University Archives

Title: Colored American - August 4, 1838

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer comments on a report regarding the trial of a young man accused of embezzlement. He cautions the young men among his readers to focus on character and ethics in their working lives.

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

Title: Colored American - December 2, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer hopes that the recent murder of a newspaper owner in Illinois will cause the Church to change its position and begin to preach against slavery. By its silence (and even its own slave ownership in some cases), the Church conveyes a message of acceptance of slavery to its congregations. The writer emphasizes the power of the Church to sway public opinion and he hopes this event will stir ministers to action that will put an end to slavery and prejudice.

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

Title: Colored American - July 8, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer stresses the importance of education. The pursuit of knowledge is not only economically beneficial, but also pleasurable.

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

Title: Colored American - May 27, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer shares a conversation he had with an advocate of colonization who justified his belief that colonization was the only solution to the "problem" of slavery. The Colonizationist believed the Abolitionists were disturbing the "happy union" with their efforts, and that colonization posed to the only hope for the peace and happiness of all concerned.

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

Title: Colored American - May 27, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Brief anecdote designed to persuade the reader to refrain from drinking alcohol.

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

Title: Colored American - October 28, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer notices that young people are attending plays at a local theater. He consideres this an unhealthy practice and quotes several Greek philosophers who agreed with his point of view.

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - February 18, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

Nostalgic expression of aging in America during the current times. The writer reflects on lost youth and the potential for wisdom in old age. He emphasizes the responsibilites that are available in a life lived in the present. The actions taken now by each person, may affect forever the future of society. "Herein lies the secret to true happiness..."

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - February 18, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

The writer offered an account of the Weekly Advocate's current status in terms of subscribers and its future potential as a beneficial source of information for African Americans.

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - February 25, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

The writer expresses his belief that knowledge is power, but not without an emphasis on religion. The responsibility in gaining great knowledge is a moral one. He encourages his readers to seek religious knowledge and use it wisely to inspire positive change in the world.

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - January 14, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

Robert Sears wished subscribers a Happy New Year. He stressed the progress and failures of the preceding year, and offered hope and encouragement for African Americans in the years to come.

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - January 28, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

The writer praised Philip A. Bell not only for his intellect, but for his "industry." The writer believed that all men of knowledge possessed a drive towards using their knowledge and attaining success through intellectual prowess. This drive and intellect could be beneficial in aiding a downtrodden race. The writer encouraged education and industry.

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - January 28, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

The writer emphasized the "absurdity" of a country based on the ideas of freedom, yet continuing to maintain a system of slavery. He said, "Intelligence without virtue is no security," and suggested a stronger moral conscience for the country.

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

Title: Weekly Advocate - January 7, 1837

Speaker or author: Sears, Robert

Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)

The writer praised two un-named philanthropists who have worked hard to encourage and enlighten the poor. These two men (along with others) have offered time and money to benefit others. The writer expressed his appreciation for this.

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