One Of The Most Dangerous Men In American History
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David Walker: The Man Behind the Most Dangerous Document in American History
In 1830, near the Boston Harbor, a clothing store owner named David Walker carefully stitched a pamphlet into the lining of a sailor’s coat. This thin volume was completely hidden, but its content was far from insubstantial. At the time, many members of the US government considered this pamphlet to be one of the most dangerous documents in American history. To ensure this volume reached his audience, Walker had to hide his work in the clothing of both willing co-conspirators and unknowing sailors, smuggling the pamphlet throughout the country.
Who Was David Walker?
David Walker was the son of an enslaved father and a freedwoman, born free in the late 18th century in Wilmington, North Carolina. From a young age, he sought to extend his freedom to all Black Americans. After moving to Charleston as a young man, he became closely involved with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This church practiced a more radical brand of abolition than the mainstream movement, which was led by wealthy white men who favored gradual change and avoided confrontation with slaveholders.
Walker’s Fight Against Slavery
In 1825, Walker surfaced in Boston, where he rejoined the fight against slavery. In addition to marrying fellow activist Eliza Butler and opening his clothing store, Walker helped fund America’s first Black-owned newspaper. His passionate articles and public speeches sought to instill pride and camaraderie into those fighting for Black liberation. To truly unite free and enslaved Black Americans, Walker would have to go beyond Boston.
The “Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World”
In 1829, Walker poured his ideas into the “Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World.” This treatise emphasized the spiritual righteousness of resistance and described the suffering of enslaved people in graphic detail. Walker staunchly defended the right to militant action, a departure from moderate mainstream abolitionists. He connected American abolitionism with global movements for Black liberation, calling for an international Black freedom struggle in an early display of what would come to be called Pan-Africanism.
Walker’s Legacy
Despite the danger, Walker continued using sailors to smuggle his work. The “Appeal” traveled down the coast into the hands of shopkeepers, church leaders, political organizers, and underground abolitionist networks. It galvanized militant efforts to overthrow slave owners and struck fear into white officials. Following his death, Walker’s message continued to resound. Frederick Douglass credited him as the originator of radical abolitionism, and his “Appeal” inspired some of the most influential members of the 20th-century liberation movement. From Malcolm X’s militant approach to Black resistance to James Cone’s writing on Black spirituality, Walker’s legacy remains crucially important to the history of Black resistance movements—and their visions for the future.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think motivated David Walker to risk his life and hide his pamphlet in the clothing of sailors to spread his message?
- How do you think David Walker’s background as the son of an enslaved father and a freedwoman influenced his perspective on slavery and his fight against it?
- Why do you think David Walker believed in the importance of militant action and resistance, even when many abolitionists advocated for gradual change?
- In what ways did David Walker’s “Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World” challenge the prevailing narrative about slavery and abolitionism during his time?
- How do you think Walker’s call for an international Black freedom struggle, as expressed in his “Appeal,” contributed to the development of Pan-Africanism?
- Why do you think Walker’s message had such a lasting impact on future generations of Black resistance movements and activists?
- What can we learn from David Walker’s legacy and the tactics he employed in his fight against slavery?
- How do you think David Walker’s work and ideas can continue to inspire and inform contemporary social justice movements?
Lesson Vocabulary
David Walker – David Walker was an African-American abolitionist who wrote a famous pamphlet titled “Walker’s Appeal” in 1829, which called for the immediate emancipation of slaves in the United States.
Pamphlet – A pamphlet is a small booklet or brochure, usually containing information or arguments about a specific topic. It is often used for advocacy or educational purposes.
US Government – The US Government refers to the system of governing and administration in the United States, composed of various branches such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
American History – American History refers to the chronological record of events, people, and ideas that have shaped the United States, including its founding, development, and major historical events.
Black Americans – Black Americans, also known as African Americans, are individuals in the United States who are of African descent. They have played a significant role in shaping American history and culture.
African Methodist Episcopal Church – The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) is a predominantly African-American Christian denomination founded in the early 19th century. It played a central role in the abolitionist movement and the fight for civil rights.
Abolition – Abolition refers to the act of officially ending or eradicating a system, institution, or practice, especially in the context of slavery. The abolitionist movement aimed to eliminate slavery in the United States.
Black Liberation – Black Liberation refers to the collective struggle and movement for the freedom, equality, and empowerment of Black people, particularly in the context of overcoming systemic racism and oppression.
Appeal – An appeal is a formal request or petition made to a higher authority or court to review and reconsider a decision made by a lower authority. It is often used in legal contexts to challenge or overturn rulings.
Pan-Africanism – Pan-Africanism is a movement and ideology that advocates for the unity, solidarity, and empowerment of people of African descent worldwide. It seeks to promote social, political, and economic cooperation among African nations and the African diaspora.
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- Categories: Grade 10, Grade 8, Grade 9, History, Social Studies, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: abolition, African Methodist Episcopal Church, American history, appeal, black Americans, black liberation, David Walker, pamphlet, pan-Africanism, US government
