Some people quit. Some people complain. Some people are just plain lazy and don't give a damn about themselves or anyone else. Some people, however, are special and want to better themselves and the people around them. Such a person was William Holtzclaw, the founder of the Utica Institute that is now the Utica campus of Hinds Community College. Mississippi was not friendly to someone who was broke and black back in 1902 but William Holtzclaw wanted to educate black Mississippians. The Vicksburg Sunday Post told his story in a 1973 article that is posted below. It is a positive story that is not told enough and easy to forget.
William H. Holtzclaw: He was determined to help his people
Gordon Cotton, Vicksburg Sunday Post, Feb. 11, 1973 | Posted: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 8:30 am
Holtzclaw
William Henry Holtzclaw
UTICA,
Miss.--All he had was an old pocket watch, the clothes on his back and
$2 in cash--and a dream--when William H. Holtzclaw walked into Utica, Miss., in the early fall of 1902.
The
meager material possessions were of little importance to the young
Alabama Negro--it was the dream, the vision that had led them, that had
constantly tugged at his inner spirit, that had inspired and guided him.
He
dreamed of helping his people rise above the wretched conditions in
which many of them lived; he envisioned them taking proper and
productive positions in a society which he determined to improve.
Holtzclaw
was himself the product of such a dream. Born in Randolph County, Ala.,
near the town of Roanoke, he grew up in poverty and ignorance and knew
from personal experience what hunger was.
But
he had been blessed with parents who considered Christian character
more valuable than any other possession, and they dreamed of a better
life for their children than they had known.
The
Holtzclaw family (parents, Jerry and Addie Greer Holtzclaw) lived in a
small cabin with a dirt floor and no windows. Both parents worked, but
it was rare for the children to have a change of clothing.
When
young William was growing up, his mother hid him so that he would not
have to work in the fields of the plantation during the short school
term; she was determined that her son should receive some education.
It
wasn't much of an education as most of the teachers had reached only
the fourth-grade level themselves. When young William was in his late
teens, he knew he was from Roanoke, but he had no idea that there was a
state of Alabama or that the nation was called the United States of
America.
Someone
told Holtzclaw about Booker T. Washington and Tuskegee Institute, and
he wrote a modest letter asking for admission there, wanting to work his
way through. He simply addressed the letter to "Booker T.
Washington"--no school, town or state--but the letter made its way to
Tuskegee some 75 miles south.
Dr.
Washington wrote a letter to Holtzclaw, telling him to come to
Tuskegee, so with no money and wearing a hand-me-down suit three sizes
too large, he left the hills of Randolph County on a trip to Tuskegee, a
journey that was destined to change the lives not only of Holtzclaw but
untold thousands of others, black and white.
It
took a long time for Holtzclaw to complete his schooling at Tuskegee,
for he worked all day on the campus and farm and went to class at night.
Once he had completed school, he began teaching at Snow Hill, Ala., in
an institution similar to Tuskegee though it was operated on a much
smaller scale.
But teaching at an established school was not what Holtzclaw wanted in life. He still had his dream.
On
three different occasions, he attempted to begin his work, and each
time circumstances halted him. He and his wife, Tuscaloosa native Mary
Ella Patterson, also a teacher, had built a home and were living a
relatively comfortable life. But the dream was still there.
In
1902 Holtzclaw determined to try once more. He left Snow Hill for
Mississippi traveling by train until he ran out of money, then he rode a
bicycle.
Holtzclaw's
wanderings, looking for the proper place for a school, took him first
to the Delta. Here he was often forced to sleep out-of-doors and ask for
food. He talked with several of the planters in the Delta and visited
with the leading black men of Mound Bayou, but all while complimenting
him on his plans, discouraged him from beginning his school in their
section.
Holtzclaw's old bicycle broke down and he sold it for $2. Then he began walking. Someone had suggested Utica as a likely place to undertake his work; thus it was that he walked into town on a hot, dusty afternoon.
A leading Negro citizen of Utica,
A.C. Carter, met Holtzclaw and introduced him to two others, Tom
Williams and Oliver Brown (the three were trustees of the tiny Negro
school). The next day Holtzclaw determined to call upon some of the
leading white citizens to get their reactions to his plan.
He
first called upon Col. J.B. Chapman, an attorney, who told him that if
an honest effort was made, "You will find the best white people of this
town and of this state supporting you."
He
also received favorable response and the pledge of help from Postmaster
Alexander Yates, the Curry Brothers, Z. Wardlaw and Co., Mimms and
Newman, Kelly-Simmons and Co., and the town council invited him to
speak.
Holtzclaw
had a harder time convincing his own race than he did the whites. He
organized an educational association, but the three religious groups
(Methodist, Baptist and Sanctified Folks) didn't trust each other. The
distrust was so bad that a treasurer for the organization couldn't be
elected from among the membership, even though there was only 75 cents
in the treasury. As a result, the president of the Bank of Utica,
W.J. Ferguson, a white man, was chosen and though he considered it the
joke of the year, he accepted the job and became a strong supporter of
the movement.
Soon
Holtzclaw persuaded a lady to sell 20 acres of land, on credit, and
Curry Lumber Co. sold him material for a building, also on credit.
In November Holtzclaw was named teacher for the Utica
Negro School, and he began classes in the out-of-doors under a big
tree. When cold weather arrived, he moved his 20 pupils into an
abandoned log shack. Water and wind came through the cracks from just
about every direction. So bad was the old building that he had to stand
on a bench when it rained to keep his feet dry.
People
now began to realize that Holtzclaw was serious in his undertaking, and
soon the new school building was under construction. When the next term
began in the fall of 1903, the modest but well-built structure had 225
pupils.
Holtzclaw
had personally sacrificed almost everything for the school, but soon he
was able to send for his wife, who was as enthusiastic in the Utica
endeavor as he. When Mrs. Holtzclaw arrived, she and the professor
began housekeeping in a little shack with a minimum of necessary items.
Even their mattress was made of old feed sacks filled with hay.
The school, which Holtzclaw named Utica
Normal and Industrial Institute for the Training of Colored Young Men
and Women, was properly incorporated by the state of Mississippi and a
board of directors and trustees named. It consisted of several local
white and black leaders and also some Northern friends who were
interested in its growth.
Utica
Institute instructed its students not only in academic subjects but
also in vocational work, just as Tuskegee Institute did in Alabama.
After only five years of operation, Utica
Institute had 33 teachers, 1,500 acres of land, 14 buildings and more
than 400 students, many of whom boarded at the school. It operated on a
budget of approximately $30,000 yearly, all of which was contributed.
Work, such as farming and carpentry, was done by the students.
The Utica
newspaper editorialized that it was "a school that is of more
significance than we at the present time realize," and had high praise
for Holtzclaw, whom the Natchez Democrat praised for "doing a remarkable
work for the uplift of his people."
Holtzclaw
was never one to make a dramatic production of his work and went about
it modestly and quietly. This, no doubt, accounted for much of his
success with his white neighbors. He once said that "If there is a white
man in Utica who has not contributed to the expenses of the Institute, I do not know him."
The
work did not stop at the Institute, however, for Holtzclaw and his
teachers organized an extension service and a farmers club and went to
the homes and farms to teach the adults the benefits of modern methods
of agriculture as well as housekeeping. Holtzclaw realized that
self-pride was a necessity for the advancement for any people.
Many
meager donations, virtual "widows' mites," came regularly along with
some sizeable contributions. Holtzclaw noted that the white community,
especially the "good Christian ladies," also sent many donations.
One
letter to Holtzclaw, making a contribution, read, "dear fessor Please
cept dis 18 cents it is all I has I saved it out n my washin dis week
god bless yo will send some more next week."
Students
flocked to the school. Some could afford to pay, some couldn't, but
none were turned away. One girl came without a cent of money or a change
of clothes, and leading her mother's only cow, which she offered in
payment for her education. Many other heartbreaking examples of students
who wanted to go to school could also be told of some who attended Utica Institute.
The
campus soon became a showplace, an inspiration to any who visited it,
and among the visitors in 1908 was Dr. Booker T. Washington from
Tuskegee. Despite grim words from Gov. Vardaman warning of "trouble" and
a suggestion from his office that Washington stay away and that whites
not attend the lecture, the great Alabama educator came to Utica, and the white citizens turned out in masses to honor and hear him. And there was no trouble.
Holtzclaw received the full cooperation of the people of Utica and other towns in the state, as well as the confidence and friendship of Gov. Longino and Gov. Stone.
He
had had his problems over the years from both the blacks and the
whites. A few of both races had threatened him, and many feared that he
would be killed. But nothing ever came of the threats. In 1915 Holtzclaw
spoke of his love for Mississippi, stating that "There is not a state
in the union, in my opinion, that offers greater advantages to its Negro
population than Mississippi."
Utica
Institute continued under the guiding hand of Dr. Holtzclaw until his
death in 1943. Eventually it was turned over to the county and is today
operated as Utica Junior College, one of the most modern two-year schools in the state.
Dr.
Holtzclaw experienced injustice, problems and hardships, but he said
that "To complain of obstacles is one thing and to surmount them is
another. Our salvation here in the South is very largely a matter of
Christian intelligence, thrift, industry and morality ... I realize that
we have many things to hinder us, but nothing has yet arisen to prevent
us from being truthful, honest, upright, energetic and moral men."
Holtzclaw's
dream had been of such a high calling that he never had time to take
offense, to feel sorry for himself, to become angry or despondent. He
harbored no bitterness over his past misfortunes, for his life was
centered on that vision he had had since youth.
"I have no time to sing minor notes," he said. "I have determined that the tune of my life shall be played on major keys."
Holtzclaw, his wife and mother are buried at Holtzclaw Memorial Cemetery in Carpenter, Miss.
(reprinted in The Roanoke Leader on March 7, 1973)
17 comments:
What a great and inspiring story! If more black and otherwise oppressed people would take such an attitude toward helping their people in need, instead of taking the victim role and expect a hand out instead of a hand up, society would be much better off that we find ourselves today. Seems like the more whites "give" to blacks, the more they want. Why can't some of them (blacks) have more of a role in their own betterment?
Good information. Thanks for sharing.
9:42, does every story about a black guy, even one about good things, present an occasion to talk down about black people? That's a serious question. I actually want to know if your disdain for minorities is so intense that you seek out reasons to spread your disdain.
It so inspirational that it transcends race, gender or creed.
As it should.
If the gentleman were alive today to walk the streets of Utica and view crime in and around the college area, what might he say? A man of his magnitude is meant to inspire. His vision is meant to create hope and foster goal-setting. His very presence was a gift that should have made thousands dedicate themselves to self improvement and dream realization.
He did HIS part!
The sort of history lesson that makes JJ #1!
@10:34, Kim Wade shared a similar train of thought on the radio as @9:42 after reading the Holtzclaw story. Was he "talking down to black people"?
12:49, are you really arguing "It's not racist because Kim Wade does it?"
to 10:34......Your comments simply show your ridiculous racial bias towards anyone who defies the victimhood defense whether they are black or white or any other color. This was meant as a praise of a good man who tried against all odds to help his people....and did!!
What have you done besides whine and wail against people like me who appreciate people like him?
As race obsessed as many blacks are about literally everything, I don't see 9:42's comments being out of line. And great men like Mr. Holtzclaw probably are rolling over in their grave over the degeneration of their culture.
great story
If only Hollywood would shoot a movie about this gentleman to level the playing field of all the negative stories of Mississippi's past....
Oh sigh...there seems to be no uplifting, good information you can impart, KF, without a few people using it as an opportunity to paint the entire African American community in a disparaging way.
It seems to me that those who opposed Mr. Holtzclaw in 1902 only contributed their prejudices to future generations!
Indeed, these are the same people today whose parents and grandparents made certain that Mr. Holtzclaw's good works deteriorated as Utica's campus and other " black" campuses were financially starved!
Had whites in this State, like in a few others, seen that it was essential to the future to support minority education and aid in the development of minority leadership, we wouldn't be in this mess!
You reap what you sow!
Had whites in this State, like in a few others, seen that it was essential to the future to support minority education and aid in the development of minority leadership, we wouldn't be in this mess!
You reap what you sow!
The state and the federal govt. supports a large majority of minorities. The greater % never contribute anything to their city, state, or country. The man was very much different than the norm. We do not see that happen today. All we see if people with their hand out demanding we support them.
Just imagine how things would be today if we even had a very small % that did as this man did or believe as this man did.
Oh Good Grief 10:35 am, What did you expect? You really believed you could erase nearly 300 years in two generations in this State? Are you crazy?
Slave owners bred their slaves like they did their cattle and dogs with the aim for strong but not smart enough to rebel and escape! Then Jim Crow continues the oppression and to make it worse, when a few smart, potential leaders emerge they are shot, hung or put in prison?
Or, they fled the State.
And, handouts? Good God man, don't you know that SSI is a handout and that whites who say the are on Social Security didn't pay in enough quarters to qualify and then went to Klan rallies? Do you can't do math can you? If you could , you'd figure out that the " handouts" Mississippi gets in Federal dollars, doesn't all go into Black pockets!
And, do you REALLY think that it was only Blacks who were held down? What is your explanation for how few whites in Mississippi make over $100000 a year even with dual incomes? What is your explanation for so many of the best and brightest young people leaving the State and the smart ones who stay have a business or land to inherit or family money for the most part. And, of the wealthy , how many are keeping the bulk of their wealth in the State?
You fell hook line and sinker for propaganda designed to keep the Old Guard in control and now, you do the same old , same old and simply replace the Old Guard with a new group lining their pockets!
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!
"Had whites in this State, like in a few others, seen that it was essential to the future to support minority education and aid in the development of minority leadership, we wouldn't be in this mess!"
Right....And all those blacks in the federal and state legislature back in the sixties saw minority education as essential. Right? And who do you think is responsible for opening up civic clubs, private membership clubs and business opportunities to black participation? Do you suggest black folks did that? You wear your racism on your sleeve.
And since when is it racist to consider race when discussing issues and stories that, in one way or another, hinge on race. Would that we could spray some sort of 'bullshit anti-venom' on these people who always holler RACISM!
Racism is the call of those who think the world owes them something just because of what color they happen to be. Equality is not something they want. They have already passed that.
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