Massachusetts General Colored Association facts for kids
The Massachusetts General Colored Association was a group started in Boston in 1826. Its main goal was to fight against slavery and racism. This association was one of the first groups to support William Lloyd Garrison, a famous anti-slavery leader. Their ideas spread across New England. In 1833, they joined the New England Anti-Slavery Society to make their efforts even stronger.
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Who Started the Association?
Several members of the Prince Hall Lodge, a Black Masonic group, formed the Massachusetts General Colored Association in 1826. They wanted to "promote the welfare of the race by working for the destruction of slavery." This meant they aimed to improve life for Black people by ending slavery.
The first leaders of the association were:
- Thomas Dalton (abolitionist), who was the President
- William Cooper Nell, who served as Vice President
- James George Barbadoes, who was the Secretary
One very important founder was David Walker. Many of the group's ideas were likely shared in his famous book, Appeal in Four Articles to the Colored Citizens of the World, published in 1829. Walker had moved to Boston and owned a used clothing store. He also wrote for and sold subscriptions to Freedom's Journal. This was the first national newspaper in the United States published by Black people.
Other people who helped start the group included Walker Lewis, John Scarlett, and John T. Hilton. People said the organization had "among its leaders the most spirited and intelligent colored citizens of Boston."
What They Fought For
The Massachusetts General Colored Association focused on several key issues:
- They wanted to get rid of unfair laws in Massachusetts. These laws created separate public places for Black people and stopped marriages between different races.
- They worked to end slavery across the country.
- They aimed to help individuals improve their lives through education and religion.
This group was one of the first organizations of free Black people in Boston to directly challenge slavery.
Members of the association were also active in other groups that shared their goals. These included the African Society, the African School, and the African Baptist Church. Many of Boston's well-known Black abolitionists were also important figures in Black churches.
The group also supported Freedom's Journal. This was the country's first Black newspaper, published in New York City.
Joining Forces Against Slavery
In January 1833, Thomas Dalton, as president, successfully asked for the Massachusetts General Colored Association to join the New England Anti-Slavery Society. This society was founded by William Lloyd Garrison, who edited The Liberator.
Working together, they organized many anti-slavery meetings and speaking events. These events took place all over New England. After Joshua Easton became a delegate to the New England society in 1833, African Americans were given full membership in the organization.
In 1844, the Massachusetts General Colored Association published Light and Truth. This book was written by Robert Benjamin Lewis. It was the first history of the "colored race" written by an African American. Joining the New England Anti-Slavery Society helped more Black people in Boston get involved in the fight against slavery.
Their Impact
Even though the all-Black association didn't last forever, its members made a big difference. They helped start a new time of strong anti-slavery action. This movement shook the nation before the Civil War began.
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