African American Figures of 1843 Who Helped Shape the Moral Landscape of America — and, Ultimately the Church

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In 1843, the First Baptist Church was organized in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Its founders and early leaders were not Black, and the church was not established as a historically Black congregation. Over time, however, the church’s demographic has transformed to reflect the rich cultural landscape of the surrounding community, and we are a mosaic of ethnic diversity.​ 

 

Although our church’s first African American leader did not come until 2003, in 1843 many Black Americans were making profound contributions to the nation. Their courage, intellect, and spiritual leadership helped shape the moral imagination of the country — and by extension, the churches within it, including ours. In fact, our church has a rich history of social and spiritual justice for Native and Black Americans with White pastors who served in the Civil War as well as joined with the Presbyterian Church to baptize and aid Black Americans in the establishment of their own churches, even within our city. 

 

As we celebrate 183 Years of Ministry in Elizabeth, and 250 years of America's History we take the time this February to also celebrate Black Excellence and honor several African American figures whose influence was already rising in 1843 and whose legacy continues to inspire our nation, our ministry, our values, our lives, our community and our world.

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Key African American Figures Active Around 1843

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Frederick Douglass (1818–1895)

• By 1843, Douglass had become a powerful voice in the abolitionist movement.

• After escaping slavery in 1838, he traveled widely as a lecturer, challenging the nation’s conscience.

• His writings and speeches helped shape the moral and theological arguments for freedom.

 

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913)

• In 1843, Tubman was still enslaved, but her resolve and spiritual strength were already evident.

• She escaped in 1849 and later became the most renowned conductor on the Underground Railroad.

• Her faith-driven courage continues to inspire churches committed to liberation and justice.

 

Sojourner Truth (1797–1883)

• By 1843, she had taken the name “Sojourner Truth” and begun her itinerant preaching ministry.

• She spoke boldly about abolition, women’s rights, and the power of faith.

• Her prophetic voice echoes in every church that values justice and dignity.

 

Henry Highland Garnet (1815–1882)

• A fiery abolitionist minister whose 1843 “Address to the Slaves” called for resistance to bondage.

• His message was radical for its time and helped shape the theological foundations of Black liberation thought.

 

Charles Lenox Remond (1810–1873)

• One of the first Black abolitionist lecturers hired by the American Anti-Slavery Society.

• By 1843, he was speaking internationally, advocating for freedom and human dignity.

 

James McCune Smith (1813–1865)

• The first African American to earn a medical degree.

• Practicing in New York City by 1843, he used science and scholarship to dismantle racist myths.

• His intellectual legacy influenced generations of Black scholars and faith leaders.

 

Maria W. Stewart (1803–1879)

• A pioneering Black woman who spoke publicly on political and spiritual issues in the 1830s.

• Her writings continued to circulate in the 1840s, shaping early Black feminist and abolitionist thought.

 

These remarkable individuals were shaping the nation’s conscience at the very moment our church was being formed. Their legacy of resilience, faith, and justice continues to influence our ministry today. As we honor 183 years of Black Excellence, we celebrate not only their contributions to history but also the ways their spirit lives on in our congregation, community, nation and world.