Early Years
Martin Delaney was born a free man in Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was the second son of a wealthy farmer and slaveholder, and was taught to read and write by his mother. His father died when he was nine, and he moved to Pennsylvania with his mother a few years later. He attended the Quaker Academy in Philadelphia and took classes at the Institute for Colored Youth. He was an avid reader, and was heavily influenced by the writings of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
In 1833, Delaney married Elizabeth James, and together they had four children. He was a devout Christian, and became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal church. He was an advocate for racial equality, and dedicated his life to the cause of racial justice.
Influences
Delaney was heavily influenced by the writings of the African American poet, abolitionist, and civil rights leader, David Walker. He was also influenced by the works of Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. In addition, he was inspired by the works of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and other early American philosophers.
Career
In 1836, Delaney earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, becoming the first African American to do so in the United States. He then went on to teach at the Institute for Colored Youth and the University of Pennsylvania, becoming the first African American to serve on a medical school faculty. He also wrote the first novels to be published by an African American.
Accomplishments
Delaney was a prominent advocate for African American emigration to the west, where he believed they could achieve greater civil rights. He was an important leader in the Underground Railroad and helped organize the National Emigration Convention of 1854. He also founded the Equal Rights League in 1864, which advocated for civil rights for African Americans.
Books
Delaney wrote several books, including the novel The Origin and Objects of Ancient Freemasonry (1853) and The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States (1852). He also wrote several essays and pamphlets advocating for the rights of African Americans.
Exceptional Traits
Delaney was a tireless advocate for racial justice and emancipation. He was an eloquent speaker and a prolific author, and was known for his intelligence, determination, and integrity.
Legacy
Delaney's legacy lives on in his writings and his efforts to improve the lives of African Americans. His work helped to inspire future generations of African Americans to fight for equality and justice. His life and his work have been commemorated in several books and articles, and his writings continue to inspire audiences to begin their own personal research.
Conclusion
Martin Delaney was a visionary African American philosopher whose commitment to racial justice and emancipation was unwavering. His writings and his efforts to improve the lives of African Americans continue to inspire and motivate us to this day. The theme of his life and work, to highlight the contributions, impact and the value African Americans individually and collectively have made on America, is one that resonates with us all.
"Truth is powerful and it prevails." - Sojourner Truth
