The 1843 National Convention of Colored Citizens was a landmark assembly not only for its collective purpose but also for the powerful voices that shaped its discourse. Held in Buffalo, New York, this gathering brought together influential African American leaders who, despite their shared goal of combating slavery and prejudice, often held differing views on the most effective strategies. Among the most prominent figures were Samuel H. Davis, the convention's
chairman, and two towering abolitionists, Henry Highland Garnet and Frederick Douglass, whose contrasting philosophies sparked some of the convention's most intense debates. Their speeches and interactions underscored the complex challenges and diverse approaches within the anti-slavery movement.
Samuel H. Davis: Unifying the Movement
Samuel H. Davis, a religious and civil rights leader from Buffalo, New York, served as the chairman of the 1843 National Convention. His role was crucial in guiding the proceedings and setting the tone for the discussions. Davis delivered the keynote address, which aimed to unify the diverse participants and their strategies. He emphasized that the primary objective for all black citizens should be to "make known our wrongs to the world and our oppressors." Davis firmly believed that the movement to free African American people must be led by African Americans themselves, asserting their agency in the struggle for liberation.
In his address, Davis articulated two constant objectives for the convention's deliberations: "the diffusion of truth and the elevation of our own people." He urged attendees to take a "bold and elevated stand for the truth," advocating for a proactive and principled approach. Davis also called upon the delegates to expand their reach, encouraging them to align politically with parties and individuals who would accept them and support their cause. While acknowledging that appealing to the government for rights might seem a "hollow attempt," he stressed the importance of fighting for the rights of all black citizens and securing happiness wherever they settled. He highlighted that few states recognized any rights for black people and implored the convention members to work tenaciously to secure elective franchise in areas where they were denied and subjected to oppressive laws. Davis concluded his powerful speech with a plea for unity, urging attendees to combine their efforts despite any differing views or factions.
Henry Highland Garnet: A Call to Arms
One of the most impactful and controversial speeches at the convention came from Reverend Henry Highland Garnet. Born into slavery and having escaped to Maryland, Garnet was well-educated and became a pastor at Liberty Street Presbyterian Church. He was known for holding more radical and straightforward views on how to end slavery compared to his peers. His address, famously known as the "Address to the Slaves of the United States," was widely regarded as a direct call to arms and violence for the cause of freedom.
Garnet's fiery speech was designed to ignite emotion, recounting the historical and ongoing suffering inflicted by slavery and oppression. He set a significant precedent by publicly and directly addressing slaves with such topics, a departure from previous conventions where white supervision often led to more timid calls for change. Garnet began with a message of hope, asserting that God was on their side and guiding their efforts, and spoke of the slave-owners' diminishing authority and the growing opportunities for black citizens. He condemned the hypocrisy of a nation founded on freedom yet denying liberties to others, declaring it would face divine wrath and the disgust of civilized nations. Garnet powerfully stated, "Nearly three millions of your fellow-citizens are prohibited by law and public opinion... from reading the Book of Life. Your intellect has been destroyed as much as possible, and every ray of light they have attempted to shut out from your minds." He argued that a slave's submission hindered their ability to worship God fully and that slavery blocked African Americans from their birthright of freedom and inalienable rights. As he continued, Garnet shifted to advocating for violent actions and a widespread refusal to work as the only path to liberation. He exclaimed, "You cannot be more oppressed than you have been; you cannot suffer greater cruelties than you have already. Rather die freemen than live to be slaves. Remember that you are three millions!" He concluded by proposing "Resistance!" as the motto for both slaves and free Blacks, emphasizing that no one ever became free without it.
Frederick Douglass: Advocating Peaceful Resistance
In stark contrast to Garnet's impassioned plea for violent resistance, Frederick Douglass, a notable participant and budding abolitionist, advocated for peaceful methods. Douglass, who served as a vice president of the convention and a delegate for Massachusetts, was a key figure in the debate surrounding Resolution No. 10, which dealt with the potential address to slaves. While Garnet's speech called for slaves to rise against their masters, Douglass countered that non-violent approaches were the best solution.
The debate over Resolution No. 10 became one of the most heavily discussed and controversial issues of the convention. Douglass's arguments against the use of physical force were influential. When the address, presumably reflecting Garnet's more radical stance, was initially written, it met with significant resistance. One of the primary arguments against it was the concern that it would endanger free black citizens. The motion to move forward with the address was rejected, and after further discussion, it was rejected again, though by only one vote. In a later session, a revote was called. President Amos G. Beman spoke out against the address on moral grounds, stating that it advocated violence. Ultimately, the address was voted on a third time and rejected indefinitely, highlighting the deep division within the movement regarding the means to achieve freedom. Douglass's consistent advocacy for peaceful methods played a crucial role in shaping this outcome, demonstrating the internal struggle over strategy that characterized the anti-slavery movement.
