Chapter 23
The Son of a Negro Preacher
William G. convened another meeting at the African Meeting House to discuss the goal of a black lawyer in Boston. Present were Gideon, Charles, the young John Mercer Langston, William C., Thomas Jr. and the Rev. Givens. Word had filtered to the black neighborhood that William Babbitt Haynes had been engaged in a law office in Granville, he had passed for white as William Douglass, and had been exposed by Chief Justice Walter White. The meeting started at 5:00 p.m. sharp.
"The news distressed me. My father-in-law knew Rev. Lemuel Haynes. Rev. Haynes did more for the self-respect of free blacks than any other colored minister I can think of, save for my own father," said Thomas Jr. "And to think his son was reduced to passing."
"It betrays the race," said William C. "How does it profit black people if the first black attorney runs away from his race?" William G. remained silent.
"I have to agree. Look at me," said Gideon. "I'm a colored man but only because I have told you. I could have passed for white many times but I will never deny who I am. Never!" "Amens" rang out from the group.
"I think the 'white' Son of a Negro Preacher should be shunned. We should turn our backs on him as he offers a poor role model for our young children," said Charles. Charles himself appeared ambiguous. If he told you he was Indian, you would believe him. If he told you he was White, you would believe him. If he told you he was colored, you would believe him. In some ways, his voice moved the group more than his brother, Gideon. "If we do not have pride in our race, how can we elevate the race?"
William G. wanted to share the example of Alexander Twilight for the group's perusal. But he remembered Mary's caution and he thought better of it. He remained silent.
Rev. Givens stepped into the fray with a Christian perspective. "I never met Rev. Haynes but his reputation inspired me. The Bible teaches one should not judge lest one be judged. Charles, are you without sin in your life?" asked the Reverend.
"No, Reverend, but I'm talking about betrayal of the race. The very Negroes who gave up Nat Turner are the same kind of Negroes who would disown colored brothers and sisters at the drop of a hat," said Charles. Charles spoke with heart. He had an ability to draw in listeners that bespoke divine inspiration at times. "Am I my brother's keeper? Am I my brother's keeper?" asked Charles again and again as if in a gospel refrain. "I know for a fact William Babbitt Haynes has a twin brother, Dr. Samuel Woodbridge Haynes. They are identical twins. Yet, one brother is shunned by his identical twin because one is colored and one is passing for white. This is madness."
"So, you're saying William Babbitt Haynes' breakthrough is meaningless?" asked William G.
"Yes, it is meaningless. It is of no value to the struggle for equal rights," answered William C.
"As a white-looking man, I have to agree with William C.," said Gideon. If no one knows I'm black and I dine at the Spottswood Cafe, I haven't helped my brother. Only if the restaurant knows I'm of black ancestry does my dining open up opportunities for my colored brothers and sisters."
Gideon turned and saw William Lloyd Garrison walk into the church sanctuary. Garrison had the poise of a crusader at all times. This time, he appeared shaken. "I have sad news to report," said Garrison.
"What is it?" asked William G.
"A week ago, William Babbitt Haynes died in a shipwreck off the coast of South Carolina," said Garrison. A hush descended on the group. "His ship was sailing under clear skies and on calm seas."
[[[INTERMISSION]]]
"Who or what really killed William Babbitt Haynes?" One can only speculate.