The National Convention of Colored Citizens was held August 15–19, 1843 at the Park Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, New York. Similar to previous colored conventions, the convention of 1843 was an assembly for African American citizens to discuss the organized efforts of the anti-slavery movement. The convention included individuals and delegates from various states and cities. Henry Highland Garnet and Samuel H. Davis delivered key speeches. Delegates deliberated courses of action and voted upon resolutions to further anti-slavery efforts and to help African Americans.
Background
National colored conventions were organized to discuss changes in approaching anti-slavery actions and movements and to combine efforts between various African American groups that were spread throughout the northern states. Colored Conventions were held in the early 1830s, but efforts to combine groups in places like New York and Philadelphia became increasingly difficult due to the differing approaches to combating slavery. The Liberty Party in 1840 advanced abolitionist movements through political action and more formal forms of persuasion.
In 1841, former convention heads and leaders from Philadelphia proposed a revival of the conventions and planned for a meeting with black representatives from the surrounding states. However, white protests instigated a riot that blocked all conventions and assemblies that had been planned for that time.
Two years later, in 1843, black leaders—different from those of past conventions—stepped up to assemble on behalf of black Americans. Although groups disagreed on how to combat slavery, they were united by a common goal in which they were "...Against TWO of the greatest evils ever inflicted upon an innocent and inoffensive people - slavery and prejudice."
The location and time of the convention were agreed upon during a preliminary meeting held May 9–10, 1843. They also wrote and sent out a call for colored citizens to attend.
Convention proceedings
The 1843 National Colored Convention was held in Buffalo, New York, August 15–19. The National Convention included delegates from Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Each session opened with a prayer given by a minister. The appointed chair started the meeting by calling roll and reading the minutes from the previous session. During the course of the convention, committees were generally appointed by the head Chairman. Committees were formed to create reports that were read to the attendees. Delegates voted on the adoption of these reports and the adoption of resolutions. Thirty numbered resolutions were voted upon with almost all of them passing. Various other resolutions, including 15 parliamentary rules, were passed for the administration of the convention.
In addition to the sessions, evening meetings were held, in which delegates from the convention addressed the general public.
Issues discussed at the convention
During the Colored Convention, committees were created to discuss such issues as the condition of colored people, the mechanical arts, agriculture, and the press. A statistical report was created reporting on the number of colored people, their professions, and their holdings. Colored citizens were encouraged to learn mechanic arts because it created opportunities for influence. In addition, it was concluded that there are broad benefits to agriculture and that colored people in cities should be encouraged to move to farms. It was also resolved that a weekly newspaper should be created in support of the people’s freedom. These ideas included in the committee reports were supported by the convention.
The condition of colored people was a main subject for the convention. It was concluded that American colonization, although it had initial good intent, actually hindered freedom. In particular, corrupt missionary work was condemned. The convention stressed the importance of education for colored children, and it was determined of vital importance for colored people who were citizens to vote.
Additionally, the convention argued for the support of the Liberty party. There was disagreement, as some attendees were opposed to the idea of pledging their vote to any political party. The support of the formation of The Freeman party was also argued but was controversial because some thought they should not support both the Liberty and the Freeman party. Ultimately, both resolutions passed.
Some of the more controversial issues were: