Black Literary Societies

When were Black Literary Societies formed?

• Late 1990s/Early 2000s

• Early 1790s/Late 1800s

• Late 1820s/Early 1830s

• 1959

Answer explanation

Black Literary Societies were formed in Northern States after slavery was abolished in Northern states in the late 1820s/Early 1830s

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What was one of the main purposes of Black Literary Societies?

• For members to become better at reading and writing

• For members to share knowledge with each other from all different kinds of literature

• For members to compete with each other over who is the best reader and writer

• For members to complain about people they don't like

Answer explanation

Black Literary Societies focused on knowledge gained from literature AND giving black people a voice in society through literature!

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Who were members of Black Literary Societies?

• Enslaved black men and women in southern states

• Newly freed black men and women in northern states

• Anyone!

• Children only

Answer explanation

Enslaved men and women in the south were not allowed to read, so Black Literary Societies existed in states free from slavery in the north

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TRUE OR FALSE: Black Literary Societies were illegal in northern states

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In northern states, Black people were allowed to read, so Black Literary Societies were allowed. Many Black Literary Societies had to operate in secrecy even though they were legal because many white people still frowned upon them.

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Freedom's Journal was the name of the first...

• Black Literary Society in Massachusetts

• Novel written in 1830

• David Walker's pamphlet

• African American Newspaper in the U.S.

Answer explanation

David Walker contributed to Freedom's Journal before writing his Appeal!

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Who was David Walker?

• The creator of a Black Literary Society

• A prominent black activist who wrote Appeal

• The creator of Freedom's Journal

• A historian who studied Black Literary Societies

Answer explanation

David Walker's Appeal was a very important anti-slavery document that persuaded enslaved men and women in the south to revolt against slavery!

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Who was David Walker's primary audience with his Appeal?

• Southern white men and women

• Free black men and women in northern states

• Enslaved black men and women in southern states

• School aged children

Answer explanation

David Walker's Appeal pleaded to enslaved men and women to revolt against slavery and end slavery so they could live the life they deserved!

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TRUE OR FALSE: There is not a lot of information out there about Black Literary Societies

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Historians call the members of Black Literary Societies "Forgotten Readers" because of the lack of information about them

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Why is it important for us as a class to learn about Black Literary Societies? Answer in 2-4 complete sentences please!

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How can literature help someone have a voice in society? Answer in 2-4 complete sentences please!