User:Tiearamoore/1855 California State Convention of Colored Citizens

The 1855 California State Convention of Colored Citizens was held in Sacramento, California on behalf of abolitionists and slave activists who wanted to discuss their lack of privileges in society as well as speak on the issues relevant to slaves. As African American's held the status of second class citizens in society, lacking legal political recourse and representation, multiple organized state conventions of colored citizens were held nationally to act as a solid foundation to build representation for their status. In 1855, this convention reached Sacramento and was held at St. Andrews AME church.

Convention Participants and Issues
Migrating to reach the California gold rush, abolitionists such as: "Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, Peter Lester, and Jeremiah B. Sanderson" all agreed to join the convention. As prior laws targeted people of color by denying access to education, equality in eyes of law, and public accommodations, these men acted as abolitionists for equality.

In the interests of African Americans alike, Jeremiah Burke Sanderson explains the issues in which marginalized African Americans, including but not limited to-prejudice laws, unequal representation, labor, and healthcare.

Political Representation
Prior to the convention, members endorsed an Executive Committee that would run daily to progress the strategies of civil rights, this committee ultimately endorsed African Americans to "...confront the political challenges they faced in the Golden State". Furthermore, providing finical endorsements, security, and information, this convention acted as a space for legal representation at a time that was merely impossible for African Americans. Additionally, the convention of colored citizens progressed the abolitionist moment while in 1855, California was finally able to represent both male and female African Americans through a legal court hearing.