Bishop Turner in the Press
A well-known figure, Turner constantly appeared in both Black and white presses. His radical views were well covered as newspaper writers quickly picked up his sermons and writings. Turner knew that even illiteracy did not hinder many underprivileged African Americans from taking interest in what the press had to convey. Black communities usually shared newspapers and read them aloud in groups. Indeed, reading Turner's printed sermons would have been collective affair, requiring a vehement reader and an eager audience. Other articles about Turner laud his eloquence and commitment to emigration.
Use the storymap below explore Turner's press coverage. Click on the newspaper's title to read the full article.
Page contributed by Samantha de Vera.
"Personal and Political." Boston Daily Advertiser [Boston, Massachusetts] 27 July 1893: 4. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
This is a small article, announcing Bishop Turner’s marriage to Martha Dewitt.
This article recounts how Bishop Turner upheld the contribution of Blacks and challenged the denigrating views of the late Henry Ward Beecher (Harriet Beecher Stowe’s brother) about Africa.
"Black Adam in Eden." Galveston Daily News [Houston, Texas] 20 Aug. 1893: 9. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
This is another article recalls Bishop Turner’s address at Chicago. The writer’s assessment of Turner’s address is favorable.
This article mentions Bishop Turner’s contribution to the church and to the Black press. He founded the newspaper Southern Christian Recorder.
"African Evolution." Daily Picayune [New Orleans, Louisiana] 21 Aug. 1893: 4. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
At a congress held in Chicago, Bishop Turner addressed the audience, asserting “that black was the original color of mankind.” The article concedes that Turner’s views align with evolutionists. Turner’s words show his heightened awareness of the theory of evolution.
"Bishop Turner, president of the African Methodist Episcopal Missionary Society at the congress on Africa in Chicago the other day, asserted that Adam and Eve were negroes." Daily Picayune [New Orleans, Louisiana] 25 Aug. 1893: 9. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
This is a very brief article that also describes Bishop Turner’s address. The fact that the address was mentioned in multiple newspapers attests to the controversy it caused.
"The Dark Continent." Daily Inter Ocean [Chicago, Illinois] 15 Aug. 1893: 8. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
This article provides a short profile of Bishop Turner, noting his lack of faith in the future of African Americans in the United States.
"Bishop Turner and Mr. Bassett." Daily Inter Ocean [Chicago, Illinois] 29 Aug. 1893: 6. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
This article recounts the different views of Bishop Turner and Mr. Bassett, an ex-minister from Haiti. While Turner did not expect that the United States would ever improve for African Americans, Mr. Bassett thought otherwise, citing the rights--although limited--that African Americans enjoyed.
"Negro Character." Milwaukee Sentinel [Milwaukee, Wisconsin] 12 Aug. 1893: 5. 19th Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
This is a record of Bishop Turner’s defense of his race.
