The Provincial Freeman in 1853

Mass mediation shaped social and personal identities by offering marginalized voices, like Mary Ann Shadd's, a platform to challenge dominant narratives and share their perspectives. Shadd, the first African American woman printer, founded The Provincial Freeman in 1853, using it to advocate for racial justice, feminism, and self-reliance, even after fleeing to Canada due to the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Her paper not only inspired those in the Underground Railroad but also contributed to broader conversations about racial and gender equality, highlighting how mass media could be used to promote cultural heritage and resist oppression. Shadd further advanced feminist perspectives through her activism, including founding the Colored Women's Progressive Franchise and advocating for women’s suffrage alongside prominent figures like Susan B. Anthony. Her work illustrates how women used publications to connect with global movements, promoting both racial justice and gender equality.