Massachusetts General Colored Association facts for kids
The Massachusetts General Colored Association was a group formed in Boston in 1826. Its main goal was to fight against slavery and unfair treatment (racism) of Black people. This association was one of the first groups to support William Lloyd Garrison, a famous anti-slavery leader. Their ideas and actions spread throughout New England, especially after they joined the New England Anti-Slavery Society in 1833.
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Who Started the Association?
In 1826, several members of the Prince Hall Lodge, a Black Masonic group, came together to create the Massachusetts General Colored Association. They wanted to "promote the welfare of the race by working for the destruction of slavery."
The first leaders of the association were:
- Thomas Dalton (abolitionist), who was the President.
- William Guion Nell, who served as Vice President.
- James George Barbadoes, who was the Secretary.
One very important founder was David Walker. He likely shared many of the group's ideas in his powerful 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, which was the first national newspaper in the United States published by Black people.
Other founding members 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 Issues Did They Focus On?
The Massachusetts General Colored Association worked on several key issues:
- They wanted to get rid of unfair laws in Massachusetts. These laws included rules that separated Black people in public places and stopped people of different races from marrying.
- They aimed to end slavery completely across the United States.
- They believed in helping individuals improve their lives through education and religious teachings.
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, the first Black newspaper in the country, which was published in New York City.
Joining the New England Anti-Slavery Society
In January 1833, Thomas Dalton, as president, successfully led the Massachusetts General Colored Association to join the New England Anti-Slavery Society. This larger society was founded by William Lloyd Garrison, who was the editor of The Liberator newspaper.
Working together, these groups organized many anti-slavery meetings and speaking events throughout New England. After Joshua Easton was sent as a representative to the New England society in 1833, African Americans were given full membership in the organization.
In 1844, the Massachusetts General Colored Association helped publish Light and Truth by Robert Benjamin Lewis. This was the first history of the Black race written by an African American. Joining the New England Anti-Slavery Society allowed more Black people from Boston to get involved in the fight against slavery.
How Did They Make a Difference?
Even though the Massachusetts General Colored Association was an all-Black group and didn't last for a very long time, its members played a huge role. They helped start a new, strong movement against slavery that had a big impact on the nation before the Civil War.
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