The Seat Beside Him

A retelling for children, based on Mahmúd's Diary (entry of 23 April 1912) and Harlan Ober's account of the luncheon.

One spring day in 1912, in the city of Washington, 'Abdu'l-Bahá spoke to a large crowd at Howard University, a university for Black students. He spoke about how Black and white people should live in harmony, because all people are one.

A friend named Joseph Hannen was there. He wrote that whenever both white and Black people were present, 'Abdu'l-Bahá "seemed happiest."

After the talk, 'Abdu'l-Bahá went to a luncheon given in His honor at the home of Ali-Kuli Khan, a Bahá'í from Persia who worked for the Persian government in Washington. Many important people had been invited. A Bahá'í named Louis Gregory, a Black lawyer, had not been invited to the meal.

An hour before the luncheon, 'Abdu'l-Bahá sent a message asking Mr. Gregory to come and talk with Him. Mr. Gregory came, and they talked for a long time.

When lunch was ready, everyone followed 'Abdu'l-Bahá into the dining room, except Mr. Gregory. He waited quietly, meaning to leave.

When everyone was seated, 'Abdu'l-Bahá stood up, looked around the room, and asked, "Where is Mr. Gregory? Bring Mr. Gregory!"

Ali-Kuli Khan went and found him and brought him in. By then 'Abdu'l-Bahá had moved the places at the table to make room for him, and He gave Louis Gregory the seat of honor, right beside Himself. He said He was very pleased to have Mr. Gregory there, and then He talked to the guests about the oneness of all people.

Louis Gregory spent the rest of his life teaching the Faith and helping people of every color come together.

This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see "A Place of Honor for Louis Gregory".

Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání, M.. (1998). *Mahmúd's Diary: The Diary of Mírzá Maḥmúd-i-Zarqání*. George Ronald.