In today’s world, African-Americans are widely represented in all aspects of society, including positions at the highest levels of government and industry. In the 1800s, however, this was far from the case, and African-Americans were still without the right to vote, own land, and, in many cases, exist freely without prejudice or oppression.
Recognizing the need for solidarity and advocacy, a group of African-Americans founded the 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association in 1877. This union, founded in Pennsylvania, was the first of its kind. Over the course of its history, the association fought for the purpose of providing African-Americans with greater access to the benefits of society, such as education and the franchise, and educating the public about the nation’s long, shameful tradition of the oppression of African-Americans.
History of the 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association
The 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association was a first-of-its-kind union founded in Pennsylvania in 1877. The union was a response to the oppressive nature of the state’s laws and attitudes towards African-Americans. In its early days, the union focused its efforts on cultivating and exchanging information amongst notable African-American individuals and working towards the common goal of improving their communities.
Members
The 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association welcomed members from various walks of life including farmers, craftsmen, and tradesmen. Since founding members included some of the most respected and high-profile African-Americans in the state, membership was sought after by many African-Americans in Pennsylvania.
Objectives
The 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association was formed to provide members with the means to promote their economic and political interests, eventually aiming to secure an environment of equality and justice for African-Americans in Pennsylvania and beyond. In addition to this, the association worked to increase African-American participation in agriculture, industry, and education, expand their avenues of social interaction, promote the acquisition of land by African-Americans, and strive for equal access to the political system.
Agenda
The 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association had a robust agenda which included:
• Spreading the values of self-sufficiency, mutual aid, economic independence, and negotiation;
• Supporting the development of businesses owned by African American-Americans;
• Pressuring employers to hire African-Americans and ensure equitable pay;
• Establishing a legislative committee to protect the civil rights of African-Americans;
• Educating public officials on the plight of African-Americans;
• Recording the history of African-American experience;
• Hosting public rallies and mass meetings as a way to unify the community;
• Providing access to education for members and the public at large through the creation of a “School for Freedom”;
• Documenting and sharing resources on the topics of farming, labor, and commerce.
Legacy
The 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association laid the foundation for collective advocacy on behalf of African-Americans and paved the way for an unprecedented level of representation and activism. The efforts of this association undoubtedly influenced the subsequent generations of African-American leaders who have championed civil rights, gender equality, and economic advancement.
In the 19th century, African-Americans faced steep barriers to economic and political progress. The 19th Century Black Farming and Lumber Association was a monumental effort to bring the community together and fight for the rights, resources, and recognition that African-Americans had long been denied. The legacy of this association continues to this day with its impact still being felt and its core values still celebrated.