Mary Church Terrell Papers: Speeches and Writings, 1866-1953; A Colored Woman in a White World, drafts; 10 of 23
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Mrs. Mary Church Terrell -- 3. have no respect for them. And while I do not at all agree with that opinion, sometimes when I see the lack of appreciation which we as a race show to those who do try to help us, to uplift us, or help us in any way, sometimes I feel that there is just a modicum of truth in this charge which is preferred against us by our enemies -- I think they are our enemies, I will call them so, because I think that nobody but an enemy would make a blanket charge like that against any group of human beings. And so when my good friend, Mrs. Alston, wrote me a letter [stating] telling me about this testimonial, this Anniversary Celebration, which was in preparation for Reverend Sheafe, and asked me would I come here and say a few words, I was more than glad to do so. I cheerfully consented. I was so glad to see that a group of human beings had come together and had said here is a man who has done a great deal of good in this community, and we are going to see that he knows how much we appreciate the services he has so splendidly rendered in our behalf. And so I congratulate not only Reverend Sheafe upon the splendid work he has done in this community along all of the lines of uplift, but I congratulate the people who were appreciative enough of his services to prepare this Anniversary Celebration