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Title: "A Colored Female"

Speaker or author: Anonymous

Newspaper or publication: Liberator

Speech given by an anonymous speaker at the Female Minervian Association on the moral and social improvement of freed slaves, encouraging them to assist those who are still enslaved.

Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 316 word document (text and images)

Title: Alexander Crummell

Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898

Newspaper or publication: AD -- New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection

-- Copyright Permission Granted September 2007 -- Handwritten speech regarding the importance of education for the advancement of the free people of color. The speaker noted that the speech is offered "As a Testimonial of respect for Talent, Worth, and Nobleness of Character." Includes original editing and omissions.

Description of file(s): PDF 50 page, 13,486 word document (text and images)

Title: Augustus William Hanson

Speaker or author: Augustus William Hanson

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Rambling speech regarding the inherent rights of human beings in a free society regardless of race.

Description of file(s): PDF 13 page, 3,785 word document (text and images)

Title: Charles Lenox Remond

Speaker or author: Remond, Charles Lenox, 1810-1873

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper

Brief overview of a speech expressing an appreciation for the endurance of African Americans who were dealing with the cruelties of slavery and prejudice. The speaker encouraged them to defend their rights even if it meant being "traitors" to the government.

Description of file(s): PDF 1 page, 156 word document (text and image)

Subtitle: Wants of the Church.--Education of Children.

Title: Christian Recorder - March 19, 1855

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Christian Recorder (1852 - 1856)

The writer discusses the benefits of education. Education, he believes, offers not just a way of learning a trade and contributing to society, but a way of knowing and living a truly moral life.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)

Subtitle: The American Citizen--Canada Mission--Ourself.

Title: Colored American - April 10, 1841

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer replies to an article in the American Citizen newspaper indicating that fugitives are being aided in their escape to Canada. He says that the belief that African Americans who succeed in other countries will reflect positively on those left in the U.S. is just another scam to realize the goals of Colonization. He wonders why it's necessary for African Americans to leave their home country to show their own worth when they can do this now where they are.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)

Subtitle: The Objects of Our Paper.

Title: Colored American - April 11, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer lists the benefits of the Colored American newspaper, and offers its pledge to continue to serve the African American community.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Our Elevation.

Title: Colored American - April 17, 1841

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer tells his readers that the system of slavery has left a legacy through generations of social separation of the American people. Only by improving themselves morally, physically, and socially will African Americans overcome this racial prejudice based in a history of slavery's injustice and inhumanity.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Our Brethren in the Free States.

Title: Colored American - April 22, 1837

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer cautions his readers to be aware of how society perceives them and to always present a moral, responsible, and industrious appearance. He urges them to not present any reason for negative judgment from others.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Future Prospects and Rise of Our People.

Title: Colored American - April 24, 1841

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer tells his readers that the only way for African Americans to find a better place in society is through "elevation" and improvement through a strong morality, education, and commitment to the cause of freedom. He emphasizes that these goals can only succeed if all African Americans work together.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Our Friends hinder our Improvement.

Title: Colored American - August 12, 1837

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

In an effort to help, the friends of free African Americans are pushing them through an inadequate education and sending them into a prejudiced society unprepared for the challenges that await them there. By assuming that African Americans are not capable of more than this, those who are acting on their behalf, are doing more harm than good, even though their intentions are well meaning.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: The Public Schools.

Title: Colored American - August 21, 1841

Speaker or author: J.

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer urges his readers to ensure that their children attend public schools.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper page

Subtitle: Appearance.

Title: Colored American - December 1, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer suggests that his readers spend their money on the $250 yearly voter registration fee instead of on expensive clothing and unnecessary travel.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Editorial Correspondence.

Title: Colored American - December 2, 1837

Speaker or author: Ray, Charles B. (Charles Bennett), 1807-1886

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer reports on African American libraries, schools, and churches he visited while in Philadelphia.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: The Elevation of Our People--No. 2.

Title: Colored American - December 7, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer continues his comments on the importance of social improvement stressing education, spirituality, and morality, and instilling these values in children.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Self-Respect.

Title: Colored American - February 10, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer urges his readers to respect themselves first in order to respect others. He notices that well-meaning friends of African Americans often encourage them to return to Africa. By assuming that the African American can do no more for him/herself in this country than become a burden on society, these friends do more harm than good, even though their positive intentions are not in doubt. Without encouragement from society, the African American is left to doubt his/her own worth.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: The Elective Franchise.

Title: Colored American - February 23, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer offers a suggestion to the state legislature to change the requirements for voting so that every African American male who has reached the age of 21 and pays $100 yearly rent can vote. This would replace the current $250 real estate requirement.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Our First Page.

Title: Colored American - January 20, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer encourages his readers to take advantage of lectures and other opportunities to improve their minds and the condition of their lives. Work in this direction benefits not only those who pursue it but generations of African Americans to follow.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Things which concern Colored Americans.

Title: Colored American - July 15, 1837

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer expresses his belief that in order to overcome prejudice, African Americans must focus on "elevation" and "improvement" intellectually and morally. The focus must be on education, economy, temperance, and on living a moral life.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Solid Reading.

Title: Colored American - July 20, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer encourages his readers to read more in order to keep current with scientific and social advances. But he also encourages them to read more in order to continue to educate themselves (both spiritually and socially) and to reinforce the solid connection with their community.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: The Elective Franchise.

Title: Colored American - July 27, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer emphasizes the social power in exercising the right to vote. He encourages his readers to take advantage of this.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Moral Reform Society.

Title: Colored American - July 29, 1837

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer urges his readers to join the Moral Reform Society. He believes that the best way to gain social acceptance is for African Americans to present a moral, industrious, and intelligent manner to the general public.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: What do we want of our Friends?

Title: Colored American - July 7, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer expresses to the community that all African Americans want from them is to be treated equally, to be able to educate their children, and to be afforded the rights and privileges enjoyed by all American citizens.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

Subtitle: Work for True Philanthropists.

Title: Colored American - June 1, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer suggests that philanthropists donate money to establish a "market garden" that will help train African American men to start their own business in the silk industry.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Editorial Responsibility.

Title: Colored American - June 10, 1837

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Editorial statement of the intent, motivation, and goals of the newspaper to report in a truthful, moral, and responsible manner information geared towards African American readers.

Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page

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