Intersectionality in the Lives and Works of Mary Ann Shadd and Henry Bibb

Throughout the mid- to late nineteenth century, Henry Bibb and Mary Ann Shadd were highly accomplished and recognized abolitionists. Both Shadd and Bibb worked in the Detroit-Windsor region and resided in Windsor-Essex for a number of years. As part of their efforts, Shadd (The Provincial Freeman) and Bibb (The Voice of the Fugitive) were editors of their own newspapers that were targeted towards educating and informing Freedom Seekers. The abolitionists often worked together but also had a fair share of differences. Pre-existing research discusses the works of Shadd and Bibb, and the differences they demonstrated through their efforts, but little attention has been paid to how these differences were influenced by their lived experiences. This essay will use the individual lives and identities of Shadd and Bibb to observe the varying opinions and views as expressed in their newspapers. These conclusions will help determine how their identities influenced individuals who may have supported their views.