On March 18, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar appeared at a major fundraiser in New York City to benefit the Tuskegee Institute, an Alabama school that provided vocational training to African Americans. He shared the stage with Tuskegee's principal, Booker T. Washington.
One of the largest gatherings that ever crowded into Madison Square Garden was assembled there last night at the meeting held to raise funds for the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. Paul Laurence Dunbar read several of his poems. The place was filled long before the meeting opened, and between 1,000 and 2,000 persons who applied for admission did not get inside the building at all. People were jammed together into every corner of the building. The audience was composed, for the most part, of women. There was a fair sprinkling of Negroes. Mr. Dunbar read his ode to Booker T. Washington and, amidst a storm of applause, Mr. Washington himself was introduced. After the meeting was closed, throngs of men and women crowded around the platform, anxious to grasp the hands of Mr. Dunbar and Mr. Washington. The hall was so jammed with people that this resulted in a confusion which lasted for some time. Over an hour elapsed before the hall was finally cleared of people.
"Friends' Appeals for Tuskegee Institute." The New York Times (New York, New York). March 19, 1901. Page 9.
The meeting held in Madison Square Garden last evening in the interest of Tuskegee Institute was an inspiring one to those who are interested in the solution of the Negro problem in the South. The audience chamber was packed almost to suffocation. The aisles were filled with people. Many left the building because they could not get inside the hall. Sprinkled through the audience were seen the faces of colored people. On the platform were specimens of the best that the Negro race has produced. Readings from his own productions were given by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
"Tuskegee to have $10,000." New York Tribune (New York, New York). March 19, 1901.
The city was favored with a lecture from Booker T. Washington last Monday night. Mr. Washington's lecture was heartily received by many thousands. The best and most representative white citizens of New York were in attendance. The millionheirs with their wives had the street crowded with their carriages in waiting. Thousands were turned away. Mr. Washington received contributions amounting to $35,000. Paul Laurence Dunbar delighted the audience with several of his choice selections. Mr. Washington is indeed popular with the moneyed men of the East, and few can resist responding to his appeal for aid, in supporting the noble work he is accomplishing in the South.
"New York Letter," by Lutie Lytle Cowan. The Topeka Plaindealer (Topeka, Kansas). April 12, 1901. Page 1.
Prior to the fundraiser, Washington's secretary, Emmet Scott, expressed concern that Paul might arrive at the event intoxicated. He warned Washington that Paul had been too drunk to speak at a recital in Illinois five months earlier.
I want to suggest that you have Dunbar come to New York Monday morning early or Sunday evening for the reason that I find that he is still keeping up his old habit of drinking. It would be very unfortunate if he should reach you not in proper condition. Sometime since he was to be at a church entertainment in Chicago and the church paper roasted him unmercifully for coming to them in such condition that he could not read.
Emmett J. Scott to Booker T. Washington, March 14, 1901. The Booker T. Washington Papers, Volume 6. Edited by Louis R. Harlan and Raymond Smock. University of Illinois Press (Champaign, Illinois). 1972. Page 50.
Despite Scott's concern, Paul arrived in New York in good condition (although suffering from a cold). He wrote to his wife Alice in Washington, D. C., on the morning of the event.
I just want to scribble you a line. I got here all right and very little the worse for wear. I stayed in my room all evening. It is cozy and warm. My cough is still bad and the head cold runs on, but I believe I shall get through. Will be home tomorrow afternoon. Love to ma and you.
Have just been to Doctor. Got a couple of prescriptions and a scolding.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 18, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).