Racism against black people was very prevalent in nineteenth century society. The majority of the population of New York City did not support the abolition of southern slavery and actively discriminated against African Americans. In fact, many New York businessmen supported the southern planter aristocracy. Mayor Fernando Wood, in support of New York City businesses and their ties to the south, suggested in 1861, that it would be in the best interest of the city for Manhattan to secede from the Union and become an independent city state.
It is in the context of racism that the beliefs of Charles Loring Brace split with those of the majority of Amercian society. It was nineteenth century society's racist attitudes that inhibited the placement of black children by the CAS, rather than the personal beliefs of Brace. Brace was a "devoted campaigner against prejudice." He actively supported abolitionism and discounted the concept of racial superiority. Racism frustrated the few attempts the CAS made to give black children the same treatment as white children. Brace understood that as his project was dependant on the charitable donations of the wealthy white community, his entire program could be endangered if the CAS were to become too closely identified with African Americans or the abolition movement.
This fear did not stop Brace from aiding the black community. Brace helped find shelter for the hundreds of black children left homeless by the burning of the Colored Orphan Asylum during the New York City draft riots. Despite objections from the white community, Brace housed some of the homeless black children in a CAS operated mission and opened a "colored school" to provide them with an education. Brace did what he could to benefit and aid African Amercians in New York City, but his programs were limited due to the racism of nineteenth century society.
