Virginia in the Limelight

Following the Republican Convention in Lynchburg, in which “colored men were not only denied voice and vote, but membership therein,” a mass meeting is held in Chicago to protest and make amends.

The action of the colored voters and the “old line” white Republican in holding a Republican Mass Convention in this city May 14, 1908 and electing delegates at large and alternates to the National Republican Convention was a timely method of registering their protest against the un-republican republican state convention held at Lynchburg recently, where colored men were not only denied voice and vote, but membership therein. It was controlled by Negro-haters and men who had upon their persons the political accoutrements and principles of the Democratic Party from which they came. It was proper therefore for these Republicans to emphasize their protests by the election of contesting delegates to Chicago, where the great Republican Party of the nation can decide the issues between them. The platform adopted is a wise exposition of Republican principles and states the position of the party in this state clearly. It does not matter materially what the outcome of the protest will be. It will make the “lily white” contingent squirm in their seats, even at the prospect of having their actions reviewed by the party management at Chicago. Here is the platform as adopted: “The Republicans of Virginia, in mass convention assembled, this 14th day of May, 1908, in the city of Richmond, Va. do reaffirm their allegiance to the National Republican Party that has made such enduring history, achieved so many victories in the commercial and industrial fields, and has gained such peace and prosperity for this, our native land, during the last forty years...

“Virginia in the Limelight,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/559.