Speaker or author: Francis, Abner H.
Newspaper or publication: North Star
Speech delivered to celebrate the anniversary of the emancipation of the British West Indies. The speaker recounted the history of slavery, the successes of those who had overcome slavery in the past, and the potential of those abolitionists who he believes will abolish slavery forever after.
Description of file(s): PDF 17 page, 4,145 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection
Lengthy and eloquent eulogy on the life and character of Thomas Clarkson. The speaker spoke about Clarkson's early years, his struggles, and his accomplishments. He included the history of slavery, the current situation with the slaves and freed people of color, and his hopes and beliefs in a positive future.
Description of file(s): PDF 60 page, 17,894 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection
Lengthy sermon in which the speaker compares the plight of those held in bondage in the U.S. with the experiences of slaves in ancient Egypt. The speaker believed that it was God's Will that the people of Africa should be converted to Christianity.
Description of file(s): PDF 21 page, 6,407 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection
Speech emphasizing the benefits of colonization in Africa. The speaker listed each benefit and positive feature of Africa in a very rational and pragmatic way emphasizing trade, economics, education and Christian missionary work that have improved the colonized areas.
Description of file(s): PDF 25 page, 6,423 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
Overview of speech given in response to the speaker's welcome back to New York from his new home in Africa. The speaker emphasizes the positive condition of the new Liberian society he is helping to establish there.
Description of file(s): PDF 3 page, 592 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- British Library -- Anti-Slavery Pamphlets
Lengthy speech given as the annual oration on Independence Day in Liberia, Monrovia. The speaker emphasized the advances in Monrovia's economy, industry, resources and education of its people made since its humble beginnings.
Description of file(s): PDF 46 page, 12,594 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection
Lengthy sermon regarding the important role of God and religion in government. The speaker addressed issues of slavery and society throughout the history of the world.
Description of file(s): PDF 21 page, 5,823 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection
The speaker stressed the history, benefit, and continued need of missionary work in Africa. He emphasized the work of Jewish, Baptist, Episcopalian, Catholic, Evangelical, Presbyterian and Protestant missionaries.
Description of file(s): PDF 19 page, 5,354 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- British Library
Lengthy sermon regarding the history of slavery, the abuses suffered by slaves in the U.S., and the necessity for evangelizing (and colonizing) Africa.
Description of file(s): PDF 40 page, 14,207 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Green, Alfred M.
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
Overview of a rousing speech denouncing laws against freedom that were being enacted across the country. The speaker pays particular attention to encouraging the repeal of the Personal Liberty Law.
Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 382 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Steward, Austin
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Onondaga County Public Library [Coles, Howard W., The Cradle of Freedom, (1941), pp. 23-26]
At the termination of slavery in the U.S., the speaker reflected on what had been an accepted economic mainstay in the system of slavery and what potential for change was now available for all U.S. citizens. He urged his audience to take advantage of the opportunity to prosper by adopting a Christian lifestyle, avoiding "hard spirits," and focusing on civil rights.
Description of file(s): PDF 10 page, 2,307 word document (text and images)
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Title: Colored American - August 28, 1841
Speaker or author: H.
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer points out that each era is distinguished by the overall important events and human advancement that occur during its timeframe.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Colored American - June 16, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer suggests that all African Americans learn about their history, their rights, and the steps necessary to maintain an equal place in a free society. Through education, meetings, and open discussions, they will be able to understand what is taking place in the world around them politically and take action to maintain their civil rights when necessary.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
Speaker or author: Blyden, Edward Wilmot, 1832-1912.
Newspaper or publication: African Repository
Speech describing the geographical and cultural aspects of Ethiopia, Liberia and other explored areas of Africa. The speaker encouraged an evangelical approach to colonization of Africa.
Description of file(s): PDF 18 page, 7,230 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Blyden, Edward Wilmot, 1832-1912.
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Lynch, Black Spokesman: Selected Writings of Edward Wilmot Blyden, pp. 67-75
-- Copyright Permission Pending -- Eulogy given for the Reverend John Day tracing his life through childhood to death, emphasizing his challenges and triumphs. The speaker focused on the Reverend's impact on the world around him and his influence in the work for the abolition of slavery.
Description of file(s): PDF 11 page, 3,731 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Blyden, Edward Wilmot, 1832-1912.
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Lynch, Black Spokesman: Selected Published Writings of Edward Wilmot Blyden, pp. 219-222
Inaugural address given at the opening of Liberia College in the newly formed colony of Liberia in West Africa. The speaker gave a brief history of the Africa people who had been captured into slavery and were now given the opportunity to return to their "fatherland" and establish a successful country based on freedom and liberty.
Description of file(s): PDF 5 page, 1,686 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Blyden, Edward Wilmot, 1832-1912.
Newspaper or publication: African Repository
Inaugural speech given at the founding of the first college in West Africa. The speaker stressed the importance of education in the formation of Liberia.
Description of file(s): PDF 22 page, 8,619 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Blyden, Edward Wilmot, 1832-1912.
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Our Origin, Dangers and Duties -- Lynch, Black Spokesman: Selected Published Writings of Edward Wilmot Blyden, pp. 25-33
The speaker encouraged those of African descent to return to their "fatherland" and help cultivate and develop Africa. He believed that Africa offered opportunity and freedom that freed slaves could never find in America.
Description of file(s): PDF 11 page, 3,827 word document (text and images)
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Title: Elevator - December 22, 1865
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Elevator (1865 - 18??)
While there was slavery in the ancient world, the writer points that the U.S. is the only country that added racial prejudice to the experience. The writer gives a historic overview of the system of slavery and its continued influence on current U.S. society.
Description of file(s): three scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
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Title: Elevator - October 20, 1865
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Elevator (1865 - 18??)
The writer offers a review of a performance of Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" by providing some history surrounding the play's timeframe. He focuses mostly on the experience of Jews in Italy during this time. He associates the oppression of the Jews with racial oppression in the U.S.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Speaker or author: Harper, Frances Ellen Watkins, 1825-1911.
Newspaper or publication: Liberator
Overview of speech emphasizing the speaker's concerns regarding national government policy on Reconstruction following the Civil War.
Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 547 word document (text and images)
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Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 22, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer offers commentary on a recent lecture by historian George Bancroft. While Mr. Bancroft poetically expresses that the U.S. will be admired by other countries because of its freedom and liberty to all, the writer wonders aloud if slavery is included in this "beautiful" picture. The writer finds nothing beautiful or romantic in this depiction of the U.S. as long as there is slavery here.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Speaker or author: Douglass, H. Ford
Newspaper or publication: Pine and Palm
The speaker said he believed the first element of success for African Americans was establishing a "nationality." His approach to the abolition of slavery was philosophical. Slavery was not rational in his view and slaveholders, he believed, must come to realize this.
Description of file(s): PDF 5 page, 1,294 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Douglass, H. Ford
Newspaper or publication: Liberator
Speech expressing the speakers reasons for wanting to continue celebrating August 1st even though opposition had been expressed to this. The speaker said that even though the emancipation of the British West Indies (August 1, 1834) was under the direction of a foreign government, the day was worth celebrating by all those who value freedom. He emphasized the historical efforts and legacies of countries of men who fought, sacrificed and died for freedom.
Description of file(s): PDF 15 page, 4,371 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Douglass, H. Ford
Newspaper or publication: Liberator
Speaking in favor of the Stephen A. Douglas candidacy, the speaker emphasized the pro-slavery position of Abraham Lincoln. He noted that even though the Republican party (to which Lincoln belong) was considered the "anti-slavery party," Lincolns actions showed a different perspective. He noted that Lincoln supported the Fugitive Slave Law and expressed that Lincoln was pro-slavery.
Description of file(s): PDF 23 page, 6,716 word document (text and images)