Convention of the Colored People of Ohio

Convention of the Colored People of Ohio

State Convention

A newspaper article about the 1837 Ohio State Convention held in Columbus, OH published in The Philanthropist (September 8, 1837)

The Philanthropist

The Philanthropist (New Richmond, OH)

1837-09-08

Newspaper article

Convention of Colored People of Ohio. We have received an account of the proceedings of this Convention, which sat in this city the whole of last week; but the crowded state of our colums, at this period, compels us to substitute for the report as communicated, a brief editorial abstract. The Convention was organized, Monday morning, August 21st, 1837, by appointing the Rev. C. Yancy President, Wm. Johnson and J. Malvin, Vice Presidents, A.M. M. Summer, J. Leach, and L.L. L. Lewis, Secretaries, and W. Shelton, Chaplain. Committees were appointee to draft reports on different subjects connected with the objects of the Convention; but it was subsequently determined that every thing should originate and be considered in the Committee of the whole. One of the earliest resolutions was worthy of a much much more enlightened body of men; it limited the speeches on subjects that might incidentally come up to fifteen minutes each. We have not a copy of the Report of the Select Committee on the objects of the Convention. We understand its principal features to have been a recommendation for the establishment, by and among the colored people of Ohio, of a School Fund and Mutual Improvement Institution. Accordingly, we find the following resolution among the proceedings of the present day: -- "Resolved, That as a School Fund and Mutual Improvement Institution, for the moral and religious elevation of the colored people of Ohio, be formed." " It was moreover resolved, that a Committee be appointed to draft a Constitution for such a Society, that a general agent be appointed, and that application be made to the State Legislature for an act of incorporation: -- To effect which several objects, means were subsequently taken. This is the principal object effected by the Convention. Its sittings were conducted in great harmony, notwithstanding there was much difference of opinion among the Delegates upon several points, in their estimation important. -- They adjourned on Saturday evening -- passing immediately before so doing, the two resolutions subjoined: "Resolved, That the Delegates, one and all, esteem it worthy their highest regard, and beg leave to present their grateful thanks to the White Citizens of Columbus, that none other than the kindest of feelings have been manifested towards them during the sitting of the Convention. Resolved, That our kindest respects to be tendered to the Colored People of Columbus for the kind and hospitable reception we have met with among them." -- Ohio Political Register.

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1837.OH-08.21.COLU