Colored National Convention of 1855 facts for kids
| Part of Colored Conventions Movement | |
| Date | October 16–18, 1855 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Franklin Hall |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Also known as | 1855 National Colored Convention |
The Colored National Convention of 1855 was an important meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It took place from October 16 to 18, 1855, at Franklin Hall. This convention brought together delegates from several states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. People from Canada also attended. These meetings were part of a larger effort called the Colored Conventions Movement. This movement worked to improve the lives of African Americans in the United States.
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What Was the 1855 Convention About?
This convention focused on making life better for free African Americans. It aimed to help them gain economic and social freedom. The delegates believed that ending slavery was very important. However, they also knew that racial prejudice, especially in the Northern states, needed to stop. They wanted African Americans to be treated with respect and have equal chances.
Who Attended the Convention?
Many important people attended the 1855 convention. Famous figures like Frederick Douglass and Mary Ann Shadd were there. Other notable delegates included Nathaniel W. Depee, Samuel Green, Catherine "Kitty" Green, Robert Purvis, George T. Downing, Stephen Myers, Charles Lenox Remond, and John S. Rock. It is even thought that Harriet Tubman might have been there.
The Role of Women at the Convention
A small but significant number of women also attended the convention. Their presence was quite remarkable for that time. Women's rights were just beginning to be recognized. These female delegates showed great independence. Their husbands were not invited, which made their participation even more special.
How Did They Plan for a Better Future?
The delegates strongly spoke out against the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This law made it harder for enslaved people to escape to freedom. It also put free African Americans at risk.
The convention discussed ways for African Americans to become financially independent. They believed this would help them earn respect from white society.
Education and Job Skills
One idea was to create an industrial school for free Black people. However, they decided this would be too expensive and not very effective. Instead, they focused on the benefits of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships allowed young people to learn job skills from experienced workers.
Throughout the convention, there was a strong focus on education. They especially emphasized learning mechanical trades. These were skills like carpentry, blacksmithing, or other hands-on jobs. The delegates hoped that by increasing knowledge and opportunities for young, free African Americans, a brighter future awaited everyone. This included those who were still enslaved and would one day gain their freedom.
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