The Harlem Hellfighters march on Fifth Avenue, 1919. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
On May 9, 1919 James Reese Europe was stabbed by a volatile drummer, Herbert Wright, at Boston’s Mechanics Hall. Although first believed to be a superficial wound, the stab was fatal and stole the trailblazer’s life.
May 10, 1919. Evening Capital News
May 10, 1919. The New York Times
"Lieutenant James Reese Europe (Jim Europe) died at a hospital here tonight as a result of a wound in the neck alleged to have been inflicted by Herbert Wright, also of New York
"After "Jimmy" Europe got this band to France with the 369th Infantry he found that the French clarion could put more "jazz" into his music, and the combination of these horns with trombones and syncopation made the negro band so popular that they were kept traveling all the time. They played for President Poincaré and General Pershing time and again, and had a request for a concert for the Prince of Wales when they left. It was said that General Gourad would risk defeat to travel a hundred miles to hear Jimmy's "jazz band." The band found equal favor upon its return to this country and a tour of the principal cities resuited."
↑Excepts from New York Times article, bolded areas are highlighted
Lieutenant James Reese Europe received the first public New York City funeral ever granted to a black man.
"Before Jim Europe came to New York, the colored man knew nothing but Negro dances and porter's work. All that has been changed. Jim Europe was the living open sesame to the colored porters of this city. He took them from their porter's places and raised them to positions of importance as real musicians. I think the suffering public should know that in Jim Europe, the race has lost a leader, a benefactor, and a true friend."
-Deacon Johnson, euologist. 1919
"This is the wreath presented by the Ford-Darney Orchestra in memory of Lieutenant Jimmy Europe, leader of the famous Jazz band which won its laurels with 369th Infantry in France; His funeral took place from St. Mark's Church in West 53rd St.", 1919. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
The body of Lieutenant Jimmy Europe is here seen being carried from St. Mark's Church, 1919. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
"I have done my best to put an end to this discrimination . . . Someday it will be different and justice will prevail."
-James Reese Europe, 1914