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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
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Title: Colored American - April 24, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer reports on the outcome of a recent convention in Ohio, and adds comments on activities taking place in that state concerning African American organizations.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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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
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Title: Colored American - August 4, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer relates the story of a young African American boy who was removed from a private school after local residents complained and abused him because of his race. The writer leaves the conclusion of this drama in the hands of the abolitionists who are on the school's Board of Trustees, but it seems as if money and power are calling he shots here.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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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
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Title: Colored American - June 12, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
Now that the convention in Albany is over, the writer asks what next. The convention demonstrated what can be accomplished when African Americans pull together for a cause. He suggests another convention may be needed to continue the work towards freedom.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - June 26, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer continues his series on the subjects of improvement and the elevation of the race. He gives advice on how to achieve financial security through hard work and a focus on accumulating wealth.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - March 4, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The editor offers advise for the way African Americans should conduct themselves as free people of color in the free states. He suggests presenting an image of morality and industry to the rest of the population.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - May 1, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer tells his readers that the key to a successful life is to maintain a focus on continued learning.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - May 13, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The editor includes an excerpt from an 1827 issue of the Freedom's Journal to prove that the majority of African Americans have never agreed with the idea of colonization. Colonization presented some grand ideas and goals, but the decesdants of slaves born in the U.S. have only considered the U.S. their home. The majority of African Americans are committed to the belief that equality and racial harmony are reasonable and achievable goals in this country.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
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Title: Colored American - May 15, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer continues his series of objectives for the success and betterment of the race. This installment deals with how to create a better moral character and self-worth.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - May 29, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer continues his series on suggestions for racial improvement. He suggests in this segment that a focus on industry, business, property ownership, and frugality are the best ways to gain wealth. But he cautions that the focus on wealth should not supercede the focus on character and morality.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Colored American - May 29, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer responds to a comment made by Thomas Van Rensselaer that the free African American people are pro-slavery and "priest-ridden."
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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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)
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Title: Colored American - November 20, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer responds to a remark made by Col. Webb about the participation of African Americans in the recent election. (At the end of this editorial, the writer mentions Jonathan Cilley who was killed in a duel Col. Webb was responsible for instigating.)
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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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
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Title: Colored American - November 4, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses his view that even the white Americans who are motivated to help African Americans and approaching this endeavor with the purest of intentions believe that the African American is inferior and incapable of helping him/herself. These ideas work against self-esteem and a basic acceptance that all races are human beings and share a common Creator.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - October 12, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer comments on the state of disfranchisement that free African Americans find themselves in. This condition marginalizes them from the rest of the population and they feel not only that their right to citizenship is in question, but their human rights as well. (This editorial will be continued in upcoming issues.)
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Colored American - October 12, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer emphasizes to his readers that their freedom lies in their own hands. He tells them that one race cannot elevate another; that they must take responsibility for their own freedom. Each person must work to elevate him/herself and be all he/she can be, to offer a model of freedom for the generations to follow.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 8, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer comments that the "voice of the People" was ignored when the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed. He believes that "renegade" politicians intent on reinforcing a "slave powered" economy are going to do what they want regardless of how their actions affect the people involved.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - March 10, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer discusses the unity and elevation African Americans can realize thanks to men like George W. Prince who offers his talents to all in a "singing school" environment.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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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)
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Title: Lunar Visitor - February, 1862
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Lunar Visitor (1862 - 18??)
The writer breaks down the wants of African Americans in order to realize social harmony with their white fellow citizens. He emphasizes unity in this regard: unity of purpose, sympathy, self-respect; and a basic shared interest in human welfare.
Description of file(s): Three scanned newspaper pages (five columns)
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Title: Northern Star and Freemen's Advocate - February 10, 1842
Speaker or author: M.
Newspaper or publication: Northern Star and Freemen's Advocate (1842 - 18??)
The writer offers commentary on the current condition of African Americans. He notes an improvement in literacy, morality, and general well-being.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Pacific Appeal - May 2, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer addresses the question of whether African Americans should celebrate the July 4th holiday since it doesn't really mark their freedom like it does for white Americans. He suggests that from now on the celebration of the emancipation of the British West Indies (usually celebrated on August 1st) be celebrated on July 4th. This way, the Fourth of July could truly be a national holiday giving all Americans a way to celebrate freedom.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page