Biography of: Martin Robinson Delany
Author: McCain T. Hamrick
Timeline
Leadership Style
Political Philosophy
Timeline
- May 6, 1812 Martin Delany born
- 1852 He writes The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States Politically Considered
- 1859 Coined phrase "Africa for Africans"
- 1879 He writes The Origin of Races and Color
- January 24, 1885 Martin Delany dies
Leadership Style
Delany's style of leadership was abdacratic. He came along at a time when the movement for equal rights in America was not led by any one person. He tried to do some things with other leaders like Frederick Douglas, but never really saw eye to eye with Douglas or any other leaders of the time.
Political Philosophy
Delany was a radical. He wanted change, but did not use violent means. He was innovational. He supported values of society, but not the practices.
"Let our young women have an education; let their minds be well informed; stored with useful information and practical proficiency, rather than the light superficial acquirements, popularly and fashionably called accomplishments. We desire accomplishments, but they must be useful."
"Our females must be qualified because they are the mothers of our children. As mothers are the first nurses and instructors of children; from them children consequently get their first impressions, which being always the most lasting should be the most correct. Raise mothers above the level of degradation, and the offspring is elevated with them."
"Shall we now fly to arms and sacrifice our lives to bind new chains upon our already festered limbs? No! God forbid. We are in advance of our fathers. They put confidence in the word of the whites only to feel the dagger of slavery driven still deeper. Our enslaved brothers must be made freedmen. We of the North must have all rights which white men enjoy. Until then we are no condition to fight under the flag which gives no protection."
Home | Syllabus
| Assignments | Gallery
| Grades