Free African Americans During The Post-Revolutionary War Era
Free African American during the post-revolutionary war era experienced violence, prejudice, segregation and disenfranchisement. Many states had laws prohibiting free blacks from residing in them at all or required registration and bonds. Free black men and women feared capture and being sold into slavery, as they had a difficult time proving their status. Prominent black leaders became social activist and petitioned the Congress, state governments and ultimately the people for fair treatment of an entire race of both free and enslaved blacks. Absalom Jones and seventy other people created a petition addressed to the President, Senate and House members condemning the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793. The petitioners feared for free blacks as they
were subject to capture and enslavement. In addition, they denounced the institution of slavery as unconstitutional based on liberties, freedoms and rights granted under the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The petition was never taken up by the national legislature. This is one of many examples of the federal government failing to protect its most vulnerable inhabitants. James Forten published a pamphlet in 1813 anonymously called Letters from a Man of Colour. His writing was in reaction to the Pennsylvania legislature considering a bill making it hard for blacks to settle in that state. He looked to the Constitution for proof that the new laws were discriminatory towards black persons wishing to settle in Pennsylvania. He reasoned that many black men fought and died for American freedom and desire those same rights. His closing statement sums up his narrative with “The Law knows no distinction” (White et al. 164). Forten’s writings documented the unfairness, violence and overarching disregard experienced by free and enslaved black during this era. Other important pieces were written during this time. Sentiments of the People of Color documented free black’s objections to forced colonization. They believed they belonged in America and desired to share in the liberties and abundance this country offered to the people who lived and worked to settle this land. Many notable free black men adopted this resolution at the Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. Some of the signers include James Forten, Richard Allen, and Absalom Jones. The resolution made it clear they had no desire to be relocated again. The early American black activist found many ways to shed light on the plight of both free and enslaved black men, women and children in American. They created mutual aid societies, churches, and schools. The writing and actions of these men and others continued to provide visibility to the fight for freedom.
were subject to capture and enslavement. In addition, they denounced the institution of slavery as unconstitutional based on liberties, freedoms and rights granted under the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The petition was never taken up by the national legislature. This is one of many examples of the federal government failing to protect its most vulnerable inhabitants. James Forten published a pamphlet in 1813 anonymously called Letters from a Man of Colour. His writing was in reaction to the Pennsylvania legislature considering a bill making it hard for blacks to settle in that state. He looked to the Constitution for proof that the new laws were discriminatory towards black persons wishing to settle in Pennsylvania. He reasoned that many black men fought and died for American freedom and desire those same rights. His closing statement sums up his narrative with “The Law knows no distinction” (White et al. 164). Forten’s writings documented the unfairness, violence and overarching disregard experienced by free and enslaved black during this era. Other important pieces were written during this time. Sentiments of the People of Color documented free black’s objections to forced colonization. They believed they belonged in America and desired to share in the liberties and abundance this country offered to the people who lived and worked to settle this land. Many notable free black men adopted this resolution at the Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia. Some of the signers include James Forten, Richard Allen, and Absalom Jones. The resolution made it clear they had no desire to be relocated again. The early American black activist found many ways to shed light on the plight of both free and enslaved black men, women and children in American. They created mutual aid societies, churches, and schools. The writing and actions of these men and others continued to provide visibility to the fight for freedom.