University Archives

Title: Anglo-African - September 9, 1865

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Anglo-African (1863 - 1865)

The writer explains that African Americans from the northern states are traveling south to offer education to the newly freed slaves. This action, he believes, is more beneficial to them than the good intentions of white educators who may unconsciously instill a feeling of inferiority and low self-esteem to those they teach. These well-intentioned white teachers in referring to newly freed slaves as "poor unfortunate creatures" are already assuming that the rescue of those they consider less than human.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)

Speaker or author: Smith, James McCune, 1813-1865

Newspaper or publication: Frederick Douglass' Paper

The speaker emphasized the benefits of an education and mechanical training for former slaves and the nominally free. He gave examples of individuals who had overcome prejudice and were working in industry based on training, initiative, and skilled talent.

Description of file(s): PDF 2 page, 536 word document (text and images)

Title: Voice of the Fugitive - December 3, 1851

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)

The writer tells his readers that money was left by "the late Mr. Bloomfield" for education in Africa. The writer wonders if this money wouldn't have been put to better use education African Americans instead.

Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column

Title: Voice of the Fugitive - February 12, 1851

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)

The writer argues against the current notion that people of African descent are mentally inferior to other races. This idea is being used to justify slavery, and the writer argues that it is based on false reasoning.

Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)