1875 before the Order of
Pole-Bearers Association.
“Ladies
and Gentlemen I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the
white and colored races of the southern states. I accept it more particularly
as it comes from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God's earth who
loves the ladies I believe it is myself. (Immense applause and laughter.) I
came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong.
I believe I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in
strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate
every man to depress none. (Applause.) I want to elevate you to take positions
in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. I
have not said anything about politics today. I don't propose to say anything
about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you
think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are freemen. Do as you
consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to
make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a
speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you
as friends, and welcome you to the white people. I want you to come nearer to
us. When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let
us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Many things
have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons
here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. Go to work, be
industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come
to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you
have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart
and in hand. (Prolonged applause.)"
http://www.conservativehq.com/article/30610-what-ted-cruz-got-wrong-about-nathan-bedford-forrest-day
Link at knuckledraggin.com
(Whether the Pole-Bearers Association was a precursor to NAACP is a point of debate.)
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