t the application of
business methods would bring rewards to a black man just as to a white
man.

The first meeting of the National Negro Business League was held in
Boston, August 23 and 24, 1900. After these sessions Booker Washington
made the following statement of the purpose in calling the meeting and
the results obtained:

"As I have travelled through the country from time to time I have been
constantly surprised to note the number of colored men and women,
often in small towns and remote districts, who are engaged in various
lines of business. In many cases the business was very humble, but
nevertheless it was sufficient to indicate the opportunities of the
race in this direction. My observation in this regard led me to
believe that the time had come for the bringing together of the
leading and most successful colored men and women throughout the
country who are engaged in business. After consultation with men and
women in various parts of the country it was determined to call a
meeting in the city of Boston to organize the National Negro Business
League. This meeting was held during the 23d and 24th of August, and
it was generally believed that it was one of the most successful and
helpful meetings that has ever been held among our people. The meeting
was called with two objects in view: first, to bring the men and women
engaged in business together, in order that they might get acquainted
with each other and get information and inspiration from each other;
secondly, to form plans for an annual meeting and the organization of
local business leagues that should extend throughout the country. Both
of these objects, I think, have been admirably accomplished. I think
there has never been a time in the history of the race when all feel
so much encouraged in relation to their business opportunities as now.
The promoters of this organization appreciate very keenly that the
race cannot depend upon mere material growth alone for its ultimate
success, but they do feel that material prosperity will greatly hasten
their recognition in other directions."

The spirit and purpose of this first national convention of Negro
business men may be gathered by this quotation from the speech of J.H.
Lewis, a merchant tailor, and perhaps the most successful business man
of the race at the time: "But what hope has the Negro to succeed in
business?" said Mr. Lewis. "If you can make a better article than
anybody else, and sell it chea