CHAPTER I

"Up from Slavery"

The status of the Negro in New Amster¬
dam, a slave in a pioneer community, dif¬
fered fundamentally from his position today
in New York. His history from the seven¬
teenth to the twentieth century contains
many exciting incidents, but those only
need be considered here that show a prog¬
ress or a retardation in his attainment to
manhood. What were his struggles in the
past to secure his rights as a man?

Slavery in the early days of the colonies
was more brutal than at the time of final
emancipation. Savages recently arrived
from Africa lacked the docility of blacks
reared in bondage, and burning and tortur¬
ing, as well as whipping, were recognized
modes of punishment. Masters looked upon
their Negroes,  bought  at the Wall  Street