ABSTRACT
While we can learn of the establishment of the Association from a number of newspapers, it is perhaps important to quote from an African paper. This indicates that Williams and his colleagues realised the importance of publicity throughout the Black world and set about finding out how to achieve this. The length of the article quoted below from the Lagos Standard also indicates how very seriously Lagosians took the formation of the Association. 1 The paper called upon ‘our countrymen to rally around the standard of the African Association' and printed the statement issued by the Association, which could be thought to bear traces of Williams' American experiences:
It has been thought and considered that the time had come when the voice of Black men should be heard independently in their own affairs and that this could best be achieved by an organization of this kind, having its headquarters in London, the seat of the Government. The treatment of the Natives in Africa, principally South, East and West Africa, has not been conducive to the proper welfare of the Natives under the English flag and control. The creation of the ‘new form of slavery' as obtains in Bechuanaland; the permission of actual slavery in Zanzibar, Pemba, and surrounding country in East Africa, and the illicit traffic in strong drink, are absolutely against the traditions and constitutional spirit of the Empire.
That in order to render the Natives who are brought under the control of Great Britain better for the transaction, their customs should be respected, Industrial Schools instituted for their benefit, and a simple and true Christianity taught them.
That the time had come when Parliament is required to particularly consider the welfare of the Natives, and not to leave them absolutely to the capricious greed of so called Empire builders. The thinkers of the race fully recognise the fact that British rule has been an advantage to the people, but in no wise are prepared to contend that a system of oppression as enforced and practised in the Empire today is beneficial …
… Students of the English constitution are aware that the Imperial Parliament is supreme in the Empire, and by a sufficient legislation the eyesores of the Empire can be remedied; therefore the Association thinks British public opinion is of prime force in this matter, and solicits its power, whereby Members of Parliament could be instructed that the better treatment of Native Races should command greater attention in Parliament.
The Association is desirous of recording the names of Africans willing to recognise its usefulness … They have approached the present English Administration on important measures affecting the welfare of Africans in South Africa and in the West Indies. In the month of October they propose holding a monster meeting protesting against the high-handed policy of Governor Cardew of Sierra Leone.
