Remembering Martin R. Delaney
Lessons from a 19th century freedomfighterThe use of history as a tool of liberation is an on-going battle the Black community must come to grips with.
Far too many Black people reject the use of history as a tool to understand the past, the present, and the future. The rejection of history, by many of us. results in the denial of our true condition and situation as 30 million people in the United States. It is in this context that the great Black American freedom fighter, Martin R. Delaney, wrote a book in 1852, titled "The Condition, Elevation, Emigration. and Destiny of the Colored People in the United States."
From time to time, in reflecting on our history and our present situation, as a race, I re-read this most profound book. In fact, I suggest that all Black people read this book and become familiar with the work of this unsung hero in our struggle. Martin R. Delaney was a fearless and independent champion for the cause of our redemption from the period 1840 until his death in January, 1885, at the age of 72.
Martin R. Delaney was known as the most prominent advocate of Black nationalism in the nineteenth century and it was in his book that his view of the situation of our race became widely known.
Delaney became known for his opposition to chattel slavery and his call for Black youth. For example, how many Blacks are aware that Delaney was among the small group of Black medical students that attended Harvard Medical School in 1850 and 1851. Although white supremacy and racism forced Delaney to withdraw, he went on to distinguish himself as an outstanding physician specializing in chronic diseases of women and children.
Delaney was a prolific writer. He wrote the third novel produced by a Black in his country, titled "Black: The Huts of America." Additionally, he published an account of his African trip to locate emigration sites, "The Official Report of the Niger Valley Exploring Party."
Delaney's Final work was titled, "Principia of Ethnology: The Origin of Races and Color with an Archaeological Compendium of Ethiopian and Egyptian Civilization." It was in this work that Delaney revealed that the ancient Egyptians and Ethiopians were Black and the creators of the world's first civilizations, contrary to the European conception of Egypt and Ethiopia.
The words that Delaney wrote in 1852 have not changed concerning our condition today. Delaney said in "Condition and Elevation" that "White men are producers—we are consumers. They build houses, and we rent them. They raise produce, and we consume it. They manufacture clothes and wares, and we garnish ourselves with them. They build coaches, vessels, cars, hotels, saloons, and other vehicles and places of accommodation. and we deliberately wait until they have got them in readiness, then walk in, and contend with as much assurance for a 'right' as though the whole thing was bought by. paid for and belonged to us."
And finally Delaney said, in this great work, referring to the Europeans: "By their literary attainments, they are the contributors to, authors and teachers of, literature, science, religion, law, medicine, and all other useful attainments that the world make use of. We have no reference to ancient times—we speak of modern things."
Much of what Delaney wrote and lectured about in the 19th century is still true today concerning the condition of the Black people today. Our challenge is to continue his legacy by breaking the mental chains of slavery that keep us dependent on others for our history and the interpretation of world events. Read Delaney and you will find much wisdom.
(Dr. Worrill is the National Chairman of the National Black United Front (NBUF) located at 700 East Oakwood Blvd., Chicago, Illinois 60653. (312) 268-7500.)
Return to: African-American Pioneers