"Augustine" and The Father of Black Nationalism
The historian Floyd Miller documented that Woodson wrote under the pen name "Augustine" (the name of an early Christian bishop and theologian from north Africa, who is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church). Miller suggested that in this role, Woodson could be called the "Father of Black Nationalism". From 1837-1841, Woodson published numerous letters as "Augustine" in the Colored American newspaper. He advocated black initiatives to create institutions independent of whites, including churches, newspapers, and schools. Woodson advocated preparing for when the multitudes of American slaves would gain freedom, and require social, organizational, and financial assistance. Unlike some other abolitionists, Woodson never advocated emigration to Africa or a slave uprising.
Read more about this topic: Lewis Woodson
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