Colored girls and boys' inspiring United States history: and a heart to heart talk about white folks

In Short

Published in 1921, this volume is an educational and inspirational guide designed to teach Black youth about the historic contributions, ongoing achievements, and institutional progress of their people in the United States. Spanning military service, business, higher education, music, sports, and religious life, the text pairs chronicled accomplishments with moral exhortations. It seeks to instill deep racial pride in younger generations while offering candid advice on how to navigate race relations, foster economic self-reliance, and build constructive partnerships with sympathetic white Americans to ensure future progress.

The Story

The volume opens with a foundational argument: Black Americans have been integral to the building, defense, and cultural life of the United States since its inception. Beginning with military history, the narrative detail spans early conflicts to the World War, showing that Black servicemen fought bravely in every major American effort. In the War of 1812, Black sailors and soldiers rallied retreating forces, helped secure critical naval victories with Commodore Perry, and suggested tactical defenses to General Jackson. Moving into the World War, the text highlights the renowned 369th Regiment—the "Black Tigers"—who earned international acclaim and military honors for holding crucial sectors in France under relentless fire.

Beyond the battlefield, the book charts the transformation of Black society following the abolition of slavery. It details how former slaves, despite initial hesitations toward agricultural labor due to its connection with forced servitude, returned to the land to purchase property, establish farms, and lay an economic foundation. This drive for self-determination extends into institutional development. The text surveys the rise of Black-owned enterprises, secret fraternal orders, independent churches, professional associations, and press networks. These institutions are presented not merely as financial achievements, but as essential pillars of community stability, health care, and moral guidance.

Education and professional advancement form the primary engine of the book's vision for the future. The narrative surveys the expanding network of Black colleges, business schools, and specialized training programs, alongside white institutions opening their doors to Black scholars. It celebrates pioneering individuals across fields—physicians earning foreign decorations, record-breaking college athletes, acclaimed classical and folk musicians, stage actors breaking dramatic barriers, and prominent inventors.

The book closes with a direct call to action regarding race relations and personal conduct. The author outlines a practical philosophy of mutual respect, urging Black readers to patronize race-owned businesses, maintain high ethical standards, and embrace both spiritual and financial literacy. Simultaneously, it calls upon white citizens to abandon prejudice, deliver justice, and recognize Black contributions. By establishing a shared baseline of economic competence, Christian morality, and patriotism, the text argues that both races can work together toward true democracy and lasting national harmony.

How It Unfolds

The legacy of service The book begins by detailing the heroic acts of Black soldiers and sailors in early American conflicts, demonstrating that national independence and defense were secured through Black sacrifice and tactical leadership.

Building from the soil Transitioning to the post-emancipation era, the text outlines how former slaves overcame the painful legacy of forced labor to master agriculture, acquire land, and establish sustainable rural economies.

Institutional independence The narrative charts the rapid rise of Black churches, fraternal societies, press associations, and financial institutions, framing them as vital hubs for capital accumulation, health care, and social unity.

Educational expansion The focus shifts to intellectual progress, showcasing a nationwide network of business colleges, industrial institutes, and universities equipping young men and women for professional careers.

Excellence across disciplines The author profiles standout individuals across medicine, athletics, stage, and classical music, using their national and international accolades to disprove notions of racial inferiority.

A blueprint for cooperation The volume concludes with practical advice on economic solidarity, civic responsibility, and honest race relations, calling for mutual respect and Christian ethics between Black and white Americans.

The People

• William Henry Harrison, Jr.

The author, compiler, and illustrator who seeks to inspire young Black readers while offering candid reflections on race relations. He wants to boost community self-confidence without arrogance, urging economic self-sufficiency, education, and moral integrity.

• Colonel "Bill" Hayward

The white commander of the 369th Infantry Regiment ("Black Tigers"). He treats his Black soldiers with absolute respect and equal dignity, leading them from the front in France and earning their unyielding loyalty and national acclaim.

• Eva D. Bowles

A prominent leader within the Y.W.C.A. who advocates for the social and moral uplift of young Black women, working to secure funding, equal institutional support, and national leadership opportunities.

• Dr. Harriet A. Rice

A Wellesley graduate and physician awarded the French Reconnaissance Française medal for her dedicated medical service caring for wounded soldiers in French military hospitals during the World War.

• Edward Orval Gourdin

A standout Harvard track-and-field athlete whose record-breaking long jumps and sprints under challenging physical conditions exemplify athletic grit, scholastic achievement, and personal resilience.

• Charles S. Gilpin

A veteran stage actor who persevered through years of menial labor before gaining national recognition and a Spingarn Medal for his starring performance in The Emperor Jones.

In Its Own Voice

"When American school children learn from their United States histories that clean-cut and famous naval battle report, 'We have met the enemy and they are ours' ..., such histories do not also inform their readers that the personal pronouns 'we' and 'ours' so prominent in Commodore Perry’s above message includes the heroic deeds of Colored sailors as well as white."

This passage introduces the section on the War of 1812, insisting that standard historical accounts obscure the essential contributions of Black servicemen.

"So the 'new school' and more businesslike ministers of these times are patiently teaching, fast convincing and gradually converting their congregations in the belief and truth that it is just as much Christianity in the honest earning, the frugal saving, the fair investment, the wise spending and the merciful sharing of a dollar with the poor and needy, as there is need for Christianity in the saving of their souls and the spreading of the gospel."

Here the author describes the evolving role of the Black church, connecting spiritual growth directly to economic pragmatism.

"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."

This quote highlights the egalitarian philosophy of Y.W.C.A. organizer Eva D. Bowles regarding equal youth development.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book is an argument for historical truth and self-determined citizenship. It asserts that Black Americans have earned an undeniable stake in the United States through blood, labor, and creative genius, despite systemic erasure from mainstream textbooks. The author argues that true advancement requires a balanced strategy: spiritual faith must be matched with practical financial savvy, and individual achievement must support community institutions. Furthermore, the text contends that racial harmony cannot rest on sentimentality alone, but must be built on mutual economic respect, equal justice under the law, and honest recognition of shared national history.

Why Read It Today

This volume offers a compelling, primary perspective on early twentieth-century Black self-reliance and intellectual life. Readers interested in African American history, education, and civil rights history will value its rich, contemporary inventory of institutions, businesses, and cultural figures operating during the post-WWI era.

The reading experience is energetic, direct, and deeply earnest. The tone shifts easily between historical chronicling, rhythmic promotional verse, statistical reporting, and personal exhortation. While modern readers may find the original typography, occasional archival lists, and early 1920s racial terminology distinct to its era, these elements preserve the authentic voice of a community builder actively shaping history. The book leaves a lasting impression of optimism, resilience, and unshakeable pride in human potential.