African Americans path to freedom - David Walker

David Walker was born a free man in Wilmington, North Carolina, perhaps in 1796 or 1797. The laws, since his mother was a free black. Therefore he was also free even though his father was a slave.

This freedom, however, did not shield him from witnessing first hand the degradations and injustices of slavery. He witnessed much misery in his youth, including one disturbing episode of a son who was forced to whip his mother until she died.

Walker traveled throughout the country, eventually settling in Boston. But even in that free northern city, with its prevalent discrimination, life was less than ideal for its black residents. David Walker owned his own business, a used clothing store.

David Walker published a journal to educate slaves about the possibility of freedom. In September of 1829 he published his Appeal reaching enslaved men and women of the South.

David Walker received assistance from sailors and ship's officers sympathetic to the cause who transferred the pamphlets to Southern ports. Walker employed his used clothing business which, being located close to the waterfront, served sailors who bought

clothing for upcoming voyages. He sewed copies of his pamphlet into the lining of sailors' clothing. Once the pamphlets reached the South, they could be distributed throughout the region. Walker also sought the aid of of various contacts in the South who were also sympathetic to the cause. The governor sent a copy of the Appeal to the legislature when it met in November 1830 and urged that it consider measures to avert the dangerous consequences that were predicted. Meeting in a secret session, the legislature enacted the most repressive measures ever passed in North Carolina to control slaves and free blacks.

Harsh penalties were to be levied on anyone for teaching slaves to read or write and for circulating seditious publications.

Eventually David Walker become known as a major leader in the abolition movement.

© This work is the property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text. Click to read David Walker's Appeal.

Oh! my coloured brethren, all over the world, when shall we arise from this death-like apathy?--And be men!! David Walker