Martin Delany Plans Niger Valley Expedition — Black Sovereignty Sought

Following the Dred Scott decision, Martin Delany organized the National Emigration Convention and planned an exploratory expedition to the Niger Valley in West Africa to identify land for an independent Black American settlement. He departed in 1859, signing a treaty with Yoruba chiefs for land. His expedition report advocated Black sovereignty abroad, establishing the intellectual framework for later Pan-Africanism and Marcus Garvey's movement.