On December 29, 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar attended a conference of the American Negro Academy in Washington, D. C. The organization was founded by Paul's friend Rev. Alexander Crummell. The event took place over two days, and Paul read some of his poems at the closing session on the second day.
The first session of the annual meeting of the Negro American Academy was held yesterday. Rev. Alexander Crummell presided and made his annual address, outlining the plans and objects of the academy. It was organized for the purpose of developing literary culture and refinement among the colored race in America. Today at the evening session Paul Laurence Dunbar will read an original poem.
"Colored Men in Convention." The Times (Washington, D. C.). December 29, 1897. Page 5.
The last day's session of the American Negro Academy was called to order at 10:30 o'clock this morning by the president, Rev. Alexander Crummell. The evening session will begin at 8 o'clock. Paul Laurence Dunbar will read an original poem. The meeting will then adjourn until next year.
"Last Day's Session." The Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). December 29, 1897. Page 8.
Paul lived in Washington, where he was employed at the Library of Congress. Although his home was within walking distance of the church where the Academy held its conference, he arrived 90 minutes late for the first evening's session. He told his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore that he had "chased around" with Rebekah Baldwin, a friend who taught in the Washington public school system. After his reading at the second evening's session, Paul planned to go to a dance held by a social club of young women in Washington.
My holidays have been rather quiet until last night. Rebekah and I chased around a little and strutted into the Negro Academy meeting where I was due at 8:00 at about 9:30 and a few minutes before it closed. The staid old men were shocked. Tonight the girls of the Brownie Club give a dance, but I read first at the Academy. I intend to read them poems on "Death" but they do not pan out to my satisfaction and I may do something else. However, I must do my best for the solidity of Washington is attending these meetings.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
The American Negro Academy closed its first annual convention at Lincoln Memorial Church last night. Paul Laurence Dunbar recited some of his favorite poems, which evoked great applause.
"The Final Session." The Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). December 30, 1897. Page 6.
After a quietly pleasant New Year's day, I am resting for my work tomorrow. By the way dear, my "Death" and "Immortality" at the Academy were a great success. I have been a good deal petted and made of, dear, but it hasn't swelled my head. It has only made me feel very glad that when some are trying to pull me down others are helping me up.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 2, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
When Paul mentioned a poem called "Immortality," he may have been referring to "Mortality," which later appeared in one of his books of poetry.
Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust,
What of his loving, what of his lust?
What of his passion, what of his pain?
What of his poverty, what of his pride?
Earth, the great mother, has called him again:
Deeply he sleeps, the world's verdict defied.
Shall he be tried again? Shall he go free?
Who shall the court convene? Where shall it be?
No answer on the land, none from the sea.
Only we know that as he did, we must:
You with your theories, you with your trust, --
Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust!
"Mortality," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Published in Lyrics of the Hearthside (1899).