Crystal R. Terrell - African American Timeline of 1700-1900 with an emphasis on literacy lyrics

Slaves were prohibited to read and write by law. Slave masters understood that in order to control their slave, it had to be more than just by physical force. They realized that knowledge was power and by keeping slaves illiterate and unable to write, they would be even more powerful than a just a slave master with a whip. Act Pa**ed by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina at the Session of 1830—1831" (Raleigh: 1831). This is just one of many laws that was pa**ed in the South in order to keep slaves from learning to read and write. During the late 1800's, approximately 10% of the African American population was literate. This percentage includes persons such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth and James Corrothers to name a few, but their marks in history is what allows us to dissect and an*lyze the world of literacy during the 1700-1900's. In this timeline, you will find significant events and people that encouraged and supported the education and literacy of African American. 1746- Lucy Terry's Excerpt from "Bar's Fight" The names of whom I'll not leave out: Samuel Allen like a hero fout, And though he was so brave and bold, His face no more shall we behold. "Bar's Fight" is a poem written about two white families that lost their lives while fighting in “the Bars” which is another name for “meadows”. 1789- The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Va**a, the African, Written by Himself. Excerpt from "The interesting Narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano" " I hope the reader will not think I have trespa**ed on his patience in introducing myself to him with some account of the manners and customs of my country." Olaudah Equiano wrote one of the most influential works during his time that strongly depicted the African American as a writer and storyteller. 1792- Benjamin Banneker's Almanac is published in Philadelphia. It is the first book of science published by an African American. 1829- “The Hope of Liberty”, written by George Moses Horton, published in Raleigh, North Carolina , was the first book of poetry published by an enslaved southerner. A biracial coalition made up of northerners and southerners used the profits of the book of poems to pay for Horton's freedom. 1837- The Institute for Colored Youth is founded in Southeastern Pennsylvania, later named Cheyney University. This is the oldest African American institution of higher learning. 1838- Frederick Douglas escapes from slavery and becomes one of the most well noted abolitionists and speakers of his time. “I would unite with anybody to do right and nobody to do wrong.”- Frederick Dougas 1850/1851- Lucy Stanton becomes the first African American woman to graduate from an American College while Sojourner Truth gives the speech “Ar'n't I a Woman” at the Woman's Rights Conference in Akron, Ohio. These two significant marks in history are notable because it shows black women making notable progress in having a voice in society. 1881- Booker T. Washington , an educator and advisor to presidents of the United States, founds Tuskegee Institute, a historically black college in Alabama. He led a coalition of middle-cla** blacks, church leaders and politicians with a long term goal of building a community made of economic strength and the freedom of gaining an education