On a hill near Petersburg,
Facing the old historic town,
There lives a model Negro—
One who's won renown.
A man we should be proud of—
President of a school;
He holds full sway in his modest way,
Of reserved and dignified rule.
'Tis just such men the world needs,
One whose record stands
Unblemished by a darkened deed,
Clear, wavering thro' the land.
Live on, thou brave and honored sire,
That many thy paths may retrace,
To keep them from the deepened mire
Of folly and disgrace.
Live on, thou noble son of Ham—
On, on, thro life's rugged ways;
With steps clear and unfaltering,
Deserving of thy praise.