TODAY ONLY
March 16
First African American Newspaper in US Published
On this day in 1827, Freedom's Journal, the first African American newspaper in the US, published its first edition.
What Else Was Happening? Freedom's Journal was published the same year slavery was abolished in the US.
Opening Words:
We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.
Who's In Charge? The paper was started by Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm. Published in New York City, the paper came out every week for two years.
John Russworm. John Russwurm was an early spokesman against slavery and an important figure in a Black American "Back-to-Africa" movement.
Samuel Cornish. Cornish was instrumental in forming the Anti-Slavery Society, and was later a member of America's Vigilance Committee.
What's It All About? Freedom's Journal provided international, national, and regional information on current events. Its articles ranged from editorials against slavery and lynching to biographies of prominent African-Americans. The paper also listed births, deaths, and marriages in the African-American New York community.
Who's Reading It? Freedom's Journal's circulation extended to 11 states, the District of Columbia, Haiti, Europe, and Canada.
The End. In 1829 it ceased to exist, having been replaced by The Rights of All.
