PRESIDENT SETS FORTH SOLUTION TO "NEGRO PROBLEM"
Birmingham, Alabama (JFK+50) On October 26, 1921, President Warren G. Harding spoke at the semi-centennial celebration held here in Birmingham*.
According to the New York Tribune, the President set forth the following solution to "the negro problem"...
"Absolute economic equality between the races but complete social divergence affording the colored man every opportunity to advance but preserving the purity and traditions of the two races."
President Harding spoke from a rostrum looking out on two separate groups of listeners, one black and one white.
Turning to the white section, the President said...
"Whether you like it or not, unless our democracy is a lie, you must stand for that equality."
*Birmingham, Alabama was founded on June 1 1871 by the Elyton Land Company. It is the only place where significant quantities of iron ore, coal & limestone are found in close proximity. Birmingham is named after England's famous industrial city.
SOURCE
"Harding Asks Equal Chance For Negroes," The New York Tribune, October 27, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
