Black Abolitionist in the United State - Essay Example

Black abolitionist in united By History Slave trade was a vital activity both to the economy and political of America fromthe colonial era to the civil war. But in eighteen-century, slavery started to be perceived as an inhuman act both by secular and religious organizations thus leading to Abolitionism. Abolitionism in America was one of the historical movements that were committed in making-sure that slavery comes to an end and set captivated slaves free. Both Harris and Frederic Douglass were in Anti-slavery movement, and they had one exclusive quest to abolish slavery trade. Douglass was a fiery orator and due to this, his speeches such as “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” were often printed in numerous abolitionist newspapers. On July 5, 1852, Douglass addressed the white people in America in the meeting held in Rochester, and he delivered his message asking them to grant the black their political, economic and social independence1. Harris and Fredrick used their energy and their charismatic talent to commanded respect for the black people thus facilitating the acquisition of liberty. Harris and Douglass had a similar analysis of slavery and inequality in America as both of them were eluded saying that slaves were politically, economically and socially exploited by the whites in America2. Both Harris and Douglass had the same ambition, objective and similar analyses of slavery in America, and this made them use their religion and orator skills to fight strongly against slavery in America. Douglass and Harris are one of the incredible and inspiring characters who rose from the lowest condition of slavery to the highest point in the society where they gain acknowledgements and admirations. Douglass and Harris used their prudence and wisdom to transform united states into an anti-slavery state thus proving to the world that, what can be perceive as unmanageable can be made possible with determination, tolerance and hard working. Douglass and Harris fought hard to make sure the slaves get full liberty in the field of politics, economic and socially accepted, and they attain this through educating their fellow slaves in churches and at Anti-slavery society congregations. The speech made by Douglass and Harris support each other as both had condemned slavery in America. On May 20, 1839, Harris attended America Anti-slavery society that was held annually in Broadway Tabernacle located in New York. Harris delivered a speech that signified the growth of black intellectual in America and he said “That the degradation and crime charged upon the free colored people of this country, is the result of the wrongs under which they suffer.”3 Douglas managed to conquer his nervousness in a meeting held in Rochester by delivering an eloquent speech describing his rough life as a slave. Douglass also attended the Seneca Falls Convention, and he was accomplished to convince the assembly to pass a resolution that will give African-American women a chance to participate in the political sphere. “In this denial of the right to participate in government, not merely the degradation of woman and the perpetuation of a great injustice happen, but the maiming and repudiation of one-half of the moral and intellectual power of the government of the world”4. Harris also in 1821 he was able to convince New York Judicial and made them recognized democratic right of the America-African and poor white to vote. Secondly, Douglass and Harris have presented the same argument they both believing that education is central for African-American to improve their lives. Douglass advocates that school desegregation was not fair and the education quality given to African-American children was vastly inferior compared to the quality education offered to the white children5. Harris, as a preacher of African Methodist Episcopal On March 20, 1837 he spoke about the importance of education for the African-American. Harris had called for a “combined action” that will enable black people to improve on their education, morals and mechanical arts6. Douglas and Harris were both abolitionists who made a remarkable contribution, through their commitment and sacrificed and struggle against racial segregation and slavery made President Abraham Lincoln declared on January 1, 1863, freedom for African-American slaves. Shadow of Slavery is a secondary source discussed in 2000 at a congregation held in New York. The detectable biases in the secondary source are clear as the author had only focused on the black elite and racial discrimination thus failing to examine the whole process of class development among the black. The author has shown biases by failing to elucidate the dynamic class division within the African-America. African comes from a diverse background, and they possessed different culture and they could be not assumed that they formed their creole as some author claimed. The unspoken assumptions made by many authors is clears as most of them failed to describe the way in which the African had diversified background as a result, they inadequate elucidate how the African had cope-up with foreign culture than preserving their indigenous culture7. This had led to inconsistency massage delivered by different authors as other author argue that the African culture was influence but later in 20th century they regain back their culture while other claim that African interacted by forming their creole. In conclusion, both Douglass and Harris have never hesitated to commit themselves toward seeing that equality prevail in America. Douglass and Harris have struggled against racial segregation and slavery. Despite, the many challenges they experienced since birth, they still managed to prove to the world that nothing can ever be so insurmountable to be achieved as long as one is committed and is ready to sacrifice for the good of others. Harris and Douglasss contributions are significant in making African leaders gain national reputations. Bibliography Douglass, Frederick, and Fred Morsell. The Meaning of the 4th of July for the Negro. New Canaan, CT: TBM Records, 1992. Harris, Leslie M. In the Shadow of Slavery African Americans in New York City, 1626-1863. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. Harriss, John. The Family: A Social History of the Twentieth Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Ruchames, Louis. Racial Thought in America; A Documentary History. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1969. Read More