Colored American
Encyclopedia
The Colored American was a name used by two 19th century weekly African-American newspapers: one that was published in New York City from 1836 to 1842 by Samuel Cornish
, Phillip Bell, and Charles Bennett Ray
, and one that was published in Washington, D.C. from 1893 to 1904. by Edward Elder Cooper.
The main focus of this newspaper was set on the moral, social, and political elevation of the free colored people as well as the peaceful emancipation of slaves. That is why The Colored American had various subscribers. Due to the employment of agents in various cities, as well as abolitionists for their marketing needs, the subscribers were widely spread. Since the newspaper's primary readers were black and hard pressed for cash, they also received help from African-American churches and local abolition societies by way of fund drives and donations. Occasionally, the newspaper received cash infusions from prominent white allies. All of the donations, fund drives and supplements helped the paper to publish 38 articles and survive through 1841. Thanks to the subscribers, the interesting articles and the extra funding sources, The Colored American became an important paper of its time.
Samuel Cornish
Samuel Eli Cornish was an American abolitionist, journalist, and Presbyterian minister.-Early years:Cornish was born in Sussex County, Delaware, to free parents. In 1815, he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...
, Phillip Bell, and Charles Bennett Ray
Charles Bennett Ray
Charles Bennett Ray was a prominent African-American abolitionist, the owner and editor of the weekly newspaper The Colored American, and a notable journalist and clergyman.-Early life and education:...
, and one that was published in Washington, D.C. from 1893 to 1904. by Edward Elder Cooper.
New York paper
Initially published under the name, "The Weekly Advocate," New York's Colored American was a weekly running newspaper whose length was four to six pages. It circulated in free black communities up and down the northern seaboard.The main focus of this newspaper was set on the moral, social, and political elevation of the free colored people as well as the peaceful emancipation of slaves. That is why The Colored American had various subscribers. Due to the employment of agents in various cities, as well as abolitionists for their marketing needs, the subscribers were widely spread. Since the newspaper's primary readers were black and hard pressed for cash, they also received help from African-American churches and local abolition societies by way of fund drives and donations. Occasionally, the newspaper received cash infusions from prominent white allies. All of the donations, fund drives and supplements helped the paper to publish 38 articles and survive through 1841. Thanks to the subscribers, the interesting articles and the extra funding sources, The Colored American became an important paper of its time.
Timeline
- January 1837 - Samuel Cornish, Philip Bell, and Charles Bennett Ray launched The Weekly Advocate.
- March 4, 1837 - Publisher Robert Sears changes the name to The Colored American.
- 1839 - Charles Bennett Ray became the sole owner of The Colored American.
- 1840 - The Colored American declared in favor of Liberty Party candidate James G. BirneyJames G. BirneyJames Gillespie Birney was an abolitionist, politician and jurist born in Danville, Kentucky. From 1816 to 1818, he served in the Kentucky House of Representatives...
. - 1841 - The last paper was published on Christmas Day.