2.18 “Emigration to Mexico” by “A Colored Female of Philadelphia,” The Liberator, 1832

Mr. Editor—I am happy to learn that the sentiments of some of my Trenton brethren are in accordance with my own, in regard to our locating in Mexico and Upper Canada; for in my humble opinion, one thing is needful for us as a people, even emigration; but not to Africa, nor to place ourselves as a distinct people anywhere, but to attach ourselves to a nation already established. The government of these United States is not the only one in this hemisphere that offers equal rights to men; but there are others under whose protection we may safely reside, and where our rights will not be continually trampled upon, on that account. We profess to be republicans, and such I hope we are; but wherein do we show our republican spirit, by sitting still and sighing for that liberty our white brethren tell us we shall never obtain, or in hoping that in some fifty or a hundred years hence, our children’s children will be made free? I think we do not evince republicanism by this conduct, but verily believe that the time has arrived when we, too, ought to manifest that spirit of independence which shines so conspicuously in the character of Europeans, by leaving the land of oppression and emigrating where we may be received and treated as brothers; where our worth will be felt and acknowledged, and where we may acquire education, wealth, and respectability, together with a knowledge of the arts and sciences; all of which may be in our power –of the enjoyment of which the government of the separate states in the union is adopting means to deprive us.

The author of this article is aware that the subject is not popular, and perhaps will not be kindly received; but it is one that I hope will be deeply pondered in the mind of every colored citizen of this country before he passes sentence against it.

Some of your readers may inquire, where is that country to which we may remove, and thus become free and equal? I believe that country to be Mexico. Mexico is an independent nation, where indeed “all men are born free and equal,” possessing those inalienable rights which our constitution guarantees. The climate is healthy and warm, and of course adapted to our nature; the soil is rich and fertile, which will contribute to our wealth; and there we may become a people of worth and respectability; whereas in this country we are kept poor, and of course, cannot aspire to anything more than what we always have been. I have been waiting to hear of some way being pointed out that will tend to better the present generation; but, as yet, I have heard of nothing that appears to be permanent. I would not wish to be thought pleading the cause of colonization, for no one detests it more than I do. I would not be taken to Africa, were the Society to make me queen of the country; and were I to move to Canada, I would not settle in the colony, but take up my abode in some of the cities where a distinction is not known; for I do not approve of our drawing off into a separate body anywhere. But I confess, I can see no just reason why we should not cultivate the spirit of enterprise as well as the whites. They are found in every quarter of the globe, in search of situations to better their condition; and why may not we “go and do likewise?”

I am informed that the population of Mexico is eight million of colored, and one million of whites; and by the rapid growth of amalgamation amongst them, there is every probability that it will ere long become one entire colored nation. I am of opinion that Mexico would afford us a field for speculation, were we to remove thither; and who can say that the day will not soon arrive when the flag of our colored American merchants’ ships from the Mexican ports shall be seen proudly waving in the breeze of American harbors? And shall not our sons feel proud to enlist under the Mexican banner, and support her government? Surely they will.

There is one objection, however, that may arise in the minds of some; that is, the religion of that nation being Papist; but we can take with us the Holy Bible, which is able to make us wise unto salvation; and perhaps we may be made the honored instruments, in the hands of an all-wise God, in establishing the holy religion of the Protestant Church in that country; and that alone might be sufficient inducement for the truly pious.

A Colored Female of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, January 2, 1832