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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)
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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 - 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 - 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 15, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer comments on the recent changes that have been introduced into Pennsylvania's "revised" state Constitution.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one 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 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 - 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 - 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 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: 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: 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
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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: 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