Lewis Woodson - "Augustine" and The Father of Black Nationalism

"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

Famous quotes containing the words augustine, father, black and/or nationalism:

    Understanding is the wages of faith.
    —St. Augustine (354–430)

    I was born a mechanic, and made a barrel before I was ten years old. The cooper told my father, “Fanny made that barrel, and has done it quicker and better than any boy I have had after six months’ training.” My father looked at it and said, “What a pity that you were not born a boy so that you could be good for something. Run into the house, child, and go to knitting.”
    Frances D. Gage (1808–1884)

    This is the end, the redemption from Wilderness, way for the Wonderer, House sought for All, black handkerchief washed clean by weeping—page beyond Psalm—Last change of mine and Naomi—to God’s perfect Darkness— Death, stay thy phantoms!
    Allen Ginsberg (b. 1926)

    The course of modern learning leads from humanism via nationalism to bestiality.
    Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)