In 1842, Charles Lenox Remond became one
of the first African-Americans to give testimony before a state legislature
when he addressed a committee of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
investigating discrimination in public transportation. Here Remond contrasted
the absence of discrimination in his travels in Europe with his rude treatment
on public transportation in and around Boston. His remarks appear below.
The
Rights of Colored Citizens in Traveling
By Charles Lenox Remond
Mr. Chairman, and Gentlemen of the Committee: In rising at this time, and on
this occasion, being the first person of color who has ever addressed either of
the bodies assembling in this building, I should perhaps, in the first place,
observe that, in consequence of the many misconstructions of the principles and
measures of which I am the humble advocate, I may in like manner be subject to
similar misconceptions from the moment I open my lips in behalf of the prayer
of the petitioners for whom I appear, and therefore feel I have the right at
least to ask, at the hands of this intelligent Committee, an impartial hearing;
and that whatever prejudices they may have imbibed, be eradicated from their
minds, if such exist. I have, however, too much confidence in their
intelligence, and too much faith in their determination to do their duty as the
representatives of this Commonwealth, to presume they can be actuated by
partial motives. Trusting, as I do, that the day is not distant, when, on all
questions touching the rights of the citizens of this State, men shall be
considered great only as they are good—and not that it shall be told, and
painfully experienced, that, in this country, this State, aye, this city, the
Athens of America, the rights, privileges and immunities of its citizens are
measured by complexion, or any other physical peculiarity or conformation,
especially such as over which no man has any control. Complexion can in no
sense be construed into crime, much less be rightfully made the criterion of
rights. Should the people of color, through a revolution of Providence, become
a majority, to the last I would oppose it upon the same principle; for, in
either case, it would be equally reprehensible and unjustifiable—alike to be
condemned and repudiated. It is JUSTICE I stand here to claim, and not FAVOR
for either complexion.
And now, sir, I shall endeavor to confine my remarks to the same subject which
has occupied the attention of the Committee thus far, and to stand upon the
same principle which has been so ably and so eloquently maintained and
established by my esteemed friend, Mr. Phillips.
Our right to citizenship in this State has been acknowledged and secured by the
allowance of the elective franchise and consequent taxation; and I know of no
good reason, if admitted in this instance, why it should be denied in any
other.
With reference to the wrongs inflicted and injuries received on railroads, by
persons of color, I need not say they do not end with the termination of the
route, but, in effect, tend to discourage, disparage and depress this class of
citizens. All hope of reward for upright conduct is cut off. Vice in them
becomes virtue. No distinction is made by the community in which we live. The
most vicious is treated as well as the most respectable, both in public and
private.
But it is said we all look alike. If this is true, it is not true that we all
behave alike. There is marked difference; and we claim a recognition of this
difference.
In the present state of things, they find God’s provisions interfered with in
such a way, by these and kindred regulations, that virtue may not claim her
divinely appointed rewards. Color is made to obscure the brightest endowments,
to degrade the fairest character, and to check the highest and most
praiseworthy aspirations. If the colored man is vicious, it makes but little
difference; if besotted, it matters not; if vulgar, it is quite as well; and he
finds himself as well treated, and received as readily into society, as those
of an opposite character. Nay, the higher our aspirations, the loftier our
purposes and pursuits, does this iniquitous principles of prejudice fasten upon
us, and especial pains are taken to irritate, obstruct and injure. No reward of
merit, no remuneration for services, no equivalent is rendered the deserving.
And I submit, whether this unkind and unchristian policy is not well calculated
to make every man disregardful of his conduct, and every woman unmindful of her
reputation.
Source:
BlackPast.org
