People, Locations, Episodes

Mon, 01.30.1832

The New England Anti-Slavery Society is Founded

*On this date, in 1832, the New England Anti-Slavery Society was founded.

Originated in Boston, its preamble stated:
Whereas we believe that Slavery is contrary to the precepts of Christianity, dangerous to the liberties of the country, and ought immediately to be abolished. Whereas we believe that the citizens of New England not only have the right to protest against it but are under the highest obligation to seek its removal by a moral influence; and whereas we believe that the free people of color are unrighteously oppressed and stand in need of our sympathy and benevolent co-operation; therefore, recognizing the inspired declaration that God 'hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,' and in obedience to our Savior’s golden rule, 'all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,' we agree to form ourselves into a Society.

One of its original members was William Lloyd Garrison, owner of the Liberator Newspaper.