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Black Abolitionist Archive

Title: National Reformer - February, 1839

Speaker or author: editor

Newspaper or publication: National Reformer (1838 - 1839)

The writer expresses his thoughts on a recent book titled The History of the New York African Free School written by one of the school's professors. He notes that emphasis placed on the idea that black Americans are "descendents of Africa" and should therefore be pitied just encourages the caste system that is at the root of national prejudice. African Americans are American first and foremost; this is their country and they are Americans regardless of the color of their skin. Making this distinction encourages separation in a situation that is only remedied by unity.

Description of file(s): one scanned, two columned, newspaper page

Subjects: Abolitionists--United States; African American abolitionists; Antislavery movements--United States; Slavery; United States--History--19th century

Keywords: Africa; Charles C. Andrews; degraded race; education; learning; New York African Free School; philanthropy; prejudice; school; William Hamilton; youth

People: Andrews, Charles C.; Hamilton, William

Publication type: editorials; Newspapers

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