Abernathy, Miss Hillman is described as “ the very worthy president.”Ī brief note in a Septemreport to the Evening Kansan Republican described the most recent meeting of the N.U.G. Washington Should Lead Us?”įebruary 1903, Mabel was elected president of the N.U.G. There was then a general discussion on two topics: “Has the Negro as Many Friends in the North as in the South” and “Do you Think that Booker T. At a Decemmeeting, Mabel read one of Booker T. Opening consisted of a scripture reading followed by a program. Weekly meetings were held in the homes of members. There were 12 members the first year including Miss Mabel Hillman and Mrs. Club was formed in Newton in January 1901 “as an organization among the colored people for the study of current events and the literature of the day.” In format, the club functioned much like the Ladies Reading Circle and other women’s groups popular in the early 1900s. Miss Hillman gave the “ Welcome to Our House of Worship” for the service. Church on West 5th held a service of dedication. In 1896, Mabel attended Newton High school and during a Kansas Day Celebration she gave a presentation on “John Brown.”Ī short time later the new C.M.E. School, Church & Clubs: Mabel’s Activities There are a few clues about her life in Newton as a student and activities following graduation. Of the speeches reported on for the article, the one given by Mabel Hillman received the most attention from the editor of the Evening Kansan Republican. His future depends on himself, if he develop skill, intelligence and character.” She concluded, “in these shall he conquer. She closed with a story from the battle at San Juan Hill, “when the boy whose father fell at Gettysburg was by the side of the boy whose father wore the gray, and as they made that terrible charge a colored trooper crawled between them and they sacrificed in common for Liberty’s flag.” She pointed out the many accomplishments already achieved from educational institutions, building projects and “one of the largest and finest farms in Kansas is owned by a negro.” But he needs the help, encouragement and guidance of the good people, and then with his own industry and skill, will he carve out his own future.” He no longer considers himself the bone while the north and south are dogs fighting over him. In the great wars he has been found trustworthy, brave and patriotic. “the negro has played an important part in the crises of the nation. There remains one more victory, as important and far-reaching as any – the conquering of racial prejudice.”įollowing the opening, she recounted the ways in which, “There are times when patriotic Americans feel that they are losing confidence in their country’s future. One of the last speakers was senior, Mabel Hillman who “spoke for her race in ‘The Future of the Negro’ treating the subject in a rational manner” according to the reporter. She then “launched into the discussion of the question, ‘Why are there so few boys in the high school?’ ” Other students followed, some with serious subjects, entertainment and music. Mabel Devlin, salutatorian, extended the welcome. The program opened with a chorus “Joy, Joy, Freedom Today,” and A. “ There is one institution in Newton of which the citizens are proud -the high school – and as a consequence, the house was well filled at 2:15 when the curtain rose.” The editor of the paper proudly proclaimed The Evening Kansan Republican, reported on “Senior Class Day,” which included “lectures instead of the usual program of orations and declamations, the graduates ‘spoke their pieces.” The room at the high school was deemed “too small” and the opera house management “donated the use of the house.” Who was she? Could she be the first Black woman graduate of Newton High School? Senior Class Day Research narrowed the identity of the Black woman to Mabel or Mable Hillman. The class included some well known Newton family names – Axtell, Bretch, Caveny, Plumb and Reese. The Mirror, 1904 List of names for NHS Class of 1900
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