Speaker or author: Crummell, Alexander, 1819-1898
Newspaper or publication: AD -- New York Public Library -- Schomburg Collection
-- Copyright Permission Granted September 2007 -- Handwritten speech regarding the importance of education for the advancement of the free people of color. The speaker noted that the speech is offered "As a Testimonial of respect for Talent, Worth, and Nobleness of Character." Includes original editing and omissions.
Description of file(s): PDF 50 page, 13,486 word document (text and images)
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Title: Christian Recorder - March 19, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Christian Recorder (1852 - 1856)
The writer discusses the benefits of education. Education, he believes, offers not just a way of learning a trade and contributing to society, but a way of knowing and living a truly moral life.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
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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 11, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer lists the benefits of the Colored American newspaper, and offers its pledge to continue to serve the African American community.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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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 - 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
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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 - August 12, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
In an effort to help, the friends of free African Americans are pushing them through an inadequate education and sending them into a prejudiced society unprepared for the challenges that await them there. By assuming that African Americans are not capable of more than this, those who are acting on their behalf, are doing more harm than good, even though their intentions are well meaning.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - August 21, 1841
Speaker or author: J.
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer urges his readers to ensure that their children attend public schools.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - December 1, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer suggests that his readers spend their money on the $250 yearly voter registration fee instead of on expensive clothing and unnecessary travel.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two 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 - February 10, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer urges his readers to respect themselves first in order to respect others. He notices that well-meaning friends of African Americans often encourage them to return to Africa. By assuming that the African American can do no more for him/herself in this country than become a burden on society, these friends do more harm than good, even though their positive intentions are not in doubt. Without encouragement from society, the African American is left to doubt his/her own worth.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - January 20, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer encourages his readers to take advantage of lectures and other opportunities to improve their minds and the condition of their lives. Work in this direction benefits not only those who pursue it but generations of African Americans to follow.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - July 15, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses his belief that in order to overcome prejudice, African Americans must focus on "elevation" and "improvement" intellectually and morally. The focus must be on education, economy, temperance, and on living a moral life.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - July 20, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer encourages his readers to read more in order to keep current with scientific and social advances. But he also encourages them to read more in order to continue to educate themselves (both spiritually and socially) and to reinforce the solid connection with their community.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - July 27, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer emphasizes the social power in exercising the right to vote. He encourages his readers to take advantage of this.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Colored American - July 29, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer urges his readers to join the Moral Reform Society. He believes that the best way to gain social acceptance is for African Americans to present a moral, industrious, and intelligent manner to the general public.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - July 7, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer expresses to the community that all African Americans want from them is to be treated equally, to be able to educate their children, and to be afforded the rights and privileges enjoyed by all American citizens.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
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Title: Colored American - June 1, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer suggests that philanthropists donate money to establish a "market garden" that will help train African American men to start their own business in the silk industry.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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Title: Colored American - June 10, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
Editorial statement of the intent, motivation, and goals of the newspaper to report in a truthful, moral, and responsible manner information geared towards African American readers.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one 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 notes the repercussions of the current emphasis on Colonization as a solution to the "problem" of emancipation.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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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 11, 1839
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer offers a pledge on behalf of the African American people that they will continue in their goal towards elevation and improvement despite the odds that seem set against their success.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
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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 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