Economic Growth Produces Political Independence
Courtesy of The New York Public Library
At the 1912 annual National Negro Business League (NNBL) meeting in Chicago, Booker T. Washington had this to say, “This is an era of specialization organization. We shall be a potent force in all directions in proportion as we organize and work together North and South.” Those who grow grains, raise hogs, and chickens are organized. “If we as Negroes would increase our business strength and influence, we must organize. Organize, organize locally in the state and nation. Work together and stick together.” The local NNBL “should be the Chamber of Commerce for the Negro. Every community should have its local league, and wherever possible and practical there should be a State League, all working in harmony with the National Negro Business League.” Washington added, we shall be producers of bread, owners of bread, manufacturers of bread, dealers in bread,” and the beneficiaries of the wealth that comes from it. What I am advocating is economic growth that will help our people and institutions achieve “our political independence.”
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