Vigilant Association of Philadelphia facts for kids
The Vigilant Association of Philadelphia was a special group formed in August 1837 in Philadelphia. Its main goal was to "create a fund to aid colored persons in distress." This means they wanted to raise money to help Black people who were in trouble.
The idea for this group came from Robert Purvis and his father-in-law, a businessman named James Forten. Robert Purvis had already worked with a similar group in 1834. By 1838, the Vigilant Association was fully active. It continued its important work until about 1852. William Still was a very important helper for this group. He also helped people escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
Contents
What Was the Vigilant Association?
The Vigilant Association was a group dedicated to helping people, especially those who had escaped slavery. They provided support and resources to individuals seeking freedom and safety. Their work was a key part of the abolitionist movement, which aimed to end slavery in the United States.
Who Started This Important Group?
The main leaders who started the Vigilant Association were Robert Purvis and James Forten. They were both strong believers in freedom and equality. They wanted to create a safe place and offer help to those who needed it most.
How Did They Help People?
The group's executive part was called the Vigilant Committee of Philadelphia. Its first president was a Black dentist named James McCrummell. Other people who helped included John Greenleaf Whittier, a writer who promoted the group in his newspaper, Pennsylvania Freeman.
The acting committee had five members: Nathaniel W. Depee, William Still, Jacob C. White, Passmore Williamson, and Charles Wise. These individuals worked hard to support the association's goals. For example, in June 1842, a future writer named Harriet Jacobs was among the people who had escaped slavery and received help from the Association. They offered a safe place and assistance to those seeking freedom.
See Also
External Links
- Historical records of Philadelphia Vigilant Association held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
