Profile of David Walker on Famous Like Me

See also David M. Walker (astronaut), David M. Walker (U.S. Comptroller General), Dave Walker (musician), David Walker (Canadian politician) and David Walker (racing driver)

David Walker (September 28, 1785 - June 28, 1830) was a black abolitionist. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. In the 1820s he made a living from a clothing store that he had set up. In Boston, Walker made acquaintances with black rights activists and was involved with the Freedom's Journal of New York City, which was the first African American newspaper.

In September 1829, he published a pamphlet entitled Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World, which was directed towards the enslaved men and women of the South. Because of Walker's Appeal, which caused many slaves to gain hope of becoming free, plantation owners created a $3,000 bounty for anyone who killed Walker, and a $10,000 reward for anyone who brought him back alive. In June 1830, not long after publishing the third edition of his Appeal, David Walker was found dead in his home. Many believe he was poisoned, although there is no evidence to support that allegation.

Probably the first printed assertion of black nationalism in the United States, the tract was condemned by many as extremist and even denounced by abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison.

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