University Archives

Title: Colored American - April 22, 1837

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer cautions his readers to be aware of how society perceives them and to always present a moral, responsible, and industrious appearance. He urges them to not present any reason for negative judgment from others.

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

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

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

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

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 - 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

Title: Colored American - June 12, 1841

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Brief announcement that Congress will invite each Free State to send one representative of their African American population to represent the free people of color in Congressional decision-making.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

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

Title: Colored American - March 14, 1840

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

Response to an editorial published in another newspaper by a local minister wherein the minister referred to African Americans as "heathen" and Godless.

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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 - 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

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: 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

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

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

Title: Colored American - September 4, 1841

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)

The writer responds to an article published in another newspaper advising some steamboat companies to stop employing free African Americans since the fear is that they will "incite" slaves to runaway. The article advises that the only "safe" choice free African Americans have is colonization. The writer suggests that what has been overlooked in this point of view is the option to abolish slavery which makes more sense than colonization.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

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

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

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)