Research of Abolitionist David Walker

David Walker's goal was nothing short of revolutionary. He would gather and convince slaves of the South into rebelling against their master. His guide would-be his own pamphlet, David Walker's Appeal, a document that has been described as the most notorious document in America. David was the son of a slave father and a free black mother so he experienced both sides, David was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1797. In accordance with existing laws, since his mom was a free black citizen, David Walker was also free. This freedom, however, did not shield him from witnessing firsthand the degradations and injustices of slavery. He witnessed and unbearable amount of misery in his youth, including one disturbing episode of a son who was forced to whip his mother until she died. Walker went about his life traveled throughout the country, eventually settling in Boston. But even in that free northern city, with its prevalent discrimination, life was less than ideal for its black residents especially Walker. Still, Walker apparently fared well, setting up a used clothing store during the 1820s.  In Boston, Walker began to associate with prominent black activists. He joined institutions that denounced slavery in the South and discrimination in the North. He became involved with the nation's first African American newspaper, the Freedom's Journal out of New York City, to which he frequently contributed. By the end of 1828, he had become Boston's leading spokesman against slavery.  In September of 1829, he published his Appeal. To reach his primary audience -- the enslaved men and women of the South -- Walker relied on sailors and ship's officers sympathetic to the cause who could transfer the pamphlet to southern ports. Walker even employed his used clothing business which, being located close to the waterfront, served sailors who bought clothing for upcoming voyages. He sewed copies of his pamphlet into the lining of sailors' clothing. Once the pamphlets reached the South, they could be distributed throughout the region. Walker also sought the aid of various contacts in the South who were also sympathetic to the cause. He thought of every way possible to get his messaged throughout the country. This shows the dedication and value this message meant to him and how badly he wanted it to change. Walker's actions changed the tone and aims of the abolition movement. His message started to reach towns and states all over eventually making him a very relevant and well driven Abolitionist. Most abolitionists had supported the gradual phasing out of slavery, but Walker declared that the institution was a scourge that required immediate elimination. And instead of supporting the return of freed slaves to Africa, he believed that every African American had the right to be a full and equal citizen of the United States. His fiercely argued views would affect and inspire others for years to come. https://www.biography.com/writer/david-walker https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2930.html