A recent example sees the New-York Historical Society present the precise work on Thomas Commeraw, a successful black craftsman (pot maker) who has long been considered white. Previously enslaved, Commeraw rose to prominence as a free black entrepreneur, owning and operating a successful pottery in town. Over a period of two decades, he amassed property, engaged in debates about state and national politics, and participated in the freedom of New York City's black community. Here, through an exhibition, the multifaceted history of Commeraw as a craftsman, entrepreneur, family man and citizen through about 40 pieces of stoneware produced by Commeraw and its competitors between the end of 1790 and 1819, becomes the largest presentation of his work to date. The documents found have allowed historians to trace the span of his professional career and personal life, and through them convey a deeper understanding of free black society in New York City in the years between the Revolutionary and Civil War.
Businessmen like Commeraw have faced daunting challenges, not only raising capital, but building civic and religious organizations to support the black community
In addition to revealing Commeraw's successes and struggles as a pottery owner in a city torn apart by racism, exhibiting such work makes for a read that explores her commitment to securing a better future for the black community through her work with organizations abolitionist, political, religious and mutual aid. By 1790, most black New Yorkers were enslaved. In 1810, 6 out of 7 were free. Free blacks had voted in New York since the Revolution, but in 1811 the state legislature passed a law to suppress black voters, requiring them to present a certificate of freedom that included a third-party affidavit certifying the free state of the voter and residence and pay a filing fee. A highlight of the exhibit highlights the 1813 Certificate of Freedom held by the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library of New York Historical which bears Commeraw's secure signature as witness. It is the only confirmed manuscript in his hand. All of this stands as a example of how black New Yorkers have responded to economic and political oppression by developing a vibrant cultural and artistic community.
The final chapter
The final chapter of this Commeraw story concerns its effort to promote the emigration of black settlers to Sierra Leone, as the prospect of full citizenship for black New Yorkers faded. Commaraw traveled there with his extended family in 1820 on the first American Colonization Society voyage. He has arrived full of optimism and plans to found a black republic; instead, he experienced unimaginable hardships and tragedies. What began as a quest for political rights has ended as a struggle for survival. Many of the colonists died of malaria, including Commeraw's wife and granddaughter. He returned to the United States in 1822 and died the following year in Baltimore.
