Newspapers in Abolitionist Times–Black Press

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Controversial Header to William Lloyd Garrison’s Paper

The Liberator

During abolitionist times, there were many newspapers published that dealt with the movement. They varied in publication and distribution, but they all conveyed a similar message: and end to slavery and equality for blacks. One of the most recognized newspapers is “The Liberator” written by William Lloyd Garrison. The Liberator began publication on January 1, 1831, and did not stop until 1865. In the first issue, Garrison said:

“I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation….I am in earnest. I will not equivocate–I will not excuse–I will not retreat a single inch–AND I WILL BE HEARD.”

This quote is representative of the typical abolitionist mindset. These people knew that what they were doing may put them in danger, but they continued doing it anyway because they wanted to support the cause that they so deeply believed in. Abolitionists often faced criticism for their beliefs, because they were surrounded by others who supported slavery and did not want it to end. Garrison was no different, and he spent over thirty years putting his own safely in danger to convey his message.

At the age of only 25, William Lloyd Garrison joined the American Colonization Society, but eventually felt that he would be better suited towards the abolitionist movement. Eventually, he decided that the best way to spread his message would be to publish a newspaper. While writing The Liberator, Garrison believed that slaves should be freed and immediately be allowed to mix with society.  Beginning in 1831, The Liberator continued publication until 1865, not once missing a single issue (which totaled 1,820). In its early years, The Liberator was only circulated among about 400 individuals, many of whom were already black abolitionists themselves, but it would grow to be a very well-known abolitionist publication.

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In addition to The Liberator, Garrison spent some of his time forming societies (groups of like-minded individuals all interested in putting and end to slavery). One of the most notable was the New England Anti-Slavery Society. After attracting different sorts of followers, many began to have conflicting ideas with Garrison. Those that did went on and formed a new society, the American Anti-Slavery Society. Another riff that Garrison found himself in the middle of was one that took place between himself and Frederick Douglas. Unfortunately, the pair that was once very close and would work hand in hand, would never come to an agreement and their partnership was never reconciled.

Many Americans supported Garrison and other abolitionists, but at the same time many did not. To gain support for his cause, Garrison spent some of his time traveling overseas to gain foreign support when that from back home was not strong. (Also while overseas, Garrison tried to solicit funds for the construction of a manual labor school for black youth.) While in America, Garrison did some things that upset many people and lead to his well-being being placed in danger. For instance, he once publicly burned a copy of the Constitution because it allowed for slavery to continue. Doing so resulted in a $4,000 bounty being placed on his head. Garrison also placed a header on his paper that many Americans did not agree with–it portrayed the scene of a slave auction happing near the Capitol. (Instances like this were common for Garrison, and because of that he would never be found in the same location for a long period of time.)

Click here for select editions of Garrison’s “The Liberator.”

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Letter Written by Garrison Asking for Money to Build a Manual Labor School for Black Youth

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