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First Race Amity Convention

Central figures[edit]

Central to the initiative and accomplishment of the first Race Amity Convention were, first, 'Abdu'l-Bahá to whom the conditions were reported and his response was to direct Agnes Parsons to set up the conference, and assistant to her of Louis Gregory. Consultations occured at various levels and people coordinated around Agnes Parsons including a committee and patrons of the event to be held.

Agnes Parsons[edit]

Main article: Agnes Parsons

Parsons (1861 - 1934) was daughter of General and Mrs. Royall, initially in the western US but retiring to Washington DC which for them as a conservative upper class environment and used black domestic servants. She had never associated outside of her own social circle until joining the Bahá'í Faith in 1910. She at first saw a far distant age of racial equality through the religion, and that it was a common thought in white America that blacks belonged at the margin of society at the time. She invited 'Abdu'l-Bahá to stay in her home if he came to America which he did April 20-28, 1912, and subsequent visits, and at the Parsons' home in August in Dublin, NH. While staying at their home 'Abdu'l-Bahá spoke at Howard University though Parsons did not accompany him. It was after this meeting that the Persian charge d'affairs reception was held and to which Gregory was called to attend and then gave a talk about a oneness of humanity which Parsons did attend, though she did not appreciate the explicit presence of the teaching of the oneness of humanity enough to comment on the event in her diary. That evening 'Abdu'l-Bahá then gave a talk at the Bethel and again Parsons did not attend.[1]

Louis Gregory[edit]

Main article: Louis Gregory

Gregory (1874 - 1951)[2][1] Gregory was born in South Carolina and his high school graduation speech was "Thou Shalt Not Live for Thyself Alone". His birth father died when he was four and his mother remarried three years later and later Gregory asked to make his surname as his own. He graduated from Fisk in Nashville, TN, and Howard University in Washington DC and then was employed with the Treasury Department following which, in 1907, he began to investigate the religion after a talk by Lua Getsinger and joined the religion after 2 years. Gregory was a leader of the African American Bethel Historical and Literary Society on the basis of a successful career of education, training and service.[1] In 1910 he stopped working as a lawyer to begin full time working to promote the religion. He succeeded at having integrated meetings and a goal of spreading this in and out of the Bahá'í community and began traveling much in the South more often among segregated communities. In 1911 Gregory was elected to a Working Committee of DC and sailed on a pilgrimage to see 'Abdu'l-Bahá and also met his wife to be. In 1912 he was elected to the national body of the Bahá'í Temple Unity. When 'Abdu'l-Bahá was in America Gregory was asked to attend the Persian charge d'affaire's reception, a diplomatic event of high profile that brought a black man to the table. In the same period Gregory married his wife and returned to traveling. About 1918 he helped founded NAACP chapters in South Carolina.

A building effort[edit]

Parsons applied for a passport, in August 22, 1919.[3] She anticipated sailing September 20 and reports of her back in the US came in May 1920.[4] In the passport application she submitted a testimonial about why she was going which was a summary of the "Bahai Movement"(sic). Among remarks on history and teachings of the religion, she remarks on the inclusive nature of Bahá'í practice, and, at the same time, she observes that Bahá'í practice is "conservative" about "not in sympathy with the breaking down of all degrees and distinctions between men as taught by radical thinkers." She was to accompany Corinne True and associations who anticipated a focus on the Bahá'í House of Worship as well as the publishing trust.[3] A pilgrim note of Parsons' experience on pilgrimage was published in Star of the West for the American community in November 1920 gathered when she was in Haifa in about the previous February.[5]

Zia Bagdadi went on pilgrimage, applying for a passport in September-October 1919,[6] The Bagdadi family left America Nov 11, 1919 and on Dec 9 reached Haifa.[7] During and after WWI racial tension had risen into violence in a period generally known as the Red Summer.[1] Gregory also was aware of the violence in the Chicago riots of late July-early August, and the actions of Zia Bagdadi there.[8] 'Abdu'l-Bahá had been aware of the problem for many years and the threat of violence,[1] but Bagdadi reported these particular events to 'Abdu'l-Bahá who then spoke of worse developments if nothing is done.[9] Bagdadi reported on a brief interview that occured 'Abdu’l-Bahá April 6, 1920. 'Abdu’l-Baha had a clipping of an article by Marth Root from a Cleveland newspaper with a tablet of 'Abdu’l-Baha on uniting the races and bloodshed if they fail. He urged that the problem threatens America because enemies of America will exacerbate the hates of each.[10] Parsons was still on pilgrimage before May 1920 when she was given this command: "I want you to arrange in Washington a convention for unity between the white and colored people." This was not anticipated by Parsons in the least - though she had led various programs of action she had no prior experience in race relations. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá then advised Agnes Parsons to ask for assistance.[11][12] 'Abdu'l-Bahá confirmed it with a message via Mountfort Mills - "Say to this Convention that never since the beginning of time has one more important been held. This convention stands for the Oneness of Humanity; it will become the cause of the removal of hostility between races; it will be the cause of the enlightenment of America. It will - if wisely managed and conducted - check the deadly struggle between these races which otherwise will inevitably break out.”[12] Dr. Richard Walter Thomas says: "She wasn't the most progressive person, she wasn't a Jane Addams, she wasn't a radical white woman."[13] and Dr. Louis Venters adds "The call for blacks and whites to come together for a new effort to abolish prejudice needed to come from a well-to-do white person, not from African Americans who could easily be sidelined and disregarded."[13]

The US national leadership invited Bahá'ís to consult on the riots and what to do including Louis Gregory, Joseph Hannen, Zia Bagdadi and others.[1] 'Abdu'l-Bahá then asked the Bahá'ís to raise the Race Amity Conferences as a public good.[1] After relying on second hand reports of his decisions, 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote a letter initiating the public conference.[1] He called for a series of well publicized interracial meetings and topics. He had already appointed Agnes Parsons to lead the first one which was to be held in DC. While it was not mentioned publicly at the time had 'Abdu’l-Bahá told her to organize a race amity conference which in her circumstance of privilege in segregated DC society which Earl Redman described as deeply “tradition-breaking”.[14]:p91 Given Parsons' social norms in DC society, Redman comments: “It is remarkable then, that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá subsequently chose Agnes Parsons to spearhead the Racial Amity campaign initiated by the Bahá’í community and just as remarkable that she transcended her social milieu in order to carry out this mandate.”[14]:pp98-9 He chose her because she was a willing if reluctant leader in this because of the topic and situation.[1] Parsons' felt moved to the action and began a mantra of "I will, I must."[11] Gregory confirmed the choice. Her prominence brought in a broader collection of society than those already convinced there ought to be racial cooperation. She first consulted with fellow DC Bahá'í Louise Boyle who arranged a meeting with former Senator Moses Clapp and he advised political extremism and alienation with protests be avoided and instead focus on positive influences. She asked for Gregory's advice who advised that the conference aught to foster a change in heart, of moving the audience with the power of spiritual love, as the only way to succeed. He recommended the event also be held soon and to be a direct presentation. Parsons also consulted with the DC Bahá'ís administrative institution.[15]

In later May 1920 Parsons and son Jeffrey were back in the US and hosted Fazel Mazindarani who also mentioned returning from pilgrimage himself.[4] Parsons hosted Mazandarani while he gave talks at various locations in town.[16] Bagdadi was still in the Holy Land June 22, 1920.[17] Some thought he stay would be indefinite,[18] but he was back by mid-October.[19] In another letter 'Abdu'l-Bahá refers to the importance of the work - how the race riots of 1919 were just a sign more was coming if enough was not done like building the Temple.[20]

Committee of women and patrons of the conference[edit]

A committee of black and white women formed assisting Parsons[citation needed] - three other white women who were all Bahá'ís (Louise Boyle, Miriam Haney, and Martha Root), one black Bahá'í,( Coralie Cook), and one black non-Bahá'í - Gabrielle Pelham. Pelham was daughter of Sanford Redmon,[21] who had served in the 27th United States Colored Infantry Regiment starting Apr 30, 1864[22] and killed in action July 30, 1864 near Petersburg, VA[23] which was the Battle of the Crater. Pelham was a founder of the Detroit Study Club in 1898, and was a 1922 honor member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a donor to it efforts.[24] She also addressed the segregated housing issues.[25] In 1924-9 Pelham continued to be a national leader for the community out of DC.[26] Pelham arranged the musical program to be followed throughout the convention.[27] Pelham continued in her music service to the community,[28] and insisted on integrated events.[29]

Preparation extended into months.[12] Gregory arrived back in DC in October 1920 already with plans for the inter-racial conference being talked about publicly.[30] He had most recently been in Wilmington, Deleware.[31]

Patronesses of the event included:[32][1][33][34] Mrs. Ernest Bicknell, Mrs. Theodore Vernon Boynton, Mrs. William E. Chamberlin, Mrs. Louis Cohen, Mrs. Coralie Franklin Cook, Mrs. Edward Costigan, Mrs. Stephen Elkins, Mrs. William Hitz, Caroline L. Hunt, Julia Lathrop, Gertrude MacArthur, Gabrielle Pelham, Mrs. Arthur Jeffrey Parsons, Mrs. Henry Cleveland Perkins, Judge Kathryn Sellers, Ethel Smith, Mrs. Walter Ufford, Mrs. Eldridge Roger Boyle, Mrs. M. C. Van Winkle, Joy Webster, and Mrs. Laura Williams.

The fall 1920 launch of the event was delayed by Root work with Fadil in Canada.[35]

Finally it was set for May 19-21, 1921, at the DC First Congregational Church, historically known for opposing segregation, founded by General Olive Otis Howard.[36] Gregory was also given a leadership role who, with Agnes Parsons, led the planning. The former well-grounded in the history of issues and the other in prominent in white society of Washington DC, to lead the effort.[1]

Conference[edit]

May 15 advertising and news coverage of the Race Amity conferences began to appear including being co-sponsored by the Bahá'ís and some mention was made of Parsons publicly.[37]

The event was held at the First Congregational Church of Washington.[13] Louis Gregory produced a report of events and his appreciations including mentions of Rev. Jason Nobel Pierce, former senators Moses E. Clapp, and Samuel M. Shortridge, businessman Charles Lee Cook,[38] then Howard University professor Dr. Alain LeRoy Locke, then serving congressman Martin B. Madden, national Bahá'í leader[39] William H. Randall, George William Cook of Howard University and the NAACP, Howard University professor Coralie Franklin Cook, national Bahá'í leader[40] Roy C. Wilhelm, leading scholar of the Bahá'í Faith Fádil Mazandarání, and then Lt. General Nelson A. Miles, then head of the American Army, and music programs arranged by Howard University director of music Gabrielle Pelham, and the university's dean of music Lula Vere, a period of rare presentation of black music shared with a white audience. 19000 programs were published and circulated and was reported to have been supported by then President Warren G. Harding. The act of the amity conference has been considered an example of Dr. Richard Walter Thomas' "The Other Tradition".[41] 'Abdu'l-Bahá's response to the conference was: "The white-colored Convention produced happiness. Hoping will establish same in all America.”[12] 'Abdu'l-Bahá termed it the "mother convention" of the movement.


The conference[edit]

Howard University chorus' performed. Joseph Douglass, grandson of Frederick, Alain Locke, Harry Randall, Samuel Shortbridge, Mountfort Mills, and Gregory spoke. Second hand reports included the support of President Warren Harding after the press reports came out.[1]

The great work we have to do and for which this convention is called is the establishment of amity between the white and colored of our land. When we have put our own house in order, then we may be trusted to carry the message of universal peace to all mankind.[1]

Full seating capacity attended, Baha'is chaired every session. Music was an effective part of the conferences.[1]


First convention.[42]

Documentary 3.[43]


Documentary 2.[44]

Documentary 1.[1]

One attendee was black Baptist Reverend named Marion Francis Harris (1874 - 1928).[45] He wrote a letter May 22, the last day of the convention, which was kept as part of the Agnes Parson's archival papers. He wrote in part:

I attended every session, day and night, was one of the first persons to reach the church on the opening day and one of the last to leave on the night of the closing. And I lingered at the end loath to leave the church.
I heard every speech and every song. Many times throughout the meetings did with much effort restrain my tears. My heart leaped and throbbed and my [sic: at] times almost burst within my breast.…

Harris had come from Arkansas and soon returned there, where he died.

In overview of history.[46]

Other speakers…[edit]

Alain Locke…[47] and Robert Abbott.[48]

Local coverage in newspapers[edit]

Race Amity Convention - Samuel McComb, Aldred Martin, C. Lee Cook, Fazel Mazandarani, Mrs Coralie Cook, Gabrielle Pelham, Alaine Locke, Louis G Gregory[49]

More newspaper clippings.[50]

Coverage beyond DC.[51]

Post convention echoes.[52]

Centenary of the first convention[edit]

Abdu'l-Baha called the first convention the mother convention. Further conferences were held across northern America where Baha'is were present and continued across decades.[1]

Then and later prominent speakers included:[1] Alain Locke WEB DuBois Jane Addams Franz Boaz Charles Dawes Samuel Shortbridge A. Phillip Randolph James Weldon Johnson


In 1987 the Universal House of Justice requested the US Bahá'í National Assembly asked that the Race Amity Conferences be revived and look to the conference as a model.[1]


Centenary observed.[53] Another observance.[54]

The DC Bahá'í community observed the centenary of the conference initiative.[55]


Timeline, other sources.[56]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 "Documentary: 'Abdu'l-Baha's Initiative on Race from 1921: Race Amity Conferences". Youtube.com. Bijan Masumian. Jun 6, 2020. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  2. ↑ Hatcher, John S. (March 1, 2019). "Louis Gregory" (PDF). The Journal of Baha'i Studies. Ottawa. 29 (2): 33–36. ISSN 0838-0430. OCLC 8935347982. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Agnes S Parsons". FamilySearch.org. Aug 22, 1919. Retrieved Jul 30, 2021.(registration required)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 * "Noted Persian coming here". The Washington Herald. Washington, District of Columbia. 20 May 1920. p. 7. Retrieved Jul 30, 2021.
  5. ↑ Mrs. A. J. Parsons (Nov 4, 1920). Albert Windust; Gertrude Buikema; Zia Bagdadi (eds.). "Messages from Abdul-Baha to all the friends". Star of the West. Vol. 11, no. 13. pp. 224–5. Retrieved Jul 30, 2021.
  6. ↑ "Zia M Bagdadi Migration • United States Passport Applications, 1795-1925". FamilySearch.org. Oct 1919. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.(registration required)
  7. ↑ http://starofthewest.info/viewer.erb?vol=10&page=314 Letter from Dr Zia M Bagdadi, Dec 11, 1919, By Zia Bagdadi, Star of the West, Jan 19, 1920, v10n17, p. 314
  8. ↑ "Bahai Activities. Power of Abdul Baha--Regeneration". Washington Bee. Washington, DC. Aug 30, 1919. p. 7. Retrieved Jul 16, 2021.
  9. ↑ * Perry, Mark (Oct 10, 1995). "Robert S. Abbott and the Chicago Defender: A Door to the Masses" (PDF). Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved Aug 9, 2021.
  10. ↑ http://starofthewest.info/viewer.erb?vol=12&page=120 "Now is the time for the Americans to unite both the white and colored race", by Zia Bagdadi, Star of the West, Jun 24, 1921, v12n6, pp 120-1
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Buck, Christopher (2011). "The Bahá'í 'Race Amity' Movement and the Black Intelligentsia in Jim Crow America: Alain Locke and Robert Abbott". Bahá'í Studies Review. 17: 3–46. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Haney, Mariam (1936). "In Memoriam; Mrs. Agnes Parsons". Bahá'í World. International Record. Vol. 5. New York, NY: Bahá’í Publishing Committee. p. 410.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Roots of the Race Amity Movement". Youtube.com. Baha'is of the United States. Jul 7, 2021. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Redman, Earl (2011). 'Abdu'l-Bahá in their midst. Oxford: George Ronald. ISBN 9780853985570. OCLC 755065100.
  15. ↑ Christopher Buck (May 21, 2021). "The First "Convention for Amity Between the Races"". Bahaiteachings.org. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Abdul Baha's disciple here to preach faith of 'love and unity'". The Washington Times. Washington, District of Columbia. 24 May 1920. p. 9. Retrieved Jul 30, 2021.
  17. ↑ * http://starofthewest.info/viewer.erb?vol=11&page=128 Letter from Dr Zia M Bagdadi, by Zia M Bagdadi, Star of the West, Aug 1, 1920, v11n8, pp. 128-9
  18. ↑ http://starofthewest.info/viewer.erb?vol=11&page=189 Wednesday morning session, April 28, 1920, Star of the West, Sep 27, 1920, v11n11, p. 189
  19. ↑ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21069572/talk_by_bahai_zia_bagdadi/ Bahai (sic)…, Chicago Tribune (Chicago, Illinois) 17 Oct 1920, Sun • Page 90
  20. ↑ http://starofthewest.info/viewer.erb?vol=11&page=208 Tablet of new permission for Dr Bagdadi and family, news brought by him - the Mashrekol-Azkar, by Roy C Wilhelm, Star of the West, Oct 16, 1920, v11n12, pp. 208-9
  21. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N3N2-CRL Gabriella Redmon Lewis Marriage • Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925
  22. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CD42-VVW2 Sanford Redman Military • United States, Compiled Military Service Records Of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served With The U.S. Colored Troops, 1861-1866
  23. ↑ https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Z8-MD7V?i=1320&cc=3518724
  24. ↑ "Delta Sigma Theta enters sorority home at Howard University". The Broad Ax. Salt Lake City, Utah. 11 Nov 1922. p. 2. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Washington Negroes Organize to stop real estate discrimination". The Buffalo American. Buffalo, New York. 13 Dec 1923. p. 1. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  26. ↑ * "Melvin J. Chisum heads race congress". The Press-Forum Weekly. Mobile, Alabama. 24 May 1924. p. 1. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Amity of Races urged by speakers". Evening Star. Washington, DC. 20 May 1921. p. 2. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Saturday; Lectures on Appreciation of Music…". The Washington Times. Washington, DC. 29 May 1921. p. 25. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Mrs. Gabrielle Pelham…". The Dallas Express. Dallas, Texas. 2 Jul 1921. p. 5. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  30. ↑ "The Bahai Movement - Attorney Louis Gregory in the City". Washington Bee. Washington, DC. Oct 9, 1920. p. 2. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Talk on Bakai (sic) Movement". The Morning News. Wilmington, Delaware. 11 Sep 1920. p. 13. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Convention for race amity here this week". Evening Star. Washington, DC. 15 May 1921. p. 7. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  33. ↑ Gregory, Louis G. (Jun 24, 1921). "Convention for Amity between the Colored and White Races". Star of the West. Vol. 12, no. 6. p. 117. Retrieved Oct 7, 2021.
  34. ↑ These identities are not entirely confirmed but several of the patronnesses seem to be more well known:
  35. ↑ https://bahai.works/Martha_Root_(Garis)/Part_2/Confusion_and_Confirmation Confusion and Confirmation, Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold, pp120-133
  36. ↑ Wilda D. Logan, "First Congregational Church, Washington, DC" (2015),[June 1980], Manuscript Division Finding Aids, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center(MSRC) and the Howard University Libraries
  37. ↑ * "Convention to aid race friendliness". The Washington Post. Washington, District of Columbia. 15 May 1921. p. 21. Retrieved Jul 30, 2021.
  38. ↑ Who's company is still in existence; see "More Than 100 Years of Service". Cook Compression, Co. 2021. Retrieved Aug 11, 2021.
  39. ↑ Bahiyyih Randall Winckler; Mabel Garis (5 September 1996). William Henry Randall: Disciple of 'Abdu 'l-Baha. Oneworld Publications. ISBN 978-1-85168-124-2.
  40. ↑ Joel Nizin (2021). "A Brief History of Roy Wilhelm and the Annual Souvenir Picnic of 'Abdu'l-Bahá". Wilhelm Bahá'í Properties. Retrieved Aug 8, 2021.
  41. ↑ For more on Thomas' work see Richard Walter Thomas (1993). Racial unity: an imperative for social progress. Association for Baháʼí Studies. ISBN 978-0-920904-25-1.
  42. ↑ Christopher Buck (May 21, 2021). "The First "Convention for Amity Between the Races"". Bahaiteachings.org. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  43. ↑ "Then and Now: DC Baha'i Centennial of 1921 Race Amity Convention - June 12, 2021". Youtube.com. DC Bahai. Jun 16, 2021. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  44. ↑ "Roots of the Race Amity Movement". Youtube.com. Baha'is of the United States. Jul 7, 2021. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  45. ↑ Christopher Buck (May 31, 2021). "The Public Reacts to the First Race Amity Convention in 1921". Bahaiteachings.org. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  46. ↑ Thomas, Richard (Jan 26, 2021). "The Bahá'í Response to Racial Injustice and Pursuit of Racial Unity: Part 1 (1912-1996)". Bahá'í World (Online ed.). JFM Jul 17, 2021. {{cite book}}: Check |jfm= value (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  47. ↑ Buck, Christopher (2007-09-24). "Alain Locke: 'Race Amity' and the Bahá'í Faith"., Howard University in Washington DC: Association of American Rhodes Scholars on September 24 2007. 
  48. ↑ Buck, Christopher (2011). "The Bahá'í 'Race Amity' Movement and the Black Intelligentsia in Jim Crow America: Alain Locke and Robert Abbott". Bahá'í Studies Review. 17: 3–46. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  49. ↑ "Great Inter-Racial Convention". Washington Bee. Washington DC. May 14, 1921. p. 4. Retrieved Jul 16, 2021.
  50. ↑ * "Convention to aid race friendliness". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. 15 May 1921. p. 21. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  51. ↑
  52. ↑ * "Gregory to lecture tomorrow". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN. 17 Oct 1921. p. 7. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  53. ↑ * https://raceamity.org/race-amity-conferences/ Race Amity Conference, National Center For Race Amity (https://raceamity.org/) A century after participants crowded into Washington's First Congregational Church, and in a country that's still grappling with pressing issues of race and racism, that conviction remains strong in Friday's Race Amity Festival at Wildwood Metropark.
  54. ↑ "Race Amity Day proclaimed in the Shoals". News 19. Jun 7, 2021. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  55. ↑ "Then and Now: DC Baha'i Centennial of 1921 Race Amity Convention - June 12, 2021". Youtube.com. DC Bahai. Jun 16, 2021. Retrieved Jul 17, 2021.
  56. ↑ https://bahai-library.com/tags/Race%20Amity
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