Reverdy C. Ransom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bishop Reverdy Cassius Ransom
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| Born | January 4, 1861 |
| Died | April 22, 1959 (aged 98) |
| Spouse(s) | Leanna Watkins (1881–1886) Emma S. Connor (1887–1943) Georgia Myrtle Teal (1943–1959) |
Reverdy Cassius Ransom (born January 4, 1861 – died April 22, 1959) was an important American leader. He was a Christian socialist, a civil rights activist, and a major figure in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E. Church). He became the 48th A.M.E. bishop.
Contents
Reverdy Ransom's Life Story
Early Years and Education
Reverdy Cassius Ransom was born in Flushing, Ohio, on January 4, 1861. His mother, Harriet Johnson, was African American, and his father was Native American. His mother made many sacrifices to ensure Reverdy could get an education.
In 1865, his mother and stepfather introduced him to the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Washington, Ohio. Even though he wasn't used to church, he was interested in how the A.M.E. Church fought for civil rights and economic help for African Americans. He also admired the strong leaders of the church, like Daniel Payne and Henry McNeal Turner. The church's focus on racial issues helped him grow in his religious beliefs.
As a young man, Ransom got married and had a child. His mother raised his first son while his wife worked. This allowed Ransom to continue his education and prepare for his future.
He started his college studies at Wilberforce University. He also attended Oberlin College for a short time. However, he soon returned to Wilberforce University, appreciating its many good qualities.
While studying to become a minister at Wilberforce, Ransom and his first wife grew apart. They eventually divorced, and he married again. His second wife, Emma S. Ransom, was honored when the Emma Ransom House YWCA in Harlem, New York City, was named after her. She helped many young Black women improve their education and lives.
His Work and Career
Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom served the A.M.E. Church as a minister in the late 1880s. During this time, he saw the great sadness and poverty that African Americans faced in industrial cities like Altoona and Alleghany, Pennsylvania.
He realized that the best way to fight these poor living conditions was to create programs that taught people how to improve their own lives.
Reverdy C. Ransom helped start the Niagara Movement. This group was an early step towards forming the NAACP. In 1906, he was a main speaker at the second meeting of the Niagara Movement in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He gave a powerful speech called "The Spirit of John Brown."
His Important Ideas
Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom saw that American society was unfair. He believed that capitalism and individualism caused this inequality. He thought that socialism and Christian faith could help fix these problems.
He believed the world had enough resources for everyone. However, he felt these resources were not shared fairly. For him, socialism was a way to help those who were struggling, which he saw as following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Ransom strongly disagreed with the idea that the African race was less capable than the White race. He explained that the difficulties faced by his people in the United States were a challenge from God. He believed God was making them stronger so they could later help the African race achieve its rightful place in American society.
He once said:
God brought naked barbarians from Africa, put them upon the anvil of American Christianity and Democracy; under the white heat of denial and persecution, He is fashioning them with sledgehammer blows into a new pattern from American civilization.
—Reverdy C. Ransom, The Negro, The hope or the despair of Christianity
Later Life and Legacy
Ransom was a very skilled speaker. He served as Pastor of Charles Street A. M. E. in Boston, Massachusetts. He also led many other churches in New York, Ohio, and Bethel Church in Chicago.
He started the Institutional Church and Social Settlement. This organization offered social programs for young people. These programs included early education, job training, counseling, childcare, and lectures.
Reverdy C. Ransom was the first African American to give a speech at Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts. On December 11, 1905, while he was Pastor of Charles Street A. M. E. Church, he gave a moving speech there. It was called "The William Lloyd Garrison Oration." This speech was part of a celebration for the 100th birthday of William Lloyd Garrison.
Bishop Ransom also worked as a historian and editor for the A.M.E. Church Review.
Bishop Reverdy C. Ransom passed away on April 22, 1959.
"The Bishop Reverdy Cassius Ransom Memorial Library" is located at Payne Theological Seminary on the campus of Wilberforce University, Ohio. This library was dedicated on May 8, 2009, to honor his important work in religion, civil rights, and helping others.
See also
