Back to Top
Top Nav content Site Footer
University Home

Archive Research Center

Black Abolitionist Archive
Search for
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: A Reading Room.

Title: Colored American - February 10, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The editor announces that the newspaper is considering establishing a reading room for the community. This space would provide a common place for learning, encourage intellectual support, and discourage idleness and vice.

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

Subtitle: Major Noah.

Title: Colored American - February 10, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer responds to an article in the Evening Star regarding an African American woman who was pursued by rioters after she was acquitted on a charge of kidnapping. The Evening Star writer presented the story in crass sarcasm and the Colored American editor found this offensive.

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

Subtitle: A Point Settled.

Title: Colored American - February 16, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer suggests that since African Americans prefer to stay in the U.S., their native land, their efforts should go towards improvement of their situation here and the elevation of the race overall.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Henry Clay's Speech.

Title: Colored American - February 16, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer offers comments on Henry Clay's recent speech. The writer believes that Henry Clay's perception of slavery is based upon his upbringing and experience with the system of slavery in the south.

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

Subtitle: Classical Education of our Young Men.

Title: Colored American - February 16, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer comments on a philanthropic enterprise that selects African American youth to enter specialized education. He believes that while white philanthropists mean well, they often select young men who are not the best representatives of the race.

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

Subtitle: What has the North to do with Slavery?

Title: Colored American - February 17, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer reminds his northern readers of those who still suffer in the system of slavery in the southern states. He includes excerpts from other newspapers reporting cruelty and despair suffered by those who remain enslaved.

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

Subtitle: Husbandry.

Title: Colored American - February 17, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer urges his readers to purchase land and take up farming. He emphasizes the benefits of this type of investment in their well being and to their posterity.

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

Subtitle: Public worship on the Sabbath.

Title: Colored American - February 17, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer encourages his readers to attend church on Sundays.

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

Subtitle: Mexico.

Title: Colored American - February 2, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer comments on recent events in Mexico as they repel the French army expeditions there.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Hayti.

Title: Colored American - February 2, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer gives the reasons he believes that the U.S. should recognize the independence of the government of Haiti before giving that recognition to Texas.

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

Subtitle: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Title: Colored American - February 23, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: The means of our elevation.

The writer urges his readers to seek to elevate themselves through virtuous living. He emphasizes economy, industry, education, and the pursuit of honorable employment. He suggests to his readers that the best way they can elevate themselves is by living an honest, moral and ethical life.

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: Policy Gambling.

Title: Colored American - February 23, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer cautions his readers against the evils of gambling, especially the practice of buying lottery tickets with hard-earned pay.

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

Subtitle: Treachery, Vile and Unblushing.

Title: Colored American - February 3, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer relates a recent event involving the imprisonment of several Seminole Indians. He calls attention to the fact that the Seminole leaders were imprisoned after peace talks failed and in direct violation of the "white flag" agreement that allowed for neutrality in such discussions.

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

Subtitle: The Church in Fault.

Title: Colored American - February 3, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer expresses his views that by its silence on the subjects of slavery and prejudice, the Church implies an acceptance of the system. By not addressing an issue that is in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ, church going people are not persuaded to fight against slavery.

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

Subtitle: The Vice of Gambling.

Title: Colored American - February 3, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer cautions his readers about the addiction potential and immorality of gambling. He advises parents to warn their children of the dire consequences of getting involved with this type of vice.

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

Subtitle: The Importance of Our Paper.

Title: Colored American - February 3, 1838

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer stresses the importance of the newspaper and the African American press not only as a way of communicating on important subjects, keeping informed about national events, and educating the community, but as a means of strengthening the social bond among members of an oppressed race.

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

Subtitle: Public Schools.

Title: Colored American - February 9, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer encourages his readers to send their children to the public schools provided for them. He notes that of the 3,000 possible students, there are currently only about 1,000 enrolled.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Go to the country brethren.

Title: Colored American - February 9, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer encourages his readers to buy land, move to the country, and take up farming.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: Despotism, tyranny, and robbery in danger.

Title: Colored American - February 9, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer offers his view of the involvement of the Church in continuing the system of slavery.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Subtitle: "One Thing Thou Lackest."

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - February 10, 1854

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer offers commentary on the good intentions of Abolitionists who sometimes do more harm than good. He suggests that the idea of conquering prejudice is indeed the way towards freedom, but that Abolitionists must overcome their own prejudices first.

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

Subtitle: Religion and Politics.

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - February 16, 1855

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer expresses his view that a good Christian makes a good politician. He emphasizes the authority of the Church in the average person's life. He notes that a man's character should be judged on his actions, not just on his words.

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

Subtitle: What are we Doing?

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - February 2, 1855

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer encourages his readers to be patient regarding the inevitable end of slavery. But patience is not a matter of simply waiting for something to happen. It is instead a way of looking for opportunities towards action. He assures them that freedom that is fought for is sweeter than freedom that is "bestowed upon us."

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

Subtitle: Union Literary Association.

Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - February 2, 1855

Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)

The writer reviews a debate presented by the Union Literary Association.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Back to Top