AGENCY TESTIMONY
Jacob Day's biography and significance as an African American leader
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ยท
58 sec
Jacob Day was a prominent African American caterer, property owner, and advocate for abolition and civil rights in 19th century New York City. He was a successful businessman during a time of significant racial barriers and became part of New York City's black elite.
- Member of the National Anti-Slavery Society and Abyssinian Baptist Church
- Successful caterer and member of the Caterers Club
- At the time of his death in 1884, Day's estate was valued at an estimated $200,000 (equivalent to nearly $6,000,000 today)
Margaret Herman
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Jacob Day was a significant figure both as an abolitionist and a prominent businessman.
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Before the Civil War, abolitionism was a dangerous activity for black individuals, but despite the risks, Day was a member of the National Anti Slavery Society, a contemporary of other distinguished abolitionists of the day, and a member of Abyssinian Baptist Church on Waverly Place, a strong supporter of abolition and African American civil rights.
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Day was a successful caterer when this was one of the few profitable business opportunities black men could pursue.
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He was a member of the Freedman's Bank founded after the Civil War as a means of improving the economic prospects of African Americans and a member of the Caterers Club, along with other black entrepreneurs who made names for themselves during that time.
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Eventually becoming an affluent property owner, Jacob Day was considered part of New York City's black elite in the 19th century at a time when African Americans faced substantial barriers to building wealth.
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At the time of his death in 18/84, Day was worth an estimated $200,000 the equivalent of nearly $6,000,000 today.
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