William Lloyd Garrison

William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879) founded the abolitionist newspaper “The Liberator” in 1831, as well as three anti-slavery societies. He opposed the idea of colonization, a proposition that enslaved people be emancipated and shipped off to colonies in Africa or South America, and additionally advocated against calls to financially compensate enslavers for emancipating their captives. Despite intense criticism and being fined, jailed, and attacked by a mob for his beliefs, Garrison held true to his convictions. He befriended Frederick Douglass and encouraged Douglass’ rise as an orator. Abhorring violence, Garrison did not support the Civil War until Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.