Morality, Education, and Finances: Mrs. Josie Hall's Guide

Hall's Moral and Mental Capsule for the Economic and Domestic Life of the Negro as a Solution to the Race Problem was written by a teacher named Josie B. Hall, and published in 1905. 

Before discussing the text itself, it is important to understand what the author meant as "the Race problem". This term refers to the issues faced by Black Americans due to systemic racism and outright violence, and the tensions that existed between Black and white Americans. This term is no longer in use, but for a time it was a popular, if at times controversial, means of referring to overarching issues of racism in America. 

Solutions as presented in this text reflects the ideas that were shaped and lauded by Booker T. Washington. Washington's "Atlanta Compromise" speech, delivered at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta on September 18, 1895, outlined the ideals that would guide his life's work. The turn of the last century was marked by massive legal and social undermining of Civil and Human Rights that had been granted to Black Americans during the Reconstruction Era. In response to the removal of rights and protections following the end of the Reconstruction Era in 1877, Washington's "Atlanta Compromise" called for an accommodationist philosophy where Black Americans would focus their energy on social, educational, and economic gains rather than direct confrontation of segregationist policies and Jim Crow laws and practices. While this ideology would later be criticized by prominent leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois, it was popularized by texts such as Josie Hall's book and served as the inspiration for Black academics and businesspeople. Josie Hall, a teacher, used her book to promote Washington's ideas to young Black women and families as a solution to the problems faced by the community due to systemic racism and oppression.

Josie Hall was born on September, 17, 1869, in Waxahachie, Texas, to Tennie and Henry Briggs. She was orphaned by the time she was eleven, and was raised by her sister. Her uncle and grandfather were the first Black Texans to purchase land in Waxahachie. She first began teaching at twelve years old when she served as a Sunday School teacher. In 1886, she became a Christian at Bishop College. She was unable to complete her formal education, and worked as a teacher in Canaan, Texas. She married Professor J. P. Hall in 1888. J. P. Hall was the son of Robin and Katie Hall, and was a graduate of Fisk University. In 1904, he was the Principal of the Mexia Colored High School. The couple had five children by 1905: Veralee Hall, thirteen; James L. Hall, ten; Theophilus Hall, eight; Thessie Arrilla Hall, five, and Arella Theresa Hall, one. 

Josie Hall directly wrote about the causes that led her to write this book. She believed that a major solution to her community's oppression lay in providing a moral education regarding how to live daily, education, and economic advancement. Within this text are Josie Hall's own commentaries on what she considers to be the moral and educational failings of her community and methods on how such issues can be addressed. Poetry, instructions, moral tales, and reprinted works by prominent Black leaders make up the text of this book. 

There are several sections of this book that do not reflect an accurate perspective on the Black American experience in the 1900's. Josie Hall's writing was reflection of contemporary narratives that at times included racist stereotypes of the Black community. Nevertheless, works such as hers served as a means of providing education and guidance to a large audience. Washington's "Education will Solve the Race Problem" is reprinted in her book, and in this text Washington points out that Black Americans were in their first generation of emancipation. Change and improvement in the standard of living within the community would take both time and effort. 

As a teacher and mother, Josie Hall gave particular attention to the creation and maintenance of the home as a means of fostering a healthy environment where families can grow. While she often lauds the importance of an education, this text was written to inspire readers to pursue education rather than provide educational support. Much of this work includes religious moral teachings and exhortations, making it clear that Hall saw faith as vital in becoming an accomplished person. One section of this text titled "The Pinnacle of Fame" is a moralistic fictional story of how a young woman grew into the pinnacle of womanhood by being morally upright, chaste, and cultured. Much of the poetry within this text are original works by Josie Hall, with each poem discussing an important trait or practice, or calling on the readers to take action to improve themselves morally. 

Josie Hall believed in the importance of moral behavior and economic advancement. She lauds individuals who have created their own businesses as well as served their communities by becoming teachers, lawyers, and doctors. Josie Hall's poems at times praise the economic progress of Black Americans, applauding their accumulation of wealth and land post-emancipation.

Throughout this text are images and brief notes on prominent Black Dallasites and Texans. These individuals served as inspiration to readers, and exemplified the importance of education, moral behavior, and sound business acumen.