On August 15, 1843, the National Black Convention convened in Buffalo, New York, with around seventy delegates from twelve different states. The convention was an important gathering for Black leaders and activists of the time, aiming to address the pressing issues facing the African American community, particularly slavery and civil rights.

One of the most significant moments of the convention was the powerful address by Henry Highland Garnet, a 27-year-old Presbyterian pastor. Garnet made an impassioned call for a slave revolt and a general strike by slaves as a means to fight for freedom. His speech was a bold and radical demand for emancipation, which was controversial but reflected the growing urgency among some abolitionists to take more direct action against slavery.

In addition to Garnet, other prominent figures like Amos G. Beman, a Black abolitionist from New Haven, Connecticut, participated in the event, contributing to the broader abolitionist movement. The convention was a key moment in the history of African American activism, setting the stage for further efforts to end slavery and promote equality.