Radical Abolition Party Formation

On June 26–28, 1855, the Radical Abolition Party was formed at a convention at City Hall. This short-lived party arose as efforts by abolitionists to run candidates for high political office were being abandoned. The Radical Abolition Party resulted from a coalition between the old Liberty League, championed by Gerrit Smith and downstate abolitionists including Lewis Tappan. Frederick Douglass, William Goodell, and other high-profile abolitionists attended. The event was chaired by Dr. James McCune Smith, an African American abolitionist from downstate New York. So far as is known, this marked the first time an African American chaired a political convention in the United States.

Thanks to Norman Dann for research assistance.