Mary Ann Shadd Cary - The Black Press and Protest in the Nineteenth Century, New Edition

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was an African American woman who used the press and public speaking to fight slavery and oppression in the United States and Canada. She was the first African American woman to publish and edit a newspaper in North America and was an active participant in many social and political movements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a remarkable African American woman of the nineteenth century who fearlessly and vocally fought against slavery and oppression in the United States and Canada. As a member of the small group of educated and relatively free black elites, she utilized her education and limited freedoms to advocate for the end of slavery and racial discrimination. Shadd Cary is widely recognized as the pioneering African American woman to publish and edit a newspaper in North America. However, her significance extends far beyond that. She actively participated in numerous social and political movements that shaped the abolitionist, black emigration, nationalist, women's rights, and temperance movements of the nineteenth century.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1823, Shadd Cary faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Despite the oppressive conditions, she pursued an education and became a teacher. However, her teaching career was cut short due to racial discrimination. Undeterred, Shadd Cary turned her attention to journalism and became the editor of the Wilmington Free Press, the first African American newspaper in North America.
Through her newspaper, Shadd Cary became a powerful voice for the abolitionist movement. She used her platform to advocate for the rights of enslaved people and to expose the injustices of slavery. Her articles and editorials sparked widespread debate and helped to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery.
In addition to her work in the press, Shadd Cary was a prominent figure in the women's rights movement. She believed that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men and fought for gender equality. She organized women's suffrage meetings and wrote articles advocating for women's rights.
Shadd Cary's activism extended beyond the United States and Canada. She was a vocal advocate for black emigration and nationalism. She believed that African Americans should have the right to return to Africa and create their own independent nations. She organized meetings and wrote articles promoting black emigration and advocating for the rights of African Americans in the diaspora.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary's life and legacy are a testament to the power of activism and the importance of fighting for social justice. Her courage and determination in the face of adversity inspired countless others to join the fight for equality and justice. Her contributions to the abolitionist, black emigration, nationalist, women's rights, and temperance movements have left a lasting impact on American history.
In conclusion, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a remarkable African American woman of the nineteenth century who used the press and public speaking to fight slavery and oppression. Her pioneering work in journalism and her active participation in social and political movements have left a lasting impact on American history. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals to fight for social justice and equality.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 232 x 157 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253067951