Henry Moxley facts for kids

Henry Moxley (born 1809 – died December 12, 1878) was an important African-American leader in Buffalo, New York. He was a businessman, a religious leader, and an activist. Henry Moxley is best known for working to make schools fair for all children. He strongly believed in school integration and better education for African-American children.

Early Life and Activism

Henry Moxley was born into slavery in Virginia in 1809. Slavery was a cruel system where people were treated as property. He managed to escape and found freedom in Buffalo, New York, in 1832.

After arriving in Buffalo, Moxley worked several jobs. In 1839, he opened his own barber shop. He became a respected member of his community. He was also a deacon in the A.M.E. Zion church. This was a church that was very important to the African-American community.

In 1843, Henry Moxley helped organize a big meeting in Buffalo. This meeting was called the National Convention of Colored Men. It brought together African-American leaders to discuss important issues. In 1850, he also spoke out against the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This law made it harder for enslaved people to escape to freedom. It also forced people in free states to help catch them.

Fighting for Equal Education

Henry Moxley was a strong supporter of equal education for all children. In June 1867, he joined other parents to speak to the School Committee in Buffalo. They were concerned about the "African school" on Vine Alley. This school was only for African-American children. The parents argued that the school was not good enough. It was poorly built and did not have proper equipment. Also, its location meant many children had to travel very far to get there.

The parents felt that this separate school was unfair. They believed it went against their rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. This amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens.

The Lawsuit for School Rights

Henry Moxley and other African-American families tried to enroll their children in neighborhood schools. These schools were closer and better. However, the schools refused to accept their children because of their race. After this, Moxley's children were expelled from the separate "African school."

Because of this, Henry Moxley and other parents decided to take legal action. They sued the school superintendent and the School Committee. They argued that their rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1866 were being violated. This act was meant to give equal rights to all citizens, especially after slavery ended.

Sadly, the lawsuit was not successful. The court dismissed the case in 1868. Henry Moxley was even ordered to pay court costs. This was a large amount of money for the time.

Legacy

Henry Moxley passed away on December 12, 1878. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. Even though his lawsuit did not win, his efforts were not in vain. Just a few years after his death, in 1881, the Buffalo school system finally became integrated. This meant that African-American students could attend schools in their own neighborhoods, just like other children. Henry Moxley's fight helped make this important change happen.