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 they left behind were vulnerable. Nevertheless, the delegates still attended the conventions. 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.

Circuits of Delegates: Origins and Convention Destinations

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.

» In the map below, click on a person to see who traveled to that location. You can also click on the square icon in the top left corner to expand the full list of conventions, locations, and people who traveled to attend. Below the map is a color key for each convention.