Martin Robison Delany, born on May 6, 1812, in Charles Town, Virginia, was a prominent figure in African American history during the 19th century. His life was marked by a relentless pursuit of equality, justice, and empowerment for African Americans. Delany’s legacy is characterized by his significant contributions to the abolitionist movement, his pioneering efforts in journalism, and his pivotal role in advocating for African American participation in the military defense of the nation during the Civil War.
Delany’s early life was shaped by the challenges of racial discrimination and the pursuit of education in a society marked by systemic oppression. Born to Pati, a free-born African, and Samuel, an enslaved laborer, Delany’s upbringing was deeply influenced by his mother’s unwavering commitment to providing her children with educational opportunities. Despite Virginia’s laws prohibiting the education of blacks in the early 1820s, Pati insisted on teaching her children how to read. This commitment led to the family’s relocation to Pennsylvania in 1822, where educational opportunities were more accessible.
Delany’s pursuit of education continued as he ventured to Pittsburgh at the age of 19 to attend the free school for Blacks at Bethel Church. His involvement in the academic and intellectual pursuits at Bethel Church laid the foundation for his future endeavors in leadership, activism, and scholarship. Delany’s commitment to social justice and civil rights was evident throughout his life. He actively participated in abolitionist causes, attended Negro conventions, and played a pivotal role in leading the Vigilance Committee, which assisted fugitive slaves in their resettlement. His involvement in the Young Men’s Literary and Moral Reform Society underscored his dedication to effecting positive change within his community.
In the late 1830s, Delany’s advocacy extended to defending the black community of Pittsburgh from white mob attacks by joining an integrated militia. His unwavering commitment to civil rights was further demonstrated through his involvement in advocating for the suffrage of African American men in Pennsylvania. Despite facing defeat in this endeavor, Delany’s resilience and determination remained unshaken. Delany’s intellectual curiosity and passion for social justice led him on a journey of exploration and discovery. His travels down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, Texas, and Arkansas provided him with firsthand insights into the plight of African Americans and inspired his novel “Blake: Or the Huts of America.” This literary work served as a powerful testament to Delany’s commitment to shedding light on the challenges faced by African Americans.
In 1843, Delany married Catherine Richards, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life. The subsequent years saw the expansion of his family as he became a father to 11 children. Amidst his familial responsibilities, Delany continued to pursue his scholarly interests and founded The Mystery newspaper, the first African American paper published west of the Allegheny Mountains. This platform became instrumental in advancing the abolitionist cause and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Delany’s unwavering dedication to advocating for justice and equality often brought him into conflict with prevailing power structures. The Pittsburgh fire of 1845 led to a legal dispute where Delany was sued for libel. Despite facing the financial burden of a $650 fine, his colleagues in the abolitionist community and journalism profession rallied to support him. The resulting impact led to the sale of The Mystery Sheet to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where it continued to be published as the Christian Recorder.
His collaboration with Frederick Douglass in The North Star newspaper exemplified his commitment to advancing the cause of African American empowerment. However, differences in opinion regarding the treatment of African Americans led Delany to part ways with the publication after five years. Delany’s pursuit of education took him to Harvard College Medical School in 1850, reflecting his enduring commitment to scholarly endeavors. However, his time at Harvard was marked by adversity as he faced expulsion following a petition presented by his fellow white students. This experience underscored the pervasive challenges of racial discrimination that persisted within educational institutions during that era.
The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 further propelled Delany to explore new strategies for advocating for African Americans. His leadership in chairing the National Emigration Convention and his efforts to establish African American settlements in Canada, West Africa, and the Caribbean highlighted his visionary approach to addressing systemic injustices. Delany’s literary contributions were characterized by their profound insights into issues of race, emigration, and social justice. His treatise “The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States Politically Considered,” published in 1852, provided a comprehensive analysis of emigration as a potential solution to the challenges faced by African Americans. This seminal work garnered attention and was reviewed in William Howard Day’s The Alien American newspaper in 1853.
In addition to his treatise, Delany delved into subjects such as ancient Freemasonry and its significance among colored men, further showcasing his multifaceted intellectual pursuits. International engagement became a defining aspect of Delany’s advocacy as he ventured to Canada and Nigeria in pursuit of opportunities for African American emigrants. His meeting with John Brown in Chatham in 1858 underscored his alignment with individuals who shared his fervent commitment to advancing the cause of freedom and equality.
The outbreak of the Civil War brought Delany back to America, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for African American participation in the Union Army. His recruitment efforts extended to enlisting his son Toussaint L’Ouverture in the Massachusetts 54th regiment, reflecting his investment in the military defense of the nation. Delany’s historic meeting with President Lincoln at the White House in February 1865 marked a significant milestone as they discussed the appointment of African American officers to command African American troops. This engagement culminated in Delany’s commission as a Major in the 104th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops, making him the highest-ranking African American officer in U.S. history.
After the war, Delany continued his advocacy for social justice by working for the Freedmen’s Bureau and engaging in efforts related to African American emigration through the Liberian Exodus Joint Stock Exchange Company. His scholarly pursuits culminated in the publication of “Principia of Ethnology: The Origin of Races and Color with an Archeological Compendium” in 1879. This seminal work reflected years of meticulous examination and inquiry into issues of race and civilization. Delany’s enduring commitment to education and empowerment was further evidenced by his return to Wilberforce, Ohio, where he passed away on January 24, 1885. His legacy continues to resonate as a testament to resilience, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of equality and justice for African Americans.
Martin Robison Delany’s life journey embodies a profound legacy of leadership, scholarship, and advocacy. His unwavering commitment to education, civil rights advocacy, journalism, and military service stands as a testament to his enduring impact on African American history and the broader pursuit of equality and justice.