Amy Matilda Cassey facts for kids

Amy Matilda Williams Cassey was an important African American woman born in 1809. She was a strong supporter of ending slavery, also known as an abolitionist. Amy Cassey worked with the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, a group that fought against slavery. She also helped start the Gilbert Lyceum, which was the first club in Philadelphia where both African American men and women could learn and share ideas. This club quickly grew to have over forty members!

Amy Cassey's Early Life

Amy Cassey was born free in New York City on August 14, 1809. Her parents were Sarah and Peter Williams Jr.. Her father, Peter Williams Jr., was a very important person. He started and led St. Phillips Black Episcopal Church in New York City.

Even as a teenager, Amy was active in her community. She worked with African American newspapers and different organizations. She went to the African Free School in New York City to get her education.

In 1826, when Amy was seventeen, she met Joseph Cassey. He was an activist and a businessman from Philadelphia. They got married, and Amy moved with him to Philadelphia.

Fighting for Freedom: Amy's Activism

Amy Cassey was very active in the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. This group worked hard to help free black people in Philadelphia. They wanted to make sure everyone had chances for:

• Education
• Moral improvement
• Job training

Starting the Gilbert Lyceum

In 1841, Amy and Joseph Cassey, along with other important leaders like Robert Douglass, Sr., and Sarah Douglass, started the Gilbert Lyceum. This was a special club for African Americans in Philadelphia. It was the first club of its kind where both men and women could join. The Gilbert Lyceum focused on learning about literature and science.

Friendship Albums: Sharing Ideas

From 1833 to 1856, Amy Cassey and her friends, including Mary Wood Forten, kept special "friendship albums." In these albums, they would write:

• Poetry
• Essays
• Paint beautiful nature scenes

These albums were passed around among free people and abolitionists from Boston to Baltimore. Everyone who saw them could add their own writings and art. They often shared ideas about fighting against unfair treatment based on race and gender.

Later Life and Legacy

Joseph Cassey, Amy's first husband, passed away in 1848. In 1850, Amy married Charles Lenox Remond. They moved to Salem, Massachusetts. Even there, Amy continued her important work for civil rights and ending slavery.

In 1853, Amy Cassey took legal action against a theater in Boston. She had been unfairly forced to leave the theater. She won her case, which was a big step for civil rights at the time. Amy Cassey died on August 15, 1856, in Salem, Massachusetts. She left behind a legacy of fighting for justice and equality.

See also

• Cassey House
• Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society