The Progress of the Colored American; His Chance in the Business World There are three points upon which every colored citizen may base his chances for success in the business world: First—From their inability to engage in any business whatever a generation and a half ago, the Colored race now numbers about five hundred thousand members engaged in trade, transportation, manufacturing and mechanical pursuits. Second—The Colored race having increased from about four millions of people a generation and a half ago, to nearly ten millions of people in 1913, the commercial field has vastly widened for exploitation. Third—Under the now accepted doctrine announced by Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst of New York City, the field is still farther enlarged and bids fair to become unlimited. The exact bearing of this increase in the population upon business chances lies in the increased consumption, greater demand and advanced civilization—that is a greater variety of objects are necessary to comfort or pleasure. This makes more customers, and all things being equal, perhaps they should be a trifle better, it is quite on the cards to believe that the Colored American will get his increased share of the trade of his fellow Colored Americans. If he does not, then he is probably in fault through inferior goods, poor service and lack of prompt delivery. The business is in his hands at any rate and the opportunity is at his call. The first proposition is to the effect that business chances are now at high tide, where a few years ago there were no chances of any sort. We are speaking of the subject of business chances exclusively, but may venture to add such employments as miners, masons, dress makers, 30pavers, iron and steel workers, stationary engineers, engine stokers, etc. In these latter occupations there are more than one hundred thousand Colored Americans employed, a gain of over 85 per cent in ten years, or rather since 1890. The other trades have fallen off somewhat owing to the introduction of machinery. 30 To limit this question to commercial pursuits, it may be well to state that economic progress has reached a high water mark among Colored Americans. There are one hundred twenty-five and more Colored business men’s local Leagues in about every State in the Union, with eleven State Colored men’s business leagues in the Southern States.
Prev.
Back
Top