Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society facts for kids
The Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society was a group based in Boston, Massachusetts, that worked to end slavery in the United States. It was formed in 1835 and was connected to a larger group called the American Anti-Slavery Society. Its beginnings go back to 1831, when William Lloyd Garrison, who edited a newspaper called The Liberator, started the New England Anti-Slavery Society.
Contents
Fighting for Freedom: Early Anti-Slavery Groups
The New England Anti-Slavery Society (1831-1837)
The New England Anti-Slavery Society was created by William Lloyd Garrison in 1831. Garrison also edited The Liberator, which became the official newspaper for the society.
This group was based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its members strongly believed that slavery should be ended right away. They saw slavery as wrong and against Christian values. They especially disagreed with the American Colonization Society, which wanted to send African Americans to Africa.
The first meeting happened on January 1, 1831, at the Belknap Street Church. William Lloyd Garrison was the main founder. Many other people joined him, including Benjamin Bierly, Dr. Gamaliel Bradford, Elizabeth B. Chase, and Ellis Gray Loring.
Spreading the Word: Lecturers and Conventions
The Society sent speakers, called "agents," all over New England. These agents gave talks in churches and halls. They also sold anti-slavery writings and copies of The Liberator newspaper. Whenever they could, they encouraged people to start local anti-slavery groups.
By 1833, there were 47 local groups in ten northern states. Most of these, 33, were in New England. The Society also organized big events. These included yearly anti-slavery meetings and celebrations. They often celebrated August 1, which was the anniversary of slavery ending in the West Indies. Some members preferred this date over July 4, because the U.S. Constitution at the time allowed slavery.
Joining Forces: Massachusetts General Colored Association
In January 1833, Thomas Dalton, who led the Massachusetts General Colored Association, helped his group join with the New England Anti-Slavery Society. There were already separate anti-slavery groups for black people in several states. However, many people felt it was better for all groups to work together.
After this merger, African Americans were given full membership in the New England Anti-Slavery Society. Together, they organized many anti-slavery meetings and speaking events across New England.
A Bigger Movement: The American Anti-Slavery Society
In 1833, Garrison and Arthur Tappan helped make the movement even bigger. They formed the American Anti-Slavery Society. This new society aimed to create state-level groups under its main leadership. At first, the New England Anti-Slavery Society worked closely with the American Society. In 1834, the New England Society became a supporting group for the larger American Society.
The Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society: Its Work
In 1838, the New England Society changed its focus. It became the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. This new group worked hard to push for laws against new slave codes. They also fought against laws that would punish people involved in anti-slavery activities.
The society held yearly meetings in Boston at places like Julien Hall and Tremont Temple. Important leaders included James N. Buffum, Francis Jackson, and Wendell Phillips. Famous speakers who worked with the society included William Wells Brown, Frederick Douglass, and Charles Lenox Remond.
The New England Anti-Slavery Society held conventions in:
- Boston, Massachusetts, in May and June 1837
The Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society held conventions in:
- Worcester, Massachusetts, in October 1840
- Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 1841
After the Civil War ended, the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society continued its work. It then focused on fighting for full racial equality for all people.
