lectual state of the Afro-American was being improved, and his love for newspapers was daily increasing.
In August, 1861, John J. Freeman issued The Progressive American, in New York City, which ran from August 15, 1871, to February, 1887. It would not then have been suspended, but for the failing health of Mr. Freeman, who was advised by his physician to retire from the business.
No publication, save The Recorder, Elevator, and North Star, had so long an existence as this paper; and there is no exaggeration when the assertion is made, that none did more good. There was bitter prejudice to Afro-American journals, when The American made its appearance in New York; but it successfully combated every obstacle, and came out conqueror.
Many things profitable to the race that The American fought for were gained. Notably among these was the fight made for Afro-American teachers in the public schools of New York, the result being there are now twenty-three such teachers in said schools. The American also fought many an evil of the race, while advocating many good measures.
Mr. Freeman was a man of good journalistic ability, and excelled in press work. In journalism his was a rough road to travel; but all was laid upon the altar as his contribution to elevate the race. His editorials exhibited more than ordinary tact and talent, and were always on the side of right, morality, and the elevation of man.
William Welles Brown, in writing on the merits of The American, says: "That spicy and spirited weekly, The Progressive American, is edited by the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. By his natural genius, untiring industry, and scholarly attainments, he has created, and kept alive, a newspaper that is a welcome guest in New York and the county around."
