Phoenix Society (New York) facts for kids
The Phoenix Society was a special group created in 1833 to help African Americans. It was like a club where people helped each other out. The society wanted to improve people's lives by focusing on good behavior, learning, and practical skills.
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The Phoenix Society: Helping Others
What Was the Phoenix Society?
The Phoenix Society was a "mutual aid society." This means it was a group where members helped each other, especially during tough times. For African Americans in the 1830s, this kind of support was very important. The society aimed to help people grow in their "morals, literature, and the mechanical arts." This meant they wanted members to be good people, to read and learn, and to develop useful skills like carpentry or other trades.
Who Started This Important Group?
The Phoenix Society was founded by four key people:
- Samuel Cornish
- Theodore Wright
- Peter Williams Jr.
- Christopher Rush
These founders also received help from two brothers, Arthur and Lewis Tappan. The Tappan brothers were "philanthropists," which means they were wealthy people who gave money and support to good causes.
What Did the Phoenix Society Achieve?
One of the biggest things the Phoenix Society did was create schools. They started the Phoenix High School for Colored Youth. At first, this school was just for boys. A famous student named Henry Highland Garnet studied there. Soon after, they also opened a high school for girls. These schools were very important because they gave young African Americans a chance to get a good education during a time when it was often hard for them to do so.
