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
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
Title: Colored American - November 23, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses the importance of improving the lives of African Americans socially, morally, and intellectually. By working individually to become the best he or she can be, each person can affect social acceptance by all citizens of this country. The focus is on improving the racial relations, quality of life, and ending prejudice.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Impartial Citizen - March 14, 1849
Speaker or author: Ward, Samuel Ringgold, b. 1817
Newspaper or publication: Impartial Citizen (1849 - 1851)
The writer tells his readers that the only way to live a successful life is through "elevation" in terms of self-respect, morality, and self-esteem. He emphasizes that the only way to achieve this is by working on their own self-improvement in this manner and not depending on others to do this for them. This work must come from within each individual. It offers a tremendous challenge but it is the only way to gain social acceptance in this country.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Voice of the Fugitive - February 26, 1851
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)
The writer announces an upcoming lecture by Henry Bibb on the subject of agriculture.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column