On March 5, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar, along with his wife Alice and mother Matilda, celebrated the second inauguration of President William McKinley in Washington, D. C. Paul was listed among the guests at one inaugural ball and was a member of the planning committee for a second ball.
In the refuge of the Builders Exchange Hall under effulgent lights that in brilliancy could almost shame the sun's rays, the fashionable world of Washington and the thousands of inaugural visitors Tuesday evening found a veritable fairyland. In spite of the rain the second inauguration of President McKinley ended in a blaze of glory. The gaily bedecked throng, a moving kaleidoscope of becoming costumes, beautiful women and handsome men, crowded the great hall. Enjoyment reigned supreme. It was a gathering of well-bred people, who showed in their bearing and demeanor that they were accustomed to the graces of good society. The Empire Orchestra regaled those who were present. Among the visitors were . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Dunbar
Mrs. M. J. Dunbar"The Inaugural Ball." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). March 9, 1901. Page 4.
Several hundred prominent colored people who came to Washington to be present at the inauguration were entertained at the Washington Light Infantry armory last night by the Inaugural Welcome Club. The club was recently organized for the purpose of showing due courtesy to colored visitors. Dancing was a feature of the entertainment, and refreshments were served.
Reception committee . . .
Paul Laurence Dunbar
"Welcomes Its Guests." The Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). March 6, 1901. Page 10.
In an essay published later that year, Paul described the inauguration festivities enjoyed by Black residents in Washington.
Do any of you uninitiated know that there were three inaugural balls? The whites could only afford one, but we, happy-go-lucky, pleasure-loving people, had to have two, and on the same night. They separated into factions: one secured the armory, and, the other securing another large hall, each gave its party. During the whole of that snowy March night there was a good-natured shifting of guests from one ballroom to the other.
"Negro Society in Washington," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Saturday Evening Post (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). December 14, 1901. Page 9.