Legacy and Importance of Ruggles' Press

“Without the black press, the black man would not know who he is, nor what is happening to his struggle for the freedom of citizenship” (Wolseley, 8)

When New York completed the emancipation of enslaved people in 1827, many black abolitionists, including preachers, writers, and professionals migrated to the city, and the literacy rates among African Americans grew exponentially (Pride, 7). This gave black printers and publishers, such as David Ruggles, the opportunity to establish their own presses.

The need for publications, such as magazines and pamphlets printed, published, and edited by black people in 1830’s New York is highlighted by the racial issues that plagued the state and country at the time. The free black people living in the North during the Antebellum period were forced into “positions of inferiority,” (Pride, 6). There was a severe lack of access to employment, voting and political rights, education, and opportunities for success (Pride, 7). This was enforced by the lack of publications for and about black people, black society, and black issues (Wolseley, 8).

At the time, white publishers and printers enforced a stereotype about African Americans in their writings, one that made black men and women out to be uneducated and foolish (Pride, 6). This stereotype was written and printed over and over again in newspapers, magazines, posters, and cartoons.

Ruggle’s printing press and the works he printed helped him establish and spread the word of abolitionist ideas and promote action. He used his publications to refute racist preaching and writings, such as those of Dr. David M. Reese and help increase African Americans access to these publications.