Martin Delany

Major Martin Delany

Martin Robison Delany (May 6, 1812 – January 24, 1885) was an African-American abolitionist, journalist, physician, soldier, and writer, and arguably the first proponent of Black nationalism. Delany is credited with being one of the first three black people admitted to Harvard Medical School and was one of the earliest African Americans to promote the return of blacks to Africa.

Early Life

Born in Charleston, Virginia (now West Virginia), Delany grew up in a very restrictive environment where slavery was prevalent. Despite the limitations placed on African Americans, his parents ensured that Delany received an education. His father was a slave, but his mother was free, and Delany was born free as a result. His mother taught him and his siblings to read and write, which was illegal for African Americans in Virginia at the time. This early education sparked Delany's lifelong commitment to learning and activism.

Career

Delany's career was multifaceted and groundbreaking. In the 1840s, he began his public career as a journalist, co-editing The Mystery, a newspaper that focused on the abolition of slavery and other issues affecting African Americans. His work caught the attention of Frederick Douglass, with whom he later collaborated on the North Star newspaper.

In the 1850s, disillusioned by the slow progress of abolition in the United States, Delany advocated for Black nationalism and the emigration of black people to Africa. In 1859, he led an exploratory expedition to the Niger Valley in Africa to investigate the possibility of establishing a settlement for African Americans.

During the American Civil War, Delany achieved the rank of major, becoming one of the first African American officers in the United States Army. He served in the 52nd U.S. Colored Troops Regiment, where he worked as a recruiter, helping to enlist black soldiers.

After the war, Delany continued his political activism, focusing on civil rights and the welfare of freed slaves. He also pursued a career in medicine, which was interrupted by his political activities but remained a passion throughout his life.

Legacy

Martin Delany's legacy is profound. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight against slavery and for his efforts to promote African American self-sufficiency and self-governance. His work laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements and the development of Black nationalism in the United States.

Delany's life and work have been recognized in various ways. He has been the subject of numerous books and academic studies. His commitment to equality and justice continues to inspire activists and scholars today.

Selected Works

• The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States (1852)
• Blake; or, The Huts of America (serialized in 1859, published in book form in 1970)

See Also

• Frederick Douglass
• Harriet Tubman
• African American history
• Black nationalism