Title: Anglo-African - September 3, 1865
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Anglo-African (1863 - 1865)
The writer offers an overview of the situation in the British West Indies after emancipation. Although the feared violence never manifested, the growing tension between the newly freed slaves and former slave-owners was more pronounced than previously believed.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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)
Title: Colored American - August 1, 1840
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer apologizes for publishing a letter received by the newspaper in error. The letter had been included with a list of donors and subscribers which was supposed to be published.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Colored American - August 5, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer explains the events surrounding the celebration of the anniversary of the emancipation of the British West Indies that is celebrated on August 1st. The celebration this year included signing petitions to bring about the immediate emancipation of Washington, DC.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - July 13, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer tells his readers that he is about to journey west from Massachusetts to promote the Colored American newspaper and connect with influence friends.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - July, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer announces that the idea of apprenticeship as a way to slowly emancipate slaves in the British West Indies has been abandoned. As of August 1st, the slaves of the British West Indies will be completely emancipated.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - June 16, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer explains that when the British Parliment first passed the Emancipation Act to free the slaves of the British West Indies, they tacked on an apprenticeship of six years to the deal. This was done out of fear of what may happen if the thousands of slaves were freed at once. The islands, however, rejected this clause and provided their slaves with immediate emancipation. The feared violence never manifested. It is now up to Parliament to revise their law.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - June 8, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer describes the actions of a pro-slavery faction operating in the newly emancipated British West Indies. These men are attempting to continue the oppression of newly freed slaves by making their lives unbearable.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - November 18, 1837
Speaker or author: Ray, Charles B. (Charles Bennett), 1807-1886
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer notes that most African Americans are immigrating to Canada to find relief from prejudice and unemployment. He urges them instead to immigrate to Wisconsin, which is currently being settled. Land there is inexpensive, the territory is beautiful, and people live together harmoniously.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Colored American - October 17, 1840
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer describes the current state of immigration to the West Indies. He urges his readers to abandon any ideas of immigrating. While the concept may sound inviting, the reality of the experiences of those who have gone before is miserable.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - August 18, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer comments briefly on his visit to Toronto, Canada and the work being done there on behalf of its black citizens.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - August 15, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer briefly comments on a printed announcement he received regarding the commencement exercises held at the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Provincial Freeman - April 14, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer laments the continued perception among the Canadian public that people of African descent are unable to care for themselves. The automatic assumption that these people must be clothed, fed, and sheltered is degrading to the race.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - August 19, 1854
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer offers his opinions of the views of two anti-slavery lecturers. This is mainly a critique of the opinons of Mr. Dall on the future success of people of African descent living in Canada.
Description of file(s): four scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - January 20, 1855
Speaker or author: S.
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer warns his readers of a scheme that may be underway in the U.S. to capture fugitive slaves as they reach the Canadian border.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Provincial Freeman - January 29, 1859
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer tells his readers that the question of "African civilization" is divided among two groups in Canada. One argues that civilizing Africa will put an end to the slave trade once and for all; the other is totally against anything that even sounds like immigration (or Colonization).
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - July 1, 1854
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer expresses his opinion of a circular he received calling for people of African descent living in Canada to work in the British West Indies. He believes this is another immigration scheme created by those who suppose these people are not smart enough to stay where they are.
Description of file(s): four scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - July 1, 1854
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer shares an article published in a Virginia newspaper about the idea of annexaction of Canada. He tells his readers that this article does more harm than good in its attempt to explain the political position of Canadians on this subject.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - July 19, 1856
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer underscores the benefits of the Provincial Freeman newspaper and publications like it in helping to promote justice and freedom among those of African descent. (Partially illegible; best copy available.)
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages (partially illegible)
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 16, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer briefly comments on the Crimean war.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 7, 1856
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer discusses rumors of an upcoming visit by author H. B. Stowe. He believes those who would make a profit off the condition of fugitive slaves in Canada are using this visit as a money making scheme.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 9, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The editor announces that a representative of the newspaper will be traveling through the western part of the country collecting for the newspaper and soliciting new subscribers.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - March 24, 1853
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer discusses the role of Canada in U.S. efforts to capture runaway slaves. Since Canada is a British province, and since there are no slaves on British soil, slaves are not considered fugitives once they cross into Canada. He emphasizes the problems this relationship creates between the two countries.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - May 30, 1857
Speaker or author: Cary, Mary Ann Shadd, 1823-1893
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer calls attention to the continued solicitation of charity for fugitive slaves living in Canada. This type of "begging" for help is unwelcomed and unwanted by the people of African descent living in Canada.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - May 5, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer comments on an article published in another newspaper offering a weak apology for a previously published statement saying that fugitive slaves made "undesirable citizens." The circular logic in the apology noted that if the fugitives were "intelligent and industrious" that they wouldn't care what color they were. The assumption is already made in this writer's statement that these people are "ignorant and brutally trained."
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages