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: Remond, Charles Lenox, 1810-1873
Newspaper or publication: Anti-Slavery Bugle
The speaker's topic was "Prejudice against Color." He emphasized that he had not experienced prejudice during his travels in Europe, but had encountered it only in the U.S. He believed prejudice to be "unnatural" and that a human being should be recognized for his character and moral worth instead of the color of his skin.
Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 334 word document (text and images)
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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 - August 26, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses his disappointment in the proceedings of the Moral Reform Society's convention.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - December 16, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The editor responds to a letter expressing fear that the African American people of Pennsylvania will be disenfranchised and banished from the state due to recent changes in the state's constitution.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - December 16, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer notes that while the intentions of white abolitionists are honorable and sincere, they often carry with them the "low" prejudice of feeling superior to the oppressed people they are helping. This furthers the separation of the races and continues to delay the achievement of true social equality.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - December 2, 1837
Speaker or author: Ray, Charles B. (Charles Bennett), 1807-1886
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer reports on African American libraries, schools, and churches he visited while in Philadelphia.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - January 27, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer encourages his readers to help each other and the community of African Americans rather than concentrating on selfish gain. By working together for the common good, the African American community is more likely to succeed and the poorest among them more likely to survive.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - July 4, 1840
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The editor reports on two examples of harmonious civil relationships between white and African Americans. In one situation, an African American man was in charge of white workers, yet there was no animosity or ill-will experienced by anyone.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - July, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer rejoices over the fact that Richard Riker no longer holds the office of Recorder of the city of New York.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - June 2, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer reports on a riot that took place in Philadelphia during which a mob destroyed the property of abolitionists. The aim of this riot was to fight against abolition, but because the mob acted violently in this way, the abolitionists gained public sympathy.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - June 23, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer assures white society that African American men have no desire for amalgamation. He suggests instead that the continued system of slavery insures amalgamation more than the freedom of choice in marriage partners among freed African Americans.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - June 9, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer marks the distinction between prejudice based on skin color and opposition to slavery. A person may be opposed to slavery, yet prejudiced towards the slave him/herself. The editor emphasizes that while ending slavery is a rational action, the true battle here is the battle against prejudice.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - March 9, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer gives a brief overview of a recent abolitionist convention he attended.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Colored American - May 9, 1840
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer explains to his readers the misunderstanding of those who wish free African Americans to immigrate to other countries. Although they are of African heritage, they were born in this country, and this country is their home. They wish only to enjoy the rights and privileges afforded to all American citizens.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
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Title: Colored American - November 10, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer urges the U.S. government to recognize Hayti as an independent government and a source of economic trade. He notes the irony of sanctioned trade with Texas (and foreign countries) that is less than the potential economic value of trade with Hayti.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - November 16, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer asks that the New York State Legislature amend the state's Consitution to eliminate the restrictions on African American voters.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - October 7, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer attempts to calm the controvery taking place among abolitionist factions in New England. Instead of working together, there is in-fighting and disagreement among the abolitionists there. He urges them to see reason and continue together towards their noble goal.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - September 23, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses his view that the first step African Americans can take toward improving their lives and elevating their social situation is to gain self-respect, and teach their children that they are worthy of a place in the community. As African Americans are taught that they are of a lower caste and not as good as the white members of society, they come to believe this and this belief works against them as they try to create better lives.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - September 30, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer stresses that the abolition of slavery carries with it nothing more than the restoration of human freedom from bondage. The civil rights afforded to citizens of this country are separate issues and must be addressed one at a time.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - September 9, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer urges his readers to work hard to prove themselves worthy of the civil rights they are being denied. He believes that if all African Americans made it their goal to work "doubly" as hard as their white neighbors they would achieve social acceptance.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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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
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Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - August 25, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer asks the rhetorical question "Is color a constitutional disqualifier?" after relating the story of a fugitive slave being refused a passport while in a foreign country since he was black. The official of that country told him that since he was black he couldn't be considered a citizen of the U.S. He addresses the issue of citizenship in the U.S. and how this seems determined by race.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - December 15, 1854
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer alerts his readers to an upcoming lecture by Cassius M. Clay.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Frederick Douglass' Paper - February 2, 1855
Speaker or author: Watkins, William J.
Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper (1851 - 18??)
The writer encourages his readers to be patient regarding the inevitable end of slavery. But patience is not a matter of simply waiting for something to happen. It is instead a way of looking for opportunities towards action. He assures them that freedom that is fought for is sweeter than freedom that is "bestowed upon us."
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)