Edmonia Highgate (June 21, 1844 – October 16, 1870), was an educator, writer, and activist for freed people in the post-Civil War Reconstruction era.
Though born in Syracuse, New York, Highgate's work with the American Missionary Association brought her south to teach freed slaves in locations such as Norfolk, Virginia, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
[1] Highgate's writings for the Christian Recorder establish her as an early representation of the intersection of Protestantism and Black transcendentalism.
Though she taught at this school for freed slaves for less than a year, the relationships she formed with her fellow teachers as well as the students who experienced slavery changed Highgate profoundly.
"[5][2] Highgate returned to Syracuse, New York, in October 1864, and gave a notable address to the National Convention of Colored Men.
Angered by the threat of a potential loss in Louisiana White Supremacy, former Confederate men and the New Orleans police united and attacked the convention targeting the radical population.
As people fled the scene, the rioters chased the victims outside, causing the death of many African Americans walking in the streets as well.
We need Anti-Slavery teachers who will show that it is safe to do right.”[9] Highgate traveled around working for the American Missionary Association giving addresses that encouraged people to donate.
The children seem almost inconsolable at the loss of so amiable a teacher who left a home of affluence and devoted herself so self-sacrificingly to help in the great work of elevating the nation's freedmen .
Oh how inspiring the thought that these dear souls are forever free.”[4] Edmonia Highgate later fell in love with a white man, John Henry Vosburg.