William Lloyd Garrison, the famous abolitionist and journalist of the 1800s, believed that the printed word was a powerful tool for effective communication. Printing allowed him to boldly and broadly disseminate his beliefs. Using newspapers, letters, and pamphlets, he diligently went about the work of advocating for social change and an immediate end to slavery.
Slave owners too, understood how important printing was to the abolitionist cause. This was nowhere more evident than when, in 1835, after a large shipment of Garrison’s pamphlets was found in a Charleston, South Carolina post office, a group of slave-holding citizens promptly stole them, carried them into the street, and set them on fire. The burning of Garrison’s pamphlets was deemed necessary to suppress the spread of abolitionist ideas and maintain control over the narrative surrounding slavery in the South.
The role of printers in shaping our country and enriching our culture is immeasurable. From September 25, 1639, the Sunday America’s first printing press arrived from England, printers have been at the forefront of spreading knowledge, preserving history, and empowering communities. Their work has not only made literature, news, and ideas accessible to the masses, but it has also fueled movements for change and progress.
Read the rest of Dwayne Magee’s story on In-Plant Impressions.
