The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United StatesDelany, Martin Robison
History
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States
Delany, Martin Robison
African Americans
Every other than we, have at various periods of necessity, been a
migratory people; and all when oppressed, shown a greater abhorrence of
oppression, if not a greater love of liberty, than we. We cling to our
oppressors, as the objects of our love. It is true that our enslaved
brethren are here, and we have been led to believe that it is necessary
for us to remain, on that account. Is it true, that all should remain in
degradation, because a part are degraded? We believe no such thing. We
believe it to be the duty of the Free, to elevate themselves in the most
speedy and effective manner possible; as the redemption of the bondman
depends entirely upon the elevation of the freeman; therefore, to
elevate the free colored people of America, anywhere upon this
continent; forebodes the speedy redemption of the slaves. We shall hope
to hear no more of so fallacious a doctrine--the necessity of the free
remaining in degradation, for the sake of the oppressed. Let us apply,
first, the lever to ourselves; and the force that elevates us to the
position of manhood's considerations and honors, will cleft the manacle
of every slave in the land.
When such great worth and talents--for want of a better sphere--of men
like Rev. Jonathan Robinson, Robert Douglass, Frederick A. Hinton, and a
hundred others that might be named, were permitted to expire in a
barber-shop; and such living men as may be found in Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Washington City, Charleston, (S.C.)
New Orleans, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Buffalo,
Rochester, Albany, Utica, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukie, Chicago,
Columbus, Zanesville, Wheeling, and a hundred other places, confining
themselves to Barber-shops and waiter-ships in Hotels; certainly the
necessity of such a course as we have pointed out, must be cordially
acknowledged; appreciated by every brother and sister of oppression; and
not rejected as heretofore, as though they preferred inferiority to
equality. These minds must become "unfettered," and have "space to
rise." This cannot be in their present positions. A continuance in any
position, becomes what is termed "Second Nature"; it begets an
_adaptation_, and _reconciliation_ of _mind_ to such condition. It
changes the whole physiological condition of the system, and adapts man
and woman to a higher or lower sphere in the pursuits of life. The
offsprings of slaves and peasantry, have the general characteristics of
their parents; and nothing but a different course of training and
education, will change the character.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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