Document 3.7.6: Letter to the Editor from an African American Parent, “The Smith School,” The Liberator, February 15, 1850

Mr. Editor,—Dear Sir, In perusing the last number of the Liberator, I was exceedingly amused by a strain of characteristic allusions and a certain resolution in a communication signed by one W.C.N.; and that fairness may prevail, you will, I know, allow me a word in defence of those who have not favored the abolition of colored schools in Boston.  It is most untrue and unphilosophical, that we should oppose the abolition of colored schools in order to degrade ourselves or our posterity. We are colored men, exposed alike to oppression and prejudice; our interests are all identical—we rise or fall together.  We believe colored schools to be institutions, when properly conducted, of great advantage to the colored people.  We believe society imperatively requires their existence among us.  Many of us having children ourselves, for their sake we are opposed to any measure which would interrupt or retard their elevation.  Believing ourselves to be right, and our policy judicious, we laugh at slander, scorn opposition, and rejoice in the approval of our consciences and judgements.  It is worthy of remark, however, that while those individuals who profess to desire the abolition of the colored schools claim such an immense majority, they could show on their mass petition only 227 names, according to their own count, even including children as young as three years—and that out of a population of 1950!  And furthermore, a petition of 170, at least, was presented against them, including several of our clergymen.  To be brief, as the subject has been quite fully discussed elsewhere. We feel from experience (not hearsay) that education among our people requires the existence of schools among us; that from no other source can we obtain so much practical good; and, appreciating the sentiment that ‘knowledge is power,’ ay, and liberty and equality too, we feel determined as we regard the intellectual above the physical, mind above matter, principle above friends, to maintain our positions while we know them to be right, for ever true, for ever faithful, and slander may talk itself tired, opposition rage and riot to exhaustion; still we will fearlessly announce the truth, ‘amid the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds.’

Yours, with highest respect, THOMAS PAUL SMITH.