ABSTRACT
During the period of General Emancipation blacks played an active role in the Abolition Movement of New York City, particularly as it developed more and more of the militant spirit after 1830. While white abolitionists in the city spearheaded the main antislavery drive, it is generally conceded that Freedom’s Journal and the Rights of All were precursors of the Abolition movement among blacks. The problem of slavery in New York City was to remain a most difficult one throughout the period General Emancipation, presenting a strong challenge to the abolitionists. The anti-slavery movement among blacks in the city reached a new high with the formation of the Abolition Society of New York City and Vicinity in March 1855. With John Brown’s death a critical turning point had been reached in the Abolition movement of New York City. In the 1830’s, abolitionists led by William Lloyd Garrison and others adopted the doctrine of Immediatism.
