Conference Sessions

Discussion during the first day of the conference, April 11, 1924, revolved around the "History of the Negro in America," the theory of racial superiority, and the bias inherent in intelligence tests.¹

The delegates discussed the cultural contribution of Black people to the US. They concluded that American folklore is owed to Black people.²

The second session of the conference focused on the “Social status of the Negro and his economic contribution to America." It shed light on the challenges facing delegates from the South, including a lack of access to the same railway cars and lodging spaces as did white delegates. Other discriminatory zones were also discussed, including restaurants, polling places, and educational contexts. Delegate Eugene Corbie from City College of New York emphasized that education is important for Black people to understand their histories and contributions.³

The students concluded that there are no reasons why qualified Black students shouldn't be admitted to institutions of higher education, except for "force of public opinion."⁴

The final session was intended to find solutions to the issues raised on previous days. The delegates agreed that race superiority was not proved, that Black people should be allowed to enter all institutions of learning, that restrictions and laws against intermarriage should be removed, and that those who attended the conference should start to raise awareness in their own surroundings and broaden their mindsets⁵

Delegate Victor Brown of Howard University emphasized that "plain courtesy would go farthest toward educating public opinion."⁶