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Multiculturalism and Social Work | San Francisco State University

THE DEAR NAME OF HOME: RESISTANCE TO COLONIZATION IN ANTEBELLUM BALTIMORE.

Author: Phillips, Christopher.
Author Background:
Date 1/1/96
Type Journal
Journal Title: Maryland Historical Magazine
Volume/Pages 91(2)
Publisher
Subject Matter Social/Public Policy and Administration
Population
Pedagogies
Abstract In 1832 the Maryland state legislature moved to transport all free blacks out of the state to colonize sites in Africa and elsewhere. Whites pursued this policy vigorously and African Americans sternly opposed it. Baltimore s freeblacks had developed a rich and unique culture, having attained a level of wealth well above rural free blacks. Most white supporters of colonization were imbued with the idea of innate black inferiority and feared the high social costsof poor free blacks. These whites saw free blacks in Baltimore as impediments to American growth. There was some sentiment in favor of colonization in the black community, even in Baltimore. Blacks openly debated the issue andmany emigrated. Locations included not only Africa, but British Guiana, Trinidad, Haiti, and Missouri. In 1840 the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church sent two delegates to visit Georgetown, British Guiana, to look intoemigrating there. Between 1832 and 1841, 637 Maryland free blacks relocated to Africa. In 1840, 256 moved to Trinidad, a place perceived to offer family stability.
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