Black Man's Burden, Chapter 10

A reading of William Holtzclaw's autobiography, Black Man's Burden. Chapter 10. William Holtzclaw was the founder of the Utica Normal and Industrial Institute, a "Little Tuskegee" in rural Utica, Mississippi. His book, the first published by an African American in Mississippi, recounts his journey in establishing the school.

In Chapter 10 of "The Black Man's Burden," William H. Holtzclaw reflects on the growth of the Utica Normal and Industrial Institute amidst political challenges. Recognizing the need to uplift the entire community, Holtzclaw initiates a "Teachers' Extension Movement," where faculty members engage in organized efforts to guide people in improving their living conditions. Through this movement, teachers encourage locals to acquire land, raise livestock, and build better homes. The narrative emphasizes the remarkable impact of these efforts, illustrating instances like Holtzclaw's simple lesson on utilizing blackberry vines to improve living conditions on family farms.

Additionally, the chapter underscores the role of the Negro Farmers' Conference, an annual gathering at the institute where farmers discuss their challenges and successes. Resolutions from these conferences highlight the importance of land ownership, improvement in education, and the value of industrial training. The narrative also showcases instances where experts, including physicians and agricultural researchers, contribute practical knowledge to benefit the farmers, fostering a sense of community progress and citizenship.

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