Read through the opening pages of the African Benevolent Society's meeting minutes from 1807-1808. As you explore, think about why it was so important for Newport's Black community to create an independent education system. Can this document be compared to others that you have read?Â
African Benevolent Society meeting minutes, c. 1807-1808. VOL1674A.004, Newport Historical Society Collections.
Fragmented Transcript
"At a general meeting of the Africans of Newport, Rhode Island holden at Newport[,] December 21st, 1807, enquiry was made and conversation was holden upon the expediency of attempting to establish for the benefit of the Africans A Charity School..."
"Whereas the Sovereign Lord of the universe who hath of one blood made all nations to dwell on all the face of the earth..."
"We would humbly bow before him and adore his mysterious justice at the same time sensible of the great defects of school instruction among us and of the numerous benefits which would result from securing the education of our children and friends after us..."
"We form ourselves into a society to be called The African Benevolent Society..."
Fragmented Transcript
"And that our object shall be the establishment and continuance of a free school for any person of colour of this town..."
"Any person of colour whether male or female may become a member of this society by subscribing to the constitution and my paying fifty cents yearly..."
"The President shall act as moderator in the meetings of the Society and in his absence the Vice President shall act in his place..."
"The Secretary shall record in a book kept for that purpose all the acts and doings of the society..."
African Benevolent Society meeting minutes, c. 1807-1808. VOL1674A.005, Newport Historical Society Collections.
Questions to Consider:
How does the establishment of the African Benevolent Society compare/contrast to the establishment of the Mill Street School, another document in this resource?
What makes these founding principles so important? Think of the time period in which these minutes were being written.
How did Newport's Black community become a strong presence in the early nineteenth century? What can this document tell you about that community?