Stephen Walter Rogers facts for kids
Stephen Walter Rogers (born 1839 – died 1872) was an important African-American leader. He was a preacher, an activist who worked for change, and a writer. Stephen Rogers was very influential in the states of Louisiana and Alabama. He was known for standing up against unfair laws that tried to stop people from getting an education. This act of peaceful protest is called civil disobedience.
Life Story of Stephen Rogers
Stephen Walter Rogers was born into slavery. This means he was not free and had to work without pay. He gained his freedom on May 18, 1852.
Early Life and Teaching
After becoming free, Stephen Rogers worked as a valet (a personal assistant) near Mobile, Alabama. Even though it was against the law, he secretly taught other enslaved people how to read. He did this in a small room above a carriage house. This shows how much he believed in the power of education.
A Voice for Change
Stephen Rogers was also a talented writer. He wrote about important figures like Abraham Lincoln, who was the President of the United States during the Civil War. He also published a book of hymns, which are religious songs.
Later, he became a pastor at St. Thomas Church in New Orleans. He was very well-known and respected. In 1866, a famous magazine called Harper's Magazine even said he was one of the most important pastors in New Orleans. Stephen Rogers used his voice and his writing to fight for justice and equality for African Americans during a very challenging time in history.
