Will You Do It!

A new seminary opens, and urges black men to join and rally their churches to support the seminary.

Color man of Virginia, there is a great work before you. The Virginia Seminary at Lynchburg has been established by you and is now under your direct control. The building has been enclosed, cottages erected and 400 of your children are seeking to obtain that educational knowledge so essential to the success of every citizen. We are building for the future. what have you done to aid this work? Have you contributed any money? If not, will you do so? If you have, will you do so again, the breakfast of yesterday will not answer for today. The money contributed last year as well. Money is needed.
Oh, if we could only picture the work to you as we saw it last week, exhortations would be unnecessary and appeals for money out of place. You will urge your church to rally to this institution and should it fail to see so, you would send the money as an individual. Subscriptions should be sent by groups and secret societies. The institution could be held this way and no one would be hurt.
President Gregory W Hayes is doing a noble work, will you uphold him? Will you rally to his support? Lay aside Petty bickering and do your whole Duty. By so doing we will furnish additional proof that we are progressing a belong to the best stock on the face of the globe. Rally to Virginia Seminary.

“Will You Do It!,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1599.