The Convention, Part I Songtext
von Shaina Taub

We stand united in sisterhood
Working together on the same team
Younger and older, joining as one
Shoulder to shoulder for the same dream

Well, well, well
Look who′s finally become a member of NAWSA
(Oh no, I'm only in town for tomorrow′s NAACP conference)
Care to give a quote for the Chicago Daily?
You can quote from my address
As distinguished guest speaker

So you've agreed to speak at your hundredth white women's convention?
(Are you just here to sow dissension?)
Don′t you resent that you′re a prop they trot out at events?
NAWSA presents "A rich little Negro mascot"
Come hear her preach, see? We have no race hatred
We let Mary make a speech


If I didn't speak, they wouldn′t even mention race
I tolerate their system
'Cause that′s the only way they'll ever listen to our case
(And when the system wants you dead, what then?)
I can′t have this out with you again
Why are you fighting me? I am not the enemy
(Ladies, a photograph please?)

We stand united in sisterhood
Working together on the same team

Before our formal program continues
Let's entertain a brief diversion
From our junior Washington, D.C. committee

Vote Wilson out! (Vote Wilson out!)
Vote Wilson out! (Vote Wilson out!)

My fellow Suffs
That should be NAWSA's rallying cry this fall
It′s time to show Wilson
NAWSA Suffs are the vanguard of the future
It′s time to show him we're not just some gaggle of irrelevant old fogeys