Inspiring historical figure - Essay Example

Inspiring historical figure The African-American history is interconnected with the history of slavery, forced labor, and segregation in America. In addition, there are some inspiring historical figures among the African-Americans who inspired and influenced the world, and Martin Delany is one among them. Thesis statement: Martin Delany’s duty mindedness towards his fellow beings (abolitionism and involvement in American Black Nationalism), and the same towards his nation (during the American Civil War) proves him as an inspiring historical figure among the African-Americans.

Martin Delany: abolitionism and American Black Nationalism One can see that Delany’s interest in political activism, added with his active participation in the protest against human rights violation faced by the African Americans, transformed him to an eminent abolitionist and political activist. To be specific, Delany co-operated with the abolitionist movement in America in 1840s, and made use of the newspaper named as North Star to propagate his ideas on the problems faced by the African Americans. Junius P. Rodriguez stated that, “During his time in Pittsburgh, Delany participated in the abolitionist movement, newspaper editing, moral reform, and the practice of medicine” (251).

Later, Delany came to realize the fact that African Americans cannot expect freedom and equality in America. So, he considered that the African Americans can gain freedom by immigrating to other nations. Besides, Delany was an eminent leader of an African America movement named as Black Nationalism. Delany’s direct involvement (say, as a newspaper reporter and as an African American leader) in the problems faced by his fellow beings helped him to realize that indigenous nationalism can help the African Americans to gain political and social freedom in the mainstream society.

In short, Delany’s involvement in the abolitionist movement and American Black Nationalism helped the African Americans to realize the importance of political activism within the context of anti-slavery movement. Martin Delany: involvement during the American Civil War One can see that Delany did not neglect his duty towards his motherland. This awareness eventually led Delany to take the decision to serve the Army during the Civil War. Besides, he acted the role of a recruiter and served the Union Army.

In 1850s, Delany decided to enter medical profession by enrolling at the Harvard Medical School. But racial segregation based on skin color limited Delany’s scope as a medical student in Harvard Medical School. But he did not try to abandon his profession as a physician. For instance, his role as a physician in dealing with cholera patients during 1854 in America is noteworthy because most of the other doctors hesitated to do so. On the other side, Delany’s political activism (say, involvement in the problems faced by the African American cotton farmers) and his service as the Trial Justice prove his involvement in the political context of America.

Besides, his works like Blake: Or The Huts of America and The Condition, Elevation, Emigration and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States, Politically Considered deeply influenced and inspired the African Americans. Summing, the unending passion to gain freedom added with political activism initiated by the leaders helped the African Americans to act against slavery and related issues. Within this scenario, Martin Delany provided ample importance to abolitionism and American Black Nationalism.

At the same time, he did not neglect his role as a duty minded citizen. He served as a physician and as a military man. To be specific, he ignited the self-confidence of the members of his community and fulfilled his duties towards his motherland. In short, Martin Delany ignited the spirit of freedom and equality among the African Americans, and is an inspiring historical figure among them. Works CitedRodriguez, Junius P. Slavery in the United States: A Social, Political, And Historical Encyclopedia, Volume 2.

California: ABC-CLIO, 2007. Print.