Charles Bennett Ray (December 25, 1807 – August 15, 1886) was a prominent African-American minister and abolitionist who owned and edited the weekly newspaper The Colored American.

[3] In the early 1830s Ray became involved in the abolitionist movement, and became a prominent promoter of the Underground Railroad.

He was also co-founder and director of the New York Vigilance Committee and a member of the American Anti-Slavery Society, assisting refugee slaves.

"[3] Ray traveled throughout the North giving speeches condemning prejudice against African Americans.

[citation needed] Charles B. Ray died in New York City and is buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn.