A Nickel and a Prayer

PREFACE

29 PREFACE  I have told the simple story of one who felt herself called upon to undertake and perform an apparently neglected, but greatly needed task. There have been many inquiries as to the origin of the Phillis Wheatley Association, how it was started, its work, its growth, and its future. In these pages an attempt is made to answer these queries. If the recital of my humble efforts to be of service to Negro girls and women encourages in another a like spirit, in the field of social service or in other fields, no more fitting reward can come to me. It has been difficult, in these pages, to restrain myself from making this volume the story of the many loyal friends who have done so much to forward the work of the Phillis Wheatley Association. To them is due in large measure the success of this work so dear to my heart. Without them, the results accomplished would be meager indeed. But as the publisher2 has insisted that this is my autobiography, and that I must not fill this volume with the names and beneficences of these noble men and women who have worked with me and made possible our present accomplishment, I feel obliged to give, in this preface, some small degree of credit to them for their loyalty. Especially to Mrs. Robert H. Bishop, Jr.,3 my debt of gratitude is due for her unselfish devotion to high ideals; her social influence in our behalf; her far-sighted vision for service to my race; and her understanding of my aspirations and efforts. 30 Preface To Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Frackelton4 my affectionate thanks for their faith and the long years of devoted service; for their sympathy in the problems which I confronted in my efforts to unite the races in a common cause. I am appreciative to other friends for permission to use personal letters in their possession; and especially am I indebted to Mr. W. S. Richardson5 for the use of material relative to the early interest of Mrs. Levi T. Scofield6 in the Phillis Wheatley Association. My thanks to Miss Zuleime Garrett7 and others who gave kindly criticism and helpful suggestions in the preparation of this, my life story; and to Mr. John Bennett8 and Miss Rhoda E. McCullough9 for their gracious commendation of “A Nickel and a Prayer.” Particularly do I appreciate the sympathetic understanding that the Board of Trustees evinced in my endeavors. To my mother, and all these friends I dedicate this volume. ...