Celebration in Honor of the Ratification of the 15th Amendment. Letterpress card. [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania], 26 April 1870. 3 9/16 x 2 1/4 in. 

A rare invitation to the grand celebrations of the ratification of the 15th Constitutional Amendment in Philadelphia, where Frederick Douglass was in attendance. 

Held on the evening of 26 April 1870, contemporary newspaper reports describe "our colored citizens in overflowing spirits," (The Evening Telegraph, 26 April 1870) remarking that "To-day will forever form an epoch in the history of the city of Philadelphia; to-day will be duly celebrated the ratification of the 15th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States."

The Washington Chronicle described the Philadelphia celebration as "on a scale of unparalleled splendor." A statue of Thaddeus Stevens was unveiled, followed by a procession, then a meeting where letters from President Grant and other notables were read. A grand ball concluded the festivities. Importantly, Frederick Douglass participated in the parade: "Fred. Douglas [sic] was in a barouche, and was greeted with applause wherever recognized. The men in the procession were very enthusiastic." As the Chronicle remarked, "It was the celebration of the great achievements of emancipation and enfranchisement, the facts which have made the last decade history." 

A rare piece of ephemera from the high-water mark of Reconstruction.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [African Americana, African American History, Black History, Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [Reconstruction, 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, 15th Amendment, Civil Rights]