Hosea Easton Declares Black Americans are Constitutional Citizens

Keidrick Roy's new book, published by Harvard University, explores the critique of racial feudalism by Black abolitionist writers and how they shaped a unique form of Black liberalism. The book discusses the historical context following the American and French Revolutions, when calls for liberty were prevalent yet pro-slavery sentiments prevailed. Scholars like Hosea Easton asserted the legitimacy and rights of Black Americans within the constitutional framework. Roy explains that these thinkers viewed moral and political transformation as essential to abolishing slavery and racial hierarchy. Ultimately, their efforts contributed to a broader understanding of liberalism that included the experiences and rights of all marginalized groups, including women, challenging the exclusivity of traditional liberal thought.