Slave document, 1791
*This date celebrated the birth of James Barbadoes in 1796. He was a Black barber, abolitionist, and free man of color.
Though his place of birth was unknown, Barbadoes lived in Boston. Considered one of the most substantial citizens among the free Blacks of Boston in the 19th century, he organized a movement to free his brother, who had been kidnapped in New Orleans and jailed as a slave.
He was closely associated with William Lloyd Garrison of the American Anti-Slavery Society and was active at Philadelpia's first People of Color Convention. Barbadoes was also a strong voice in the New England Anti-Slavery Society.
When sentiments arose against the universal reform movement and Garrison, Barbadoes organized strong support for him. He wrote one of the strongest pro-Garrison statements then, gathering other free Blacks to sign the petition. James Barbadoes died in 1841, attempting to resettle his family in Jamaica.
The African American Atlas
Black History & Culture an Illustrated Reference
by Molefi K. Asanta and Mark T. Mattson
Macmillan USA, Simon & Schuster, New York
ISBN 0-02-864984-2
