100 years ago in Spokane: Games, speeches mark Emancipation’s 55th anniversary

Spokane’s black community gathered at Natatorium Park to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The event was held under the auspices of the Colored Business Men’s League, whose president was F.A. Stokes.

Judge George Turner made the keynote address. He said that the Emancipation Proclamation “cleansed a land dedicated to liberty, so that it was no longer tarnished with the barbarities of slavery.”

“The Negro from a chattel became a recognized human being, capable of undertaking industrial, intellectual and political activities,” said Turner.

Clarence R. Anderson of Seattle, introduced as a Lewis and Clark High School graduate and the “first Negro to graduate from the law department at the University of Washington,” also addressed the crowd. He urged his listeners to “cherish education,” and cited Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass as role models.

The event concluded with footraces and a baseball game between the Colored Giants and the Hanches.

An evening program, at the Masonic Temple, included the crowning of an Emancipation Queen. Miss Charlotte Hale was crowned queen, and Miss Lola Sims was the runner-up.

A dance ensued, attended by 250 people.