LOUIS GREGORY- RACE AMITY WORKER

excerpt from TO MOVE THE WORLD  by Gayle Morrison and also from a brochure on  Race Amity Conference in October, 1983

The first Race Amity Conference (Louis Gregory was one of the organizers and speakers)sponsored by the Baha'is of the United States was held May 19-21, 1921 in Washington D.C...The Conference took place during the most turbulent period of racial strife the country had ever experienced....The following is a quote from the brochure of that historic event.

"Half a century ago in America slavery was abolished.  Now there has arisen a need for another great effort in order that prejudices may be overcome.  Correction of the present wrong requires no army, for the field of action is the hearts of our citizens.  The instrument to be used is kindness, the ammunition - understanding.  The actors in the engagement for right  are all the inhabitants of the United States.

The great work we have to do and for which this convention is called is the establishment of amity between the white and colored people 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."

He (Louis Gregory) talked of unity with diversity when the law of the land was "separatism."  He travelled extensively thoughout America delivering the message of oneness of mankind during a time when black Americans (he was black) were considered by the Constitution, 3/5 a man.  He spoke of interracial amity while his peers advocated going back to Africa.....

Mr.  Gregory was born in Charleston, S.C. on June 6, 1874....He received a law degree from Howard University.  During a time when most people in this country were not formally educated, this son of a slave had a law degree, worked for the federal government and was an attorney.  If Mr.  Gregory had done nothing more with his life, these accomplishments alone would have been noteworthy.

However, in 1909, Mr Gregory became a member of the Baha'i Faith.  Its principles concerning the oneness of mankind, the essential oneness of religion, and the equality of men and women seemed to him the solution for the world's problems.  It was also during this year he decided to become a worker for racial amity.  This decision meant the end of a successful law practice and the beginning of years of travel, writing and lecturing.

He traveled thoughout the country speaking before religious, social, and academic groups.  His audiences ranged in size from a small handful of people to thousands.  Mr Gregory played an important role in developing and promoting the many Race Amity Conferences  sponsored by the Baha'is.  This vocation of Mr. Gregory comprised  42 years of his life: years of undaunted and uninterrupted service to mankind.

Mr Gregory died in July 1951.  So outstanding had been his service, he was named a Hand of the Cause of God for the Baha'i Faith. 

Abdu'l-Baha, son of the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith said of Mr Gregory:

"He is like unto pure gold.   This is why he is acceptable in  any market and is current in every country."