Mary Bibb had written several articles, connected with a network of abolitionists in northern states within the U.S to obtain more subscribers all while also taking on the role as an editor and publisher when her husband was away.
[5] The paper also sought to reinforce the notion that Upper Canada was a favourable place to migrate for Black refugees and that they should take part in their new communities upon arrival.
This era in Upper Canada (present day Ontario) had seen an influx in Black migration, due to the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
[10] In their new freedom, Black people settled in cities/communities in Upper Canada such as London, Chatham, Windsor, Toronto, Buxton and Dresden.
Through editorials, letters and advertisements written in newspapers such as the Canada Oak and The Hamilton Spectator, freedom seekers were often subject to racist propaganda.
[1] In the first paper printed on January 1, 1851, on page 2, Bibb stated that "We shall advocate the immediate and unconditional abolition of chattel slavery everywhere, but especially on American soil.
We shall also persuade, as far as it may be practicable, every oppressed person of color in the United States to settle in Canada.”[12] The Voice of the Fugitive operated on a transnational approach where Black abolitionists could create relationships with communities in Canada and the U.S.
Through the paper, Bibb had maintained ties with abolitionists such as Samuel Ringgold Ward, Frederick Douglass, Martin Delany, William Still, Henry Highland Garnet, Jermain Loguen and more.
The paper also included many passionate editorials by Bibb that focused on plans of separate commercial and agricultural ventures for Black migrants in Upper Canada.
[11] Overall, the Voice of the Fugitive was a medium that filled a void for freedom seekers and Black refugees settling in Upper Canada in the early 1850s.