Conventions of Colored Men

Conventions of Colored Men

A report on the 1871 National Convention of Colored People held in St. Louis published in the Arkansas Gazette (September 8, 1871)

From Gale. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. ©2008 Gale, a part of Cengage Learning, Inc. Reproduced by permission. www.cengage.com/permissions

Arkansas Gazette

1871-09-08

Newspaper article

CONVENTIONS OF COLORED MEN --- The colored people of the United States will hold two conventions of national importance this fall. The first is called a national convention, and will meet in St. Louis on the 22d of September. The second is called a southern convention, and will meet in Columbia, South Carolina, on the 18th of October. The convention to be held in St. Louis seems to be for the purpose of consulting upon the proposition, and to fix upon some day, which is memorable in the history of the colored race, to be commemorated hereafter as a general holiday. It is said that many of them are in favor of selecting the fourth of July; but many think that the 1st of January, the anniversary of the day on which the emancipation proclamation took effect, is more appropriate. The 30th of March, in commemoration of the fifteenth amendment; the 1st of August, because on that day the British emancipated their slaves in the West Indies, and on the 22d of September, which will be the anniversary of the promulgation of emancipation in this country, have also their advocates. The convention in Columbia is called for "general consultation" of the condition of the enfranchised people of the southern states. It is upon this latter convention that the people generally will look with interest. If left free to act as their feelings dictate, much good may come from this meeting - if controlled by white or black demagogues, much harm may result from it.

St. Louis

MO

USA

This transcription is the combination of work from more than 4,500 people who volunteered during the 2022 celebration of Douglass Day, held in partnership with Zooniverse.

1871.MO-09.22.STLO