Jesse Duke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jesse Duke
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Jesse Chisholm Duke
March 7, 1853 |
| Died | January 23, 1916 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | J. C. Duke |
| Occupation | Editor, publisher, activist |
Jesse Chisholm Duke (born March 7, 1853 – died January 23, 1916) was an important leader in Alabama. He was a newspaper editor, a publisher, and an activist who worked hard for civil rights for African Americans. He started and edited a Baptist newspaper called the Montgomery Herald and also helped manage Selma University.
Contents
Jesse Duke's Story
Early Life and Education
Jesse Duke was born in March 1853. He was born into slavery on a large farm called a plantation near Cahaba, Alabama. When he was about 10 years old, he began working for a family who had moved from France. The oldest daughter in this family was a teacher. She gave Jesse his first chance to learn and get an education.
In the 1870s, Jesse Duke owned a grocery store. He also worked as a teacher, helping others learn.
A Voice for Change
In the 1880s, Jesse Duke started his own newspaper, the Montgomery Herald. This newspaper became a way for him to share his ideas. He was also a very important political leader among Republicans.
Jesse Duke used his newspaper to speak out against unfairness. He wrote articles that challenged people to think about equal rights for all. He spoke out against unfair trials where only white people were on the jury. He also criticized the "convict labor system." This system forced prisoners to work for free, which was often unfair.
He even wrote to Booker T. Washington, another famous leader. They talked about moving a school called the Lincoln School to Montgomery.
Fighting for Fairness
Jesse Duke was a brave activist. He wrote an article that spoke about the need for fairness and equality for African Americans. This article caused a strong reaction. Because of this, Jesse Duke and his family had to move to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. There, he started another newspaper to continue his work.
He also helped create the Alabama Colored Press Association. This group brought together African American journalists and publishers. It helped them work together to share important news and ideas.
Family and Legacy
Jesse Duke had a son named Charles Sumner Duke (1879–1952). Charles became a successful architect and engineer.
Today, you can find copies of Jesse Duke's newspaper, the Montgomery Herald, from 1886 to 1887. They are kept in the Library of Congress. This shows how important his work was.
