Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm

On March 16, 1827 a groundbreaking newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, emerged onto the scene. Founded in the newly freed state of New York, Freedom’s Journal was the first African-American owned and run newspaper. Developed by Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm, two born-free blacks, the Freedom’s Journal sought to “counter racist commentary published in the mainstream press”(PBS). The paper was a four-page, four-column weekly that contained “current events, anecdotes and editorials” while also addressing issues of slavery and African colonization (PBS). The papers tagline was “Righteousness Exalteth A Nation.”

Founder of the Freedom’s Journal, Samuel E. Cornish was born in Sussex County, Delaware in 1795. After completing school and training to become a minister, Cornish moved to New York City where he established the first black Presbyterian Church of Manhattan.  In addition to preaching, Cornish also pursued Journalism. Cornish was a strong believer in the press and was quoted saying, “[Without newspapers] by and with us we cannot live in America”(Newseum).

In 1827 Samuel E. Cornish appointed his friend and fellow editor, John B. Russwurm, as junior editor of the newspaper, Freedom’s Journal. Born in Jamaica in 1799, Russwurm grew up quite privileged. After moving to Maine with his family, Russwurm continued his education and became the second African American to graduate from Bowdoin College.  John B. Russwurm was a strong proponent of equal rights and worked feverously with the Freedom’s Journal to inform the public about black rights.

           

John Russwurm believed that blacks should migrate back to Africa and recolonize the country. Samuel Cornish disagreed with Russwurm’s ideals and the dispute lead to the ultimate termination of the Freedom’s Journal in 1829.

Russwurm and Cornish were pioneers; they paved the way for several other aspiring black (and white) writers, creating a platform in which all voices may be heard.

Sources:

"Freedom's Journal." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.

 Morris, James. "The Struggles of John Brown Russwurm." H-Net Reviews. N.p., July 2012. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.

Newseum. "To Plead Our Own Cause." To Plead Our Own Cause. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.

Ritchie, Donald A. "Samuel E. Cornish." American Journalists: Getting the Story. New York: Oxford UP, 1997. 79. Print.

Stirling, Robert. "Cornish, Samuel Eli (1795-1858)." Cornish, Samuel Eli (1795-1858). N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.