Speech Abstract 2

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Nyoka Bryan Abstract 2 Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a poet, lecturer, and author who fought vehemently for equal rights for African Americans. Unlike many blacks in the 19th century, Harper was born a free black woman in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1825. At three years old, she became an orphan and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Henrietta and Rev. William J. Watkins. Her uncle founded the Academy for Negro Youth and was a leader in the African American intellectual community of Baltimore and a major influence in Harper's life and work. Harper studied elocution, classical literature, and the Bible as a child. While employed at 13 years old, Harper had access to her employer's library, where she developed formal and informal education (Leeman & Duffy, 2012). Throughout the years, she lectured at Black schools and worked on her writings, mostly for poetry published in anti-slave journals. She developed a penchant for politics, and many of her writings reflected that. Harper had a successful literary career and was a pioneer in her own right. For example, she was the first black woman to lecture at a school in Columbus, OH, one of the first black women to publish a novel and a short story, and she published her first book of poetry at the age of 20. She was the most popular African-American poet before Paul Laurence Dunbar and lectured at the first black-owned college. Her works were marked as an essential voice in abolition, reconstruction, suffrage, and social responsibility. Before Harper delivered her speech, the Antebellum Period lasted from 1832-1860, during which the federal and state governments were conflicted due to the contradiction of slavery in the United States. While the northern regions sought to abolish slavery, the southern states relied on it for their economic prosperity. Slavery was outlawed in some states but prevented Black people from achieving full equality with their white counterparts. The American Civil War broke out due to the longstanding disagreement over slavery and lasted from 1861- 1865The Civil War was a conflict that took place between the United States and the Confederate States of America.. The movement to end slavery was led by supporters who lectured and lobbied for a radical constitutional change. The Reconstruction Era took place before and during

Harper's famous speech. It lasted from 1865-1900 when the government struggled to integrate free slaves into social, political, and labor systems. The former Confederacy underwent profound social, economic, and political changes, with resistance to Reconstruction. African Americans faced significant challenges asserting their newly acquired rights throughout the country. Many of Harper's lectures, poetry, and writings reflected the unrest of these eras. In the past, slavery was considered a crucial part of the economy, and white people heavily relied on large-scale agricultural enterprises that enslaved individuals fueled. This practice allowed people to treat enslaved people as mere property that could be bought and sold. Frances Harper used the title in her speech to grab the audience's attention and challenge their fundamental assumptions. She aimed to make them aware of the significant social barriers that existed at that time and to view Black people as progressive individuals who were not “seeking compassion” but rather basic justice as citizens and “protection of their human rights” (Leeman & Duffy, p. 135, 2012). Frances Harper made sure to leave no stone unturned during her 1891 speech. She argued with style about an oppressed nation whose founding fathers are rooted in a twisted kind of Christianity. She claims that “Christians have an obligation to treat all people with charity and goodwill” (Leeman & Duffy, p. 135, 2012). She also states that slavery violates fundamental notions of government” (Leeman & Duffy, p.135, 2012). Harper uses maxims and powerful rhetoric, useful imagery, similes, and vivid adjectives to make her claims of a misguided America where Black men and women aren’t afforded the same education or right to vote. In addition, she argues that those in more privileged positions have a moral duty to help uplift and empower the dependent races. Harper also emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the struggles racism and slavery have on African Americans. Although, over the years, she has seen progress through writings or milestones with leaders, she became despondent over the lack of change around her. What I found interesting in the speech was her drive for change for women. She fought hard for African-American women, and I loved that nine years after her death, women were granted the right to vote. I also resonate with her use of poetry in her speech to connect with the

audience. She uses literary terms like simile, imagery, and rhyme to help the audience understand their actions or those of the government. She wanted white women to take a front-row seat to issues that also affected them, and in doing so, Blacks could have more freedoms. The irony in this speech is the word “dependent.” For example, Blacks depended on whites to be freed and have more access to education and quality of life, but whites also felt mired trying to grapple with the notion of an entirely free nation. Their economy depended on the mistreatment of African Americans. I learned that our voices are powerful, and even though we don’t see a change now, our work makes an impression and gives people a new perspective. This first comes through hearing and seeing, and then actions will follow. Harper, F. E. W. (1891). Speech on the occasion of the dedication of the Harriet Tubman Home. In W. L. Andrews (Ed.), Sisters of the Spirit: Three black women's autobiographies of the nineteenth century (pp. 117-147). Indiana University Press. Harper, F. E. W. (1891). Duty to Dependent Races. Leeman, R. W. & Duffy, B. K. (2012). The will of the people: A critical anthology of African American speeches . (pp 133-148) Southern Illinois University Press. How has the concept of duty and responsibility towards marginalized communities evolve since Frances Harper's time? Around the time or her speech, social issues were starting to get a second look. Harper was born a free slave and Blacks were given their freedom after time served. Women were also starting take into account what powers and freedoms they hold. Harper wanted "sympathy and consideration for those who are deprived of rights" (Leeman & Duffy, 2012) Why does Harper strongly emphasize ethical and moral values in her speech?

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Harper wanted the audience to get a more profound sense of what Christianity meant. She disgraced the religion by calling it perverse and a group of people who had not fulfilled their mission (Leeman and Duffy, 2012). Furthermore, She wanted to remind her audience of the fundamental principles of fairness, justice, and compassion that ought to guide their actions How has the concept of duty and responsibility towards marginalized communities evolved since Frances Harper's time and what lessons can we draw from it? During her speech, social issues began to be reexamined. Harper was born a free slave, and Blacks were given their freedom after time served. Women were also starting to think about what rights and freedoms they had. Harper wanted "sympathy and consideration for those who are deprived of rights" (Leeman & Duffy, 2012)