Scandalous Treatment
January 26, 1901
Summary
An article by the white newspaper in Richmond resorted to childish name-calling of many respected African Americans.
Transcription
Much indignation was caused among the colored population by an article which appeared in Richmond, VA,. Times of Sunday, Jan. 20th on the inauguration entertainment given at True Reformers’ Hall, Friday night Jan. 18th for the benefit of the First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Irene Hill, the accomplished wife of Mr. R. T. Hill, was the moving spirit in the affair and he had made the management of the arrangements for the inauguration of President McKinley. To give an idea of the scandalous manner in which the ablest, most refined, as well as the most responsible colored citizens were treated, we have but to refer to certain statements made by the reporters.
Mr. W. P. Epps, teacher in Henrico Public Schools, clerk of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the owner of property valued at $1500 was referred to as “a coon of good standing.”
E. W. Brown, editor of the Reformer was called “a slender Negro with a big foot.” Mr. W. P. Burrel was announced as “the windbag of the occasion.” And additional remarks made that “the celebrities of the Upper House were present in the persons well-known in Jackson Ward persons, exclusive to Pete [….and…]
Mr. Jake Wright, a letter carrier, who pays taxes on about $2500 worth of property was represented as “a Negro in ‘Africa’ who bears a good reputation in police circles.”
[The article continues to list various citizens and the insults addressed towards them...]
Mrs. Irene Hill, the accomplished wife of Mr. R. T. Hill, was the moving spirit in the affair and he had made the management of the arrangements for the inauguration of President McKinley. To give an idea of the scandalous manner in which the ablest, most refined, as well as the most responsible colored citizens were treated, we have but to refer to certain statements made by the reporters.
Mr. W. P. Epps, teacher in Henrico Public Schools, clerk of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the owner of property valued at $1500 was referred to as “a coon of good standing.”
E. W. Brown, editor of the Reformer was called “a slender Negro with a big foot.” Mr. W. P. Burrel was announced as “the windbag of the occasion.” And additional remarks made that “the celebrities of the Upper House were present in the persons well-known in Jackson Ward persons, exclusive to Pete [….and…]
Mr. Jake Wright, a letter carrier, who pays taxes on about $2500 worth of property was represented as “a Negro in ‘Africa’ who bears a good reputation in police circles.”
[The article continues to list various citizens and the insults addressed towards them...]
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Lower Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Nathan Lyell
Citation
“Scandalous Treatment,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed October 9, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/178.