[3] These influences, combined with his studies of literature, philosophy, and history enabled him to become an eloquent spokesperson for black rights in the United States.

[7] During his early years, he watched African Americans vote, attended public schools, and was surrounded by the achievements of notable abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman and William Lloyd Garrison.

[8][6] On Sundays, Sanderson would preach at the pulpit of local New Bedford religious societies, despite not being an ordained minister at the time.

In 1841 Sanderson gave a speech at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society meeting that impressed many other well-known abolitionists including Parker Pillsbury and Edward Quincy.

[10] In 1854, Jeremiah Sanderson moved to California temporarily leaving his wife and then four children in New Bedford as he sought to improve his financial situation.

While they would eventually be united in California before 1860, letters written by Sanderson to his family reveal the anguish that the period of separation caused him.

[5] Beginning a new period in his life, Sanderson left his family behind in New Bedford, boarded the steamer S. S. Sonora, and departed for California amid circulating tales of great economic prosperity in the State.

[11][12] Particularly, the gold rush beginning in 1849, and the fact that California was a free, non-slave state made it an appealing location with potential for Sanderson and other African Americans.

[14] He continued to serve in the position of secretary for the second convention of this organization, and took on additional responsibilities on the committee of free press as well.

It was seen as unacceptable during this time for a white woman to work under the direction of a Black man, thus he was forced to step down to the position of teacher.

[16]Shortly after losing his position as principal, Sanderson relocated to Stockton, California, where he continued to strengthen the educational system for Black children through teaching.

[11][8] His excellence in his teaching position soon gave him a reputation that spread throughout the cities of California, which resulted in certain Black families sending their children to Sanderson's school from great distances.

[10][8] Following his earlier actions in Sacramento and San Francisco, Sanderson continued to write letters to the school board.