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The 1858 Convention of the Colored Men of Ohio was closer in form to the 1851 convention than those that followed. After years of substantial change, the 1858 convention revisited some earlier proceeding structures. While the last few years had steered clear of printing disagreements within the conventions, this year had two notable exceptions, political parties and emigration. Tensions were undeniably high at this moment, just a year following the infamous Dred Scott decision, highlighting the fears and frustrations of Ohio's delegates.
The 1858 Convention of the Colored Men of Ohio was closer in form to the 1851 convention than those that followed. After years of substantial change, the 1858 convention revisited some earlier proceeding structures. While the last few years had steered clear of printing disagreements within the conventions, this year had two notable exceptions, political parties and emigration. Tensions were undeniably high at this moment, just a year following the infamous Dred Scott decision, highlighting the fears and frustrations of Ohio's delegates.
Emigration
Emigration
Proposed Resolution
Proposed Resolution
Resolved, That we say to those who would induce us to emigrate to Africa or elsewhere, that the amount of labor and self-sacrifice required to establish a home in a foreign land, would if exercised here, redeem our native land from the grasp of slavery; therefore we are resolved to remain where we are, confident that "truth is mighty and will prevail."
The Debate
The Debate
Support
Support
J.H. Gurley "exhorted the people to either emigrate or concentrate their strength at some point or points in the United States."
J.D. Harris of Cuyahoga County "proposed to show that we had numbers on the continent, sufficient, if concentrated, to force freedom and respect from our oppressors."
William Fuller of Hamilton County "thought emigration, as a panacea for the ills that afflict us, was an unmitigated humbug."
Opposition
Opposition
John Booker of Franklin County "was opposed to emigration singly or en masse. What we want is numbers. He believed the language of the resolution to be truthful. To establish a respectable footing elsewhere, would require energy, fortitude, self-sacrifice, and these qualities, if exercised here in a corresponding degree, would accomplish all we desired."
E.P. Walker of Lucas County "at some length and with considerable ability, proceeded to argue, that the Cotton, Sugar, and Coffee growing regions of the world, belonged to the colored race, and that the nation or nations which produced those articles, must necessarily control the commerce of the world. Here then, was the path opened by Providence for our elevation. Let us concentrate upon the West Indies, upon Central America, where by our superior intelligence and energy, we would wield a wide influence, and many years would not pass away before we would have the world at our feet."
Result
Result
William Howard Day was undoubtedly one of the most respected delegates to Ohio's Colored Conventions over the years. He was elected to a wide variety of leadership positions and was even chosen to become editor of the Aliened American, Cleveland's first Black newspaper and a result of the Colored Conventions movement in Ohio. He stood to oppose emigration, despite his own personal experience with the movement, and the rest of the delegation followed. The resolution passed.
Political Parties
Political Parties
Proposed Resolution
Proposed Resolution
Resolved, That we rejoice at the declension of the Democratic Party in the North, and hope that its defeat presages the downfall of Slavery, of which accursed system it has been a firm supporter.
The Debate
The Debate
Support
Support
D. Jenkins of Franklin County "saw in the decline of the Democratic party, and rise of the Republican, omens of hope for the colored people."
John Mercer Langston of Lorain County said that he "hated the Democratic party because it was pro-slavery. He exhorted his friends to oppose by every means in their power, that party. The people were killing it every where, through the North, and he was glad to know it."
William J. Watkins of Lorain County said that he "believed that the Democratic party was the great foe to the colored man; the Republicans of New York had done something for tne colored man, and he verily believed, would do more. The great aim in the late contest, was to kill the Democratic party, and they had done that."
Opposition
Opposition
Peter H. Clark of Hamilton County "did not consider his rights any safer with Republicans than with Democrats. He believed Slavery would be more secure with the Republicans than with Democrats. The Republicans were aiming to become national, and were therefore conservative."
Result
Result
The resolution passed easily.
Sources
Sources
1. Convention of the Colored Men of Ohio (1858 : Cincinnati, OH), “Proceedings of a Convention of the Colored Men of Ohio, Held in the City of Cincinnati, on the 23d, 24th, 25th and 26th days of November, 1858.,” Colored Conventions Project Digital Records, accessed December 12, 2024, https://omeka.coloredconventions.org/items/show/254.
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