Black Man's Burden, Chapter 17

A reading of William Holtzclaw's autobiography, Black Man's Burden. Chapter 17. 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.

Chapter 17 of "Black Man's Burden" recounts William H. Holtzclaw's visit to a progressive Black colony owning about five thousand acres, challenging the stereotype perpetuated by a former state governor who claimed that Negroes were regressing and incapable of assimilating into white civilization. Holtzclaw describes his interaction with a dedicated Black teacher who had significantly uplifted the community's standard of living. This chapter reflects on the tangible achievements in land ownership and education facilitated by local leadership.

The narrative continues with detailed accounts of the educational and agricultural advancements within the community, emphasizing the transformative role of industrial education similar to that at Tuskegee. Holtzclaw details the community's development from basic agriculture to more complex trades like wheelwrighting and blacksmithing, all fostered under the guidance of local educators who embody the principles taught at Utica. This holistic community development approach not only improved the economic conditions of African Americans but also fostered a sense of pride and self-sufficiency, disproving the negative stereotypes and showcasing the capabilities and progress of the Black community in the early 20th century.

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