The year 1852 marked substantial change for the movement for Black civil rights in Ohio. The first change was subtle, yet notable, as the proceedings changed from “State Convention of the Colored Citizens of Ohio” to “Convention of the Colored Freemen of Ohio.” While seemingly innocuous, it does seem like an odd choice. After many years of vigorously asserting their status as citizens, despite the state’s refusal to recognize them as such, Black Ohioans were now simply referring to themselves as “freemen.” 

Another fascinating change that occurred in 1852 was the structure of the printed proceedings. In previous years, the minutes described each act within the convention. Motions, amendments, speeches, interruptions, comments, personal slights, stances on issues, and more were all meticulously described. The focus was on the delegates, their values, and their beliefs. This incredible level of detail was now gone, replaced with exceedingly brief summaries that offer little insight into the hearts and minds of individual delegates. While the historical record surely suffered from the change, it was not a mistake. The delegates seemed highly motivated to put forth a united front. Rather than publishing the individual arguments within the larger debate, the delegates chose to highlight the decisions that were agreed upon following the debate. These decisions came through the brief reports of the following special committees: education, emigration, agriculture, press, statistics, and church action. 

The remainder of the 1852 convention was filled with public readings of letters from "distinguished citizens" on topics relevant to the convention's goals. These citizens included abolitionist politician Cassius Clay, antislavery educator Horace Mann, Senator Charles Durkee, and Senator Benjamin Wade.