Black Women's Economic Power and the 1830s Colored Conventions in Philadelphia

Delegates at the 1830s conventions came from multiple cities. Traveling carried its own risks; abduction of free African American men, women, and especially children was a regular threat. This meant that both the traveler and the family he left behind were vulnerable. Nevertheless, the delegates still attended the conventions.   

The map below shows the routes traveled by attendees of the Philadelphia conventions. The purpose of this map is to give a sense of the critical importance of the widespread Black travel and mobility associated with the Colored Conventions movement. 

Furthermore, attendees to the First National Colored Convention would go on to attend more conventions in the future. This is evidence of their commitment to the goals Colored Conventions movement.