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=1856 California State Convention of Colored Citizens= This convention occurred in California in Sacramento from December 9th through 12th during 1856.

Origins and Proceedings
This convention was held by black residents in the state of California to discuss civil rights. They had people who were leaders in civil rights at the time such as Jeremiah B. Sanderson, who had a book written about him. This convention was held at the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This had 61 delegates who had education, talent, and great ability, who came to this Convention of Colored Citizens according to Rudolph Lapp. During this convention, Mr. Detter argued against the California law that didn't let men of color be witnesses if the case involves a white person. On day 2 a prayer was held by Chaplain. Mr. Henry advocated for the education of African Americans by buying public land to build a college. This proposal failed because Jonas Townsend and others, felt if the white people in the area failed at getting a college how could they get one. The Mirror of the Times was a newspaper directed at a white and black audience, to give black people a voice in their own newspaper. The people in the Colored Citizens Convention debated on costs and shorting the length of this newspaper. They decided to keep the original length as if the paper failed it would be disgraceful to them in their view. The ladies of San Francisco aided in keeping the Mirror of the Times alive. As a result in the convention voted to thank them and Mrs. Jackson.

Convention Participants
'''Mr. Jonas. H. Townsend''', is the Chairmen of the State Executive Committee, was the person who wanted this convention and also was one of the first editors of The Mirror of the Times.

Jeremiah Burke Sanderson was a secretary for El Dorado County, but also attended in 1855.

Mr. N. F. Henry was a nominated officer representing Tuolumne county and frequently encouraged the education of African American citizens during the convention.

Thomas Detter from Sacramento County attended this convention, but also helped move several resolutions during this convention.

External Link
Colored Conventions Project

Black Past