The History of Freedom's Journal: A Study in Empowerment and Community

Abstract

In presenting our first number to our Patrons, we feel all the diffidence of persons entering upon a new and untried line of business. But a moments reflection upon the noble objects, which we have in view by the publication of this Journal; the expediency of its appearance at this time, when so many schemes are in action concerning our people--encourage us to come boldly before an enlightened publick. For we believe, that a paper devoted to the dissemination of useful knowledge among our brethren, and to their moral and religious improvement, must meet with the cordial approbation of every friend to humanity. --Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm, Freedom's Journal, 16 March 1827 (1) With these words, Freedom's Journal, the first African American newspaper, was launched in New York City. Certain historical facts about the periodical are well established. The weekly paper was initially edited by two free-born African Americans: Samuel E. Cornish, pastor of the First Colored Presbyterian Church in New York City; and John B. Russwurm, a graduate of Bowdoin College. In September 1827, Cornish resigned, leaving Russwurm to assume sole editorship of the periodical. Distributed throughout the North and parts of the South, Freedom's Journal also had agents in Haiti, England, and Canada. The newspaper was plagued with financial problems; in addition, Russwurm received criticism about his editing. Two years after its founding, Freedom's Journal ended publication, with its last issue appearing on 28 March 1829. Yet this is the briefest of histories, and it raises many questions. What led to the establishment of the first African American newspaper at this time? How was it financed? Who was the target audience for the periodical, and who actually read it? What types of issues were covered in its columns? Why did editor Samuel Cornish resign after only six months on the job? What changes were made by editor John Russwurm when he assumed sole responsibility for the periodical, and what were his motivations? And, finally, why did the paper cease publication in 1829, only two years after its creation? Despite Freedom's Journal's groundbreaking status, relatively few scholars have examined its history in depth. (2) In addition, historians have often relied on unsubstantiated or incomplete assumptions about the periodical. In this study, I create a detailed historical account of the newspaper that considers the periodical's founding, financing, readership, distribution, and content. I focus on significant events in the periodical's history, such as Cornish's departure--and the changes that resulted--and the demise of the newspaper. In attempting to present a more complete history of Freedom's Journal than has been hitherto available, this examination also provides insight about African American activism and leadership of the late 1820s. CHALLENGING THE NOAH THESIS A brief account of the founding of Freedom's Journal appears in late-19th-century African American journalist I. Garland Penn's 1891 history, The Afro-American Press and Its Editors. Penn relates, was a local paper published in New York City in 1827 and 1828 by an Afro-American-hating Jew, which made the vilest attacks upon the Afro-Americans. It encouraged slavery and deplored the thought of freedom for the slave.... Against this The Journal was directed.... [T]he inception of The Journal was the result of a meeting of Messrs. Russwurm, Cornish and others at the house of M. Boston Crummell (Rev. Dr. [Alexander] Crummell's father,) in New York, called to consider the attacks of the local paper mentioned above. (3) There is no reason to doubt certain aspects of Penn's story. He suggests that his account is at least in part the result of discussion with people who had firsthand knowledge of events, mentioning those few who now live and remember anything about the matter. It is probable that the idea for Freedom's Journal developed within a gathering of African American leaders in New York, including Boston Crummell, a successful oysterman and a prominent member of New York's African American community. …