The Continuous Committment

African Americans have proudly shared in the humanitarian work of the American Red Cross since its founding in 1881. Despite the societal prejudices against them and the obstacles they faced, African Americans have persisted in reaching out to help others. This virtual exhibit showcases the outstanding contributions of African Americans to the American Red Cross.

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) The noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Barton first met shortly after the end of the Civil War in l865 and continued an acquaintance for many years thereafter. Barton's assistance to African American soldiers during the war was well known, especially her assistance to the all-black Massachusetts 54th Regiment, which had been recruited by Frederick Douglass. The bravery of the soldiers of the 54th Regiment was well documented and formed the basis for the 1991 film "Glory."

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)

Appeal to the American People (1882)

Appeal to the American People (1882) Clara Barton (l821-l912) first learned of the International Red Cross while in France in l870 during the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. Following her return to the United States, she lobbied and lectured to convince the public and Congress of the importance of the Red Cross. One of her diary entries at this time notes, "Still depressed, invited to lunch with Frederick Douglass at Mrs. Taylor's. I ask their opinion of my course, all decided I should go." Douglass lent his support as one of the founding members of the American Red Cross. His name appears on the 1882 United States Ratification of the Geneva Convention, signed by President Chester A. Arthur. Frederick Douglass is also listed as a governing member of the Committee in the 1882 "Appeal to the American People."

Sea Islands Hurricane (1893) As a result of the August 1893 Sea Islands Hurricane, 30,000 African American men, women, and children were left homeless on the barrier islands of South Carolina and Georgia. Clara Barton set up headquarters in an old warehouse in Beaufort, South Carolin, and remained there for nine months. She supervised the distribution of supplies and guided the economic recovery of the area and its inhabitants. African American inhabitants made a significant contribution toward the disaster relief efforts provided to all residents and turned their community into a model of self-sufficiency.

Sea Islands Hurricane (1893)

Relief Efforts Following the Sea Islands Hurricane (l893)

Relief Efforts Following the Sea Islands Hurricane (l893) Following the Sea Islands Hurricane, African Americans--including Civil War veterans who had been helped by Clara Barton--offered their assistance. Miss Barton personally hired the first group of African American Red Cross disaster workers, paying them in food for their families. These workers assisted with the mass feeding of those affected by the hurricane. Working tirelessly, they cut and peeled potatoes and then used the sprouts to establish vegetable gardens. African Americans also transported essential relief materials. In her 1898 book, The Red Cross in Peace and War, Clara Barton wrote that a black man named Ben Green, who lived on Hilton Head Island, "placed his boat and the services of other men" at her disposal "without fee or reward of any kind for several months."