This article highlights another instance where a Black speaker came to Vassar; in this instance Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a leading civil rights activist in the 20th century. She brought with her a quintet of singers with the intention of moving the audience to care about the “the entire Black group of America” and not just the small group visiting Vassar.
Full Article
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Addresses Vassar: Quintette Sings for Fashionable N.Y. Seminary
The Pittsburgh Courier (1911-1950);
Nov 21, 1936; ProQuest
pg. 8
POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y., Nov. 19.—President Mary McLeod Bethune and members of the Publicity Quintet were recent guests of Vassar College and Oakwood School at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. A large number of students and teachers gathered into the Music Recital Hall at 4:30 p. m. to listen to a program of Negro spirituals—rendered in the unique harmonies of five consecrated singers.
The quintet has dedicated itself to the task of singing Bethune-Cookman College into the hearts of the people of the nation. They send up their voices as one—pouring out much feeling and sentiment into the songs of their fathers.
The program at Vassar was greeted with voluminous applause. The plaudits continued enthusiastically throughout the entire program, continuing long after President Bethune arose for her address.
In her inimitable manner, President Bethune expressed her great appreciation for this manifest interest in the work which her group was doing. She brought to mind the fact that the singing of the quintet was done—not simply to entertain or amuse—but to create an interest in the entire black group of America, of which this group is a very small part. Her appeal to Vassar was a challenge that in the face of their superior opportunities, they were expected to disseminate among their own group—more of sympathy, interest and cooperation. Her speech was the embodiment of all that a great soul might be; her audience could see that she had transcended all lines of prejudice and class distinction. She was not alone the president of Bethune-Cookman College, not alone the herald for her race group, but she was all of this and more; she was a noble woman who has sensed human need and understanding in a world of conflicting ideas and ideals.
The quintet closed the program with the singing of the “Lost Chord”—President Bethune’s favorite selection. The Vassar audience would not have them stop; two more renditions were given had finally the College Hymn with its sacred plea for the alma mater they love.
Two hours previous to the program the group made a tour of the campus, escorted by two seniors. This was a tour that the members of the group can never forget.
The quintet visited Oakwood School, an exclusive Quaker school, where they sang before a group of possibly one hundred students. Among the students were the three sons of Max Yergan, the well known Y.M.C.A. worker; these were the only Negroes enrolled.
These visits are significant in that they are breaking the dead branches from the path of human understanding and brotherhood.
The members of the quintet are Miss Alfredda Prince, Tampa, Fla., first soprano; Mrs. Flossie Roberts, New York City, second soprano; Mrs. Annie Simmons Dixon, Fayetteville, N. C., contralto; James Bolden, Asheville, N. C., tenor; and Isaac Caffey, Gainesville, Fla., bass. Miss Josie W. Roberts of Daytona Beach, Fla., is director and accompanist.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Address original article (PDF, 52KB)
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