Wilberforce University and African Methodist Episcopal Church

Wilberforce University and African Methodist Episcopal Church

Introduction

Wilberforce University, having been founded before the Civil War in a northern state, may be said to be the result of other forces than those that account for the founding of numerous colleges in the South after the emancipation of the slaves. Rather, this institution is the result of numerous factors that had their roots in the slave system itself, and was organized as a part of a general program of education to help bring about the much desired abolition of the slave system. The general sentiment for the education of Negroes, take movement for special colored schools in the various counties of the northern states, the activities of philanthropic societies, the activities of the abolitionists, the underground railroad, and the specific missionary movements of the various religious denominations each contributed in its own way to the general movement for the education of Negroes prior to the Civil War.

Sentiment for the Education Negros

Long before the Civil War the problem of Negro education had engaged the attention of many persons of both the North and South. As a matter of fact, there had been a continued interest in the education of Negroes from the time of their introduction into the colonies as slaves. The Protestant religious denominations persisted in the belief the ability to read was a prerequisite to a true interpretation of the Christian religion; and often taught reading, writing, and ciphering, as a part of the religious instruction of slaves, in places where such I instruction was not against the law. Moreover, there was a feeling from the first that the more capable member of the Negro race could, be educated in order that they might Christianize and offer religious instruction be the others.

Because of these beliefs on the part of the religion denominations organizations were formed and supported for the definite purpose of bringing enlightenment to Negros. Thomas Bray and his associated were at work in Maryland converting adult Negroes and educating their children as early as 1695. The society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, sponsored by the Church of England in 1701, carried on educational activities in many of the colonies. Likewise, the society for the Religious instruction of Negroes established schools throughout the East and South during this early period. In fact, the movement for the education of Negroes became so significant, as slavery grew into a system, that slave-holders found it necessary to combat it by means of legislation. It was felt that the Negro as an educated property holder, a successful mechanic, or a professional man, threatened and undermined the slave system. Despite adverse legislation, however, in the early part of the National Period, many Negroes acquired the rudiments of education even in the slave states. Some slaves were taught secretly by members of their master's family, and other learned from one another.

Moreover, in the slave states education along the lines of certain occupations was ...