Title: Colored American - August 8, 1840
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses his objections to the increasing popularity of the "Penny Press" newspapers.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - May 6, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses his dismay at the irony displayed in a country whose people focus on keeping the "Union" strong when there are those within its northern states who live in fear of those in the south.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - September 26, 1840
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer addresses the issues of racial prejudice. He tells his readers that this is a learned behavior based on class and that it basically goes against human nature.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Elevator (1865 - 18??)
The editor tells his readers that the Elevator newspaper is published without a focus on race or caste, but on quality and virtue. He hopes that it will be read and appreciated by all Americans regardless of race.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Elevator - October 6, 1865
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Elevator (1865 - 18??)
The writer suggests that the only difference between the races is a difference of opinion about issues. Otherwise, all human beings are alike, and it's our ability to accept difference that expresses the best of our humanity.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Impartial Citizen - April 11, 1849
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Impartial Citizen (1849 - 1851)
The writer discusses the idea of prejudice based on skin color. He compares distinctions of caste made in other countries with the injustice in this country based on race. He notes that in some churches they are told "you'll be white in Heaven." But if being white on earth is comparable to being white in Heaven, he wants no part of it. He urges his readers to be true to themselves and live virtuous lives.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Speaker or author: Lewis, John N.
Newspaper or publication: Emancipator
Speech regarding the irony of missionary work in Africa by men who are slaves in the U.S. and not allowed to read the Bible. Emphasis is placed on the question of civil rights in the U.S.
Description of file(s): PDF 6 page, 1,278 word document (text and images)
Title: Provincial Freeman - June 23, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer comments on the increase in the number of newspapers being published by African Americans. He views this as a sign of positive changes in the U.S.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Voice of the Fugitive - February 26, 1851
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)
The writer continues his commentary concerning the current debate over the perceived inferiority of people of African descent.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Weekly Advocate - January 7, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)
The editor expressed the benefits of a newspaper devoted to the education and enlightenment of people of color. He vowed to present a truthful and unbiased approach to the news of the day for his readers.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - August 13, 1859
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer discusses the power of money and the potential dire consequences when money is lacking. He urges his readers to save their money, spend it wisely, and teach their children to value its power.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - August 31, 1861
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer points out that he believes the main difference between the races is the way they each handle life's difficulties. He tells his readers that while one class of people sees difficulty as something to triumph over, the other sees it as an insurmountable problem. He offers a couple of examples to prove his point.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - February 25, 1860
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
Brief account of racial discrimination experienced by a minister of African descent while traveling aboard a ship from the West Indies.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer suggests that abolitionists and the "fire-eaters" are the two causes of slavery. He urges the end of both: abolition will bring an end to the need for Abolitionists; emancipation of the slave will end the occupation of extremist pro-slavery advocates (the "fire-eaters").
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - September 24, 1859
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer divides the social goals of African Americans into two categories: those who seek elevation and what he describes as "recognition from a dominant class," and those who care only for "labor" (they live to work). He makes a distinction in this way between employment and labor. He reminds them, however, that only by working together towards a common goal can they ensure their rightful place as free human beings.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page