Audio Book Henry Bibb, self-liberated newspaper founder, The Voice!

The Gist of Freedom Preserving American History through Black Literature . . .

Author and Newspaper Owner, Henry Bibb a self-liberated black man gained his freedom in 1837. However he returned to Kentucky to try and rescue his wife and daughter. On the first attempt, he was recaptured and his whole family was sold south to a Mississippi plantation owner. They escaped together, but were set upon by wolves and recaptured. Henry managed to get away again, but despite all his efforts, could not free his beloved Malinda and their little girl, Frances. ------ Henry Bibb became an eloquent lecturer, author and community organizer. http://bit.ly/HenryBibb_LoveAds In September 1851, as a result of the new Fugitive Slave Law, Mr. Bibb called a conference to be held in Toronto to discuss whether or not Canada was the best place for African Americans to seek freedom. More than 50 delegates came to the North American Convention, also called “The Convention of Coloured Freemen.” Henry and Mary also started a newspaper, The Voice of the Fugitive, in January, 1851. The Voice of the Fugitive was the first anti-slavery paper published in Canada by people of African descent. It was a very important means of communicating with Underground Railroad supporters, and with the general public. The Bibbs’ newspaper also provided information useful in the resettlement of former slaves and free Black Americans in the British colony of Canada West (Ontario). A network of agents in the U.S. and Canada collected from subscribers and sent the money to Henry and Mary so they could run the newspaper. Mr. Bibb's autobiography, Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, An American Slave publicized the horrors of slavery. It was published in 1849 and became very popular reading, helping to further the cause of anti-slavery in North America and even in Europe. ---