On May 4, 1902, Booker T. Washington, described at the time by the Red Bank Register as “probably the foremost negro statesman in the United States,” was hosted by T. Thomas Fortune, the noted African American journalist and advocate, at Fortune’s Maple Hall home in Red Bank. Prominent leaders from New York and Philadelphia came to Red Bank to pay their respects and discuss urgent matters of the day. Local clergy urged Washington to speak at an area church, which he said he would be happy to do during the summer. Fortune, Washington, and their guests then took a driving tour through Rumson and Long Branch. The meeting was of sufficient importance to warrant front-page newspaper coverage, reflecting the high level of interest in the ongoing national dialogue over race and civil rights.
Despite being a newspaper publisher, very few photos exist of T. Thomas Fortune. Monmouth Timeline is proud to have commissioned the art that illustrates this important story to help bring this event to life. This art was created by Jarrad Crutcher, a freelance artist and photographer from Lafayette, Indiana. Jarrad excels at developing unique visual concepts into custom designs and illustrations.
Sources:
Booker Washington in Town. (1902). Red Bank Register, May 7, 1902, P. 1.
Image ©2021 Jarrad Crutcher. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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