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)
Title: Colored American - June 16, 1838
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer tells his readers about recent decisions made in the Connecticut courts that indicate a less prejudiced attitude towards African Americans.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
Title: Colored American - September 18, 1841
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Colored American (1837 - 1842)
The writer describes a riot in Ohio between African Americans and a mob of white citizens that ended in death and destruction of property.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Speaker or author: Pennington, James W. C.
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Congregational Library -- Anti-Slavery Pamphlets
Speech regarding the injustices of slavery and prejudice emphasizing the extreme cruelity that can result from fear and hatred in mass populations. The speaker noted that while slavery intended to make "beasts of burden" of human bodies, the reality of slavery demonstrated that the institution was instead a battle to chain human minds.
Description of file(s): PDF 29 page, 12,568 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Smith, James McCune, 1813-1865
Newspaper or publication: Presscopy -- Boston Public Library -- Anti-Slavery Pamphlets
Speech given on the basic idea that slavery is irrational, immoral, and in opposition to the core beliefs of the founding fathers. Emphasis is placed on the destiny and potential future of the Negro race in the U.S.
Description of file(s): PDF 17 page, 6,176 word document (text and images)
Speaker or author: Langston, John Mercer, 1829-1897.
Newspaper or publication: Elevator
Impassioned speech in which the speaker emphasized that along with freedom, African Americans were entitled to all the privileges of citizenship including suffrage, legal, social and political rights. Denying a citizen these rights on the basis of color was illogical, irrational, and uncivilized.
Description of file(s): PDF 10 page, 2,101 word document (text and images)
Title: Pacific Appeal - October 10, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer comments on William Wells Brown's reply to criticism of his book, The Black Man, His Antecedents, Genius, and Achievements. Mr. Brown's belief is that African Americans don't appreciate the literary work of other African Americans.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Pacific Appeal - October 31, 1863
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Pacific Appeal (1862 - 188?)
The writer sees a more liberal government taking shape. He notes that all the fears associated with the emancipation of slaves have not been realized. He emphasizes that "freemen and freedmen" alike demonstrate loyalty and patriotism despite prejudicial treatment.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Speaker or author: S.
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer discusses various political views on immigration, prejudice, and abolitionism currently held in the U.S. He informs his readers that some people who claim to be abolitionists and Emigrationists are actually motivated by a prejudice against those of African descent.
Description of file(s): two scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Provincial Freeman - November 18, 1854
Speaker or author: S.
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
The writer gives a critique of a review published in the Providence Journal of the type of songs singer Elizabeth Greenfield, the Black Swan, is performing.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Provincial Freeman - October 6, 1855
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Provincial Freeman (1853 - 1859)
A description of a visit and review of the Association for the settlement and moral improvement of the colored population of Canada
Description of file(s): three scanned, two columned, newspaper pages
Title: Voice of the Fugitive - December 3, 1851
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)
Brief overview and reaction to a recent convention in Indiana.
Description of file(s): one scanned newspaper column
Title: Voice of the Fugitive - March 12, 1851
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)
The writer expresses his opinion about the recent attempt to reinstate the black laws in Ohio.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Voice of the Fugitive - March 12, 1851
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Voice of the Fugitive (1851 - 1852)
The writer expresses his opinion about the recent attempt to reinstate the black laws in Ohio.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Weekly Advocate - February 25, 1837
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Advocate (1837)
An account of the experiences of two recently captured fugitive slaves who wait in prison in New York. A visiting minister spoke with them and recounted their stories to the press.
Description of file(s): one scanned, one columned, newspaper page
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - August 24, 1861
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer argues for the establishment of a reserve guard composed of African American volunteers ready to fight for freedom.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - August 27, 1859
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer uses quotes from recent articles published in the New York Herald to show how vicious and biased the newspaper had become toward William H. Seward. The articles have been and continue to be peppered with language objectionable to all African Americans as well as Mr. Seward.
Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - January 14, 1860
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer discusses the political life of William H. Seward. He includes with this commentary on how the actions of John Brown at Harper's Ferry were affecting the political situation in the country.
Description of file(s): one scanned, three columned, newspaper page
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - May 11, 1861
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
The writer raises the question of how to "make ourselves a distinct people and a homogeneous nation?" He offers some comments on the way racial relationships are currently dealt with, and the overall social condition of the time.
Description of file(s): two scanned newspaper pages (three columns)
Title: Weekly Anglo-African - May 19, 1860
Speaker or author: editor
Newspaper or publication: Weekly Anglo-African (1859 - 1862)
Detailed account of a libel case brought about by Ellen Wells against William Still. Mr. Still was found guilty, fined $100 and sentenced to ten days in jail (a term later commuted to four days).
Description of file(s): three scanned newspaper pages (five columns)