Three Black Abolitionists You Should Know
In the founding decades of this country, there was one group that un-apologetically spoke truth to power about the evil of slavery, and that was black abolitionists.
Even as Lincoln and the north debated what the bible said about human rights and slavery, black abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, Maria Stewart, and Harriet Tubman spoke loud and clear about dignity and the image of God in every human.
In honor of Black History month, we want to use this week’s Express to highlight three abolitionists that you should know, and a powerful quote from each.
James Forten
(1766-1842)
Revolutionary War Veteran, Philadelphia Businessman, Civil Leader
“It seems almost incredible that the advocates of liberty should conceive of the idea of selling a fellow creature to slavery.
”Has the God who made the white man and the black left any record declaring us a different species? Are we not sustained by the same power, supported by the same food. . . . And should we not then enjoy the same liberty. . .?””
Richard Allen
(1760-1831)
Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
““I do not wish to make you angry, but excite attention to consider how hateful slaver is in the sight of that God who hath destroyed kings and princes, for their oppression of the poor slaves. Pharoah and his princes with the posterity of king Saul, were destroyed, but the protector and avenger of slaves.Would you not suppose the israelites to be utterly unfit for freedom, and that it was impossible for them to obtain to any degree of excellence?….Men must be willfully blind, and extremely partial, that cannot see the contrary effects of liberty and slavery upon a mind of man. ”
Maria Stewart
(1803-1879)
Essayist, lecturer, abolitionist and women's rights activist
On February 27, 1833 Maria Stewart performed a then scandalous act by stepping on stage as a woman and speaking to a crowd of men and women.
““Life has almost lost its charms for me; and at times I have a stern desire to depart and live with Christ which is far better, Let me entreat my white brethren to awaken and save our sons from dissipation, and our daughters from ruin. Lend the hand of assistance to feeble merit, plead the cause of virtue among our sable race; so shall our curse upon you be turned into blessings; and through you should endeavor to drive us from these shores, still we will cling to you the more firmly; nor will we attempt to rise above you: we will presume to be called your equals only...
But before I go, the bayonet shall pierce me through. African rights and liberty is a subject that ought to fire the brest of every free man of color in these United States, and excite in his soul a lively deep, derided and heart-felt interest.”
What other abolitionists inspire you? We would love for you to respond to this email with some of your input, favorite quotes, and suggestions.
There are so many women and men in our country's history who selflessly stood in defiance and challenged oppressive systems. Go ahead and copy and paste the names above into Google, YouTube, your local library, and do some more research on your own!