Ralph W. Tyler, "The Negro Editor" (1908)
With strident voice he will be singing
Sweet songs of liberty, and bringing
To his people hope, that will give
New life to each and all who may thirst,
Or who would be men among the first.
Unappreciated, long have they fought,
And valiantly for a cause that's dear
To their long despised race, far and near,
And wonders have these heroes wrought
With mighty pens, now tipped with love;
Now invoking wrath of Him above .
Long after Right shall have obtained ,
Aye, after his pens shall have gone to rust ,
And mortal body mixed with the dust ,
May our memories live unstained
The name of him who in peace or war
Stood steadfast---the Negro Editor.
Published in Colored American Magazine, February-March 1908