Chapter Five
African-American Magazines of the Nineteenth Century
Freedom's Journal and Other Early Publications
The Abolitionist Press
Frederick Douglass and David Ruggles
William Whipper and Martin Delaney
The Christian Recorder and the Postbellum Press
The 1890s and Some Important Names
Appendix: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Hundreds of African-American publications were launched in the 19th century, but exactly how many, when, and where is a mystery—the record is painfully incomplete. The existence of some is known only by passing reference in other media. Innumerable others were born, lived, and died without leaving a trace. In fact, almost all 19th-century African-American publications were invisible to the vast majority of American readers. Read more...
The Birth of African-American Journalism
With the launch of Freedom's Journal in 1827, Black Americans harnessed the power of the press in a new way.
The Abolitionists
A brief look at Garrison and his fellow abolitionists, and at the long trail of magazines they left behind.
Douglass and Ruggles
Nineteenth-century America's leading Black orator was also a prolific publisher... and not the only one!
Whipper and Delaney
One publisher saw salvation in moral reform... the other in Black nationalism.
The Christian Recorder and Magazines of the 1880s
A closer look at one of America's oldest magazines, and an overview of postbellum magazines through the '80s.
Magazines of the 1890s, Some Profiles, and Some Historiography
The Black press at the end of the century... some important journalists... and some historians.
