User:Astrodynamic/sandbox

The 1871 Ohio State Convention of African American Men was held on Wednesday January 18th, 1871. It was a convention of African American men assembled in the City Hall of Columbus, Ohio with the goal of discussing resolutions and services of the Republican Party.

Convention Synopsis
The first speaker, Mr. David Jenkins, of Columbus, talks about the changing times and the political struggles ahead and were African Americans once met in secrecy they now organized lawfully and in public. Mr. Jenkins elaborates on how African Americans held positions in state and federal branches of government. Next to speak was Mr. E.C. Jackson from Xenia. Mr. Jackson spoke of a letter by a Mr. Frank Blair of Missouri written to Colonel Broadhead. Mr. Jackson, of Xenia, repudiated Mr. Blair's claims and uses a letter from his sister where she describes being afraid to sleep at night because of the atrocities southern whites were doing to people of color and other whites that helped them. Instead of dwelling he calls for "by-gones be by-gones," and then pivots to a happier accomplishment. Jackson then mentions how Xenia has a Soldier's Orphan home and how he has gotten them to accept black children the same it does for whites. He spurs the crowd with "You see things are moving forward." Then a report is submitted naming the President and Vice Presidents, which is adopted unanimously. Mr. Booker, voted President, takes the chair and speaks. Mr. Booker speaks about how an why they formed their own convention. He speaks to how the Republican party is responsible for their freedom and how it is the people of color responsibility to foster and maintain our new rights and freedom. Booker condemns the Democratic Party declaring people of color will always be in danger, "Just so long as the hydra-headed monster...exists in this country, so long are we in danger." After Booker's speech a committee was called and the convention broke till 2 pm.

Upon resuming and after other business was dispensed with the business committee submitted a report. The report contained the objectives going forward. The rest of the convention is discussions of the current situations of laws and how they are unjust. Ways to organize and determine what is right and wrong, what is equality. They debated how to bring about successful changes to discriminatory laws. Schools being a large portion of those discussions and how people of color need to encourage the study of law especially in order to maintain their rights. They discuss why they formed their own conventions versus having combined and with good argument. White republicans did not know what people of color faced nor did they know what they wanted. And with this much discussion was had as to why people of color were not segregating themselves but making sure they had proper representation. Rules and guidelines were set to organize as many people of color voters as possible. The committee set forth many resolutions on what political leaders they should support, and why, all passed unanimously. The convention voted unanimously to support President Grant's administration. The convention was used to show why people of color should support the Republican party and how they must learn to use the law to protect themselves from abuses of other men.

Convention Leaders and Committees
The convention was initiated by Mr. John Booker of Columbus, Ohio. A Mr. J.C. Luca was elected Charmian and Dr. J.C. McSimpson from Zanesville as Secretary. A prayer opened the meeting given by Rev. M. M. Smith, of Stuebenville. Mr.Booker Motioned for committee to be formed on permanent organization. Mr Underwood from the committee submitted a report: For President - John Booker. First Vice President - R.A. Pinn. Second Vice President - Rev. J.M. Luca. Third Vice President - Rev. M.M. Smith. Fourth Vice President - C.A. Shaeffer. Fifth Vice President E. Jackson.

Committee on Permanent Organization Members
J.P. Underwood of Franklin county, Henry Ford of Champaign county, J.C. McSimpson of Muskingum county, Robert a Pinn of Stark county, M.M. Smith of Jefferson county, R.J. Robinson of Lorain county, B.W. Arnett of Lucas county, A.Lilly of Fairfield county, and L.S. Chester of Fayette county.

Committee on Business
On motion of D. Jenkins eleven men formed a committee on business. The members were: Rev. J.P. Underwood, David Jenkins, Rev. J. Poindexter, Dr. J.C. McSimpson, R.J. Robinson, W.B. Wilson, Rev. C.A. Shaeffer, L.S. Chester, Mr. A. Lilly, and Harry Ford.