Martin Robinson Delany (May 6, 1812 - January 24, 1885) was an African-American abolitionist and arguably the first proponent of American black nationalism. Delany was born a slave in 1812, but his father purchased his family's freedom eleven years later. Delany was trained as a physician and also worked as editor for several abolitionist periodicals. He became one of the first black authors in American history to articulate a proud and optimistic view of African-American life, although he believed that ideally American blacks should emigrate back to Africa. One of the sources of Delany's cultural pride was the close relationship he had as a child with his grandmother, Gracie Peace , who was a Mandinka and spoke fondly of her childhood in Africa.

During the American Civil War, Delany helped the Union recruit African-American soldiers. In 1865, he was promoted to the rank of major, making him the first black man to receive a regular commission as an officer in the United States army.