
Night schools and also Christian talks
Do most to guide young “Y” men walks.
—Harrison.
THE 110 Negro college Young Men’s Christian Associations and the fifty or more city branches is as many cities in twenty-three different states in the Union are really God-sends to thousands of young Colored men who prefer to spend their spare minutes in the best places of physical cleanliness, social purity and mental advancement. These “Y” branches in the cities are also great blessings for thousands of intelligent, refined and progressive Colored men who are constantly visiting strange places on important businesses and want to be sure they are stopping in modern, sanitary, decent, respectable and congenial lodgings.
Mr. Julius Rosenwald of Chicago, Ill. made an offer in 1911 to give the sum of $25,000 to every city in the United States that would raise $75,000 by public subscription for the construction of a Y. M. C. A. building for the use of Colored people. This offer was gladly and eagerly accepted and as a result buildings have already been erected in Atlanta, Ga., Baltimore, Md., Brooklyn, N.Y., Chicago, Ill., Columbus, O., Indianapolis, Ind., Kansas City, Mo., New York City, N. Y., Philadelphia, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., St. Louis, Mo., and Washington, D.C. During the past ten years Mr. Rosenwald has given $350,000 toward the erection of these buildings, other white people have given nearly a million dollars, while Colored people have contributed over a quarter of a million dollars. Thus over two million dollars have already been expended in the construction of Y. M. C. A. buildings in cities for Colored men.
Great credit for the early development and rapid growth of this work is due the late W. A. Hunton, who was made a member on the staff of the International Secretary Board of the Y. M. C. A. Today this work is continuing to rapidly grow and spread with the friendly co-operation and hearty support of Messrs. B. H. Fancher, Treas., A. E. Marling, Chairman and J. R. Mott, Gen’l Sec’y of The International Committee of the Y. M. C. A., and under the wise supervision of Dr. J. E. Mooreland, who is being ably assisted by H. K. Craft, W. C. Craver, R. P. Hamlin, C. H. Tobias, J. B. Watson, Max Yergen and other efficient members on that large staff. During the World War 350 Y. M. C. A. Colored Secretaries, under the guidance of Dr. J. E. Moorland, R. B. DeFrantz, W. J. Faulkner, J. F. Gregory and G. L. Johnson loyally served Colored soldiers stationed in 55 camps, training schools and forts in America. Among those who were the leaders in Y. M. C. A. and social work among the Colored soldiers over-seas were J. E. Blanton, Mrs. Helen Curtis, Miss Helen Hagan, Dr. John Hope, Mrs. Addie Hunton, Miss Katherine Johnson, Dr. B. M. Murrell, Dr. H. H. Proctor, C. H. Williams and Max Yergen.