1. Who are you? (Name, Age)
2. Where are you? (Location in USA)
3. What is the date?(a specific date as well as one contemporary event from the periods to give your narrative historical context)
4. In your experience, does our democratic government establish equality among Americans? (Explain your answer)
5.What are the challenges to equality that you or those around you experience? How are those challenges overcome?
Sojourner Truth March 5, 1882 Battle Creek, Michigan
I’m Sojourner Truth and am currently in Akron, Ohio. I was born in the year of 1797 and was born into slavery. I am 54 years old now. My real name is Isabella Baumfree and my last name was taken from my father’s owner, Baumfree. I was sold quite a few times and while owned by the John Dumont family in Ulster County, I married Thomas, another slave. We had five children. In 1827, I ran away with my youngest children not knowing that New York made a law to free all slaves. I eventually discovered that the Dumont family had sold one of my children to slavery in Alabama. The New York law freed my son from slavery and this act was against this law, so I decided to sue in court and I won his return. In 1843, I took the name Sojourner Truth, believing this to be on the instructions of the Holy Spirit, and then became a traveling preacher. In the late 1840’s, I connected with the abolitionist moment and became a popular speaker. In 1850, I also began speaking on women suffrage. My most famous speech, Ain’t I a Woman?, was delivered in 1851 at a women’s right convention in Akron, Ohio. Women were treated very poorly at this time and had no rights. In 1864, during the Civil War, where the north fought the south, I raised food and clothing contributions for black regiments. I then was able to meet Abraham Lincoln at the White House. While there, I tried to challenge the discrimination that segregated street cars by race. In my experience, our democratic government does not establish equality among Americans. This goes against the goal established by the constitution to secure the blessings of liberty. Securing the blessings of liberty gives everybody the right to freedom as long as the people respect others. Slaves were not free in the south and had to do a lot of laborious work. They were treated very poorly, and were lucky if they survived. This is a factor that prompted the civil war. Also, this time period goes against establishing justice because women were being treated unfairly. Women were not allowed to vote and were pretty much housekeepers who took care of the children. They needed to be helped into carriages and were not able to have a real job. During slavery, the slaves were not taken care of. They worked harder than their bodies could handle and were whipped and given barely any food. This goes against the goal established by the constitution to promote the general welfare. A huge challenge that I experienced, was trying to get women to understand how unfairly we were being treated. At this time, men controlled women, so fighting back was a hard thing to do. I gave a very powerful speech, Ain’t I a Women?, which moved many people. Overcoming slavery was a challenge because the south wanted slavery and the north didn’t. This helped to start the Civil War, which was a brutal time. The north won and slavery ended on April 18, 1865. After the war ended, I spoke again, mainly to white audiences, and mostly on African Americans and women’s rights. I tried to organize efforts to provide jobs for black refugees from the war. I am in Battle Creek, Michigan. I know I’ve lived my life to the fullest. I am finished giving speeches because my health is not in very good condition. My work is done and I must rest. -Alexandra Pd.1
Works Cited: 1. PBS Online. "The Civil War and Emancipitation." Africans in America. PBS, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. . 2. Bristow, Duane. "Sojourner Truth." Duane & Eva's Old Kentucky . N.p., 1995. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. . 3. Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Sojourner Truth." About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. . 4. Strawberry. "Sojourner Truth." Legendary Women with Causes. Strawberry, 27 May 2000. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
When I returned home form a long day at school Dad began to update me about Anthony Burns trail. The jury ruled Anthony Burns to be forced back to life as a slave in Virginia due to the Fugitive Slave Act. Two months ago he had successfully escaped from his terrible life working on a plantation in Virginia and made his way up here, to Boston where he was captured. His actions made me more aware of just how fortunate I was to live in the north. Anthony Burn’s case went against establish justice because to establish justice means to create fairness and Anthony burns was not fairly treated because he had to be forced back to Virginia. From then on I knew that I wanted to somehow help free slaves, especially as an abolitionist. In this months volume of the Liberator an Anti-Slavery newspaper; it mentioned having Anti-Slavery meetings every Sunday now so more citizens can become protest their beliefs on slavery. Today August First, 1854 is also the twentieth anniversary of the British emancipation. Everybody is in the street joyfully dancing. I, on the other hand am stating to ponder the meaning of “land of the free.” Within the southern states there are over four million slaves just begging to be free. After recently graduating from Salem Normal School in Salem, Massachusetts; I applied to teach third and forth grade. In June 1856, I officially became Salem’s first African American school teacher. Later on in 1862 during the Civil War, I applied for another teaching job at the Boston Port Royal Commissions a company provides an education for newly freed slaves on the Sea Islands, South Caroline. It was formed by several private Northern charities. The north in the 1860’s was where the government was located and it promoted the general welfare by making sure everyone in the country has the right to an education. Boston sadly never replied, so I went on and applied with the Philadelphia Commission in my home state of Pennsylvania. I was so excited to find out that I had been hired and I had also earned the title of being the first African American to be hired by Port Royal for an experiment. There are so many anxious to learn slaves here on St. Helena island. Someone said that eight thousands slaves need an education because their masters on the plantation that they were working on abandon most them due to the fall of the south during the war. The war went against insure domestic tranquility because there was not peace with in the U.S.A because there was a civil war going on. I then went on to publish some essays of mine called Life on the Sea Islands in June of 1864. From then on I still continue to stand up for my beliefs especially on slavery.
Works Cited Charlotte, Forten L. A Free Black Girl before the Civil War. Mankato Minnesota: Blue Earth Books, 2000. Print. "Charlotte Forten Grimke." Women in History. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. http://www.lkwdpl.org/ wihohio/grim-cha.htm. Literary and Cultural Heritage Map of Pennsylvania. N.p., 17 Feb. 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. https://secureapps.libraries.psu.edu/PACFTB/bios/biography.cfm?AuthorID=154. MAcEachern, Sally, and Aruna Vasudevan. African American Biographies. Danbury, Connecticut: Scholastic Library Publishing, 2006. Print. "Port Royal Experiment ." Wikipedia. N.p., 8 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Royal_Experiment.
I, Sojourner Truth, have just returned from a very exciting evening. In the past two years I have met many prominent people, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe [Ashley and Butler]. But tonight -- in Northampton, Massachusetts -- I was the most nervous that I have been in all my encounters [Washington, p 269]. I was asked unexpectedly to give the opening speech preceding Theodore Parker, whom I greatly admire. I guess I did a good job, even though English is not my first language. “So there it was -- De first words he said was ‘Well now Sojourner Truth say’ and then he went on and teld what I said and it sounded most beautiful.” [Washington, p. 269] My Gold Coast African grandparents [Washington, p. 10] are smiling down on me.
It’s a topsy-turvy world I am in right now. There are so many different groups. There are the abolitionists, the ex-slave owners, rowdy young men who go from camp to camp harassing the people there [Butler, p 52]. Here in the north, our cause is gaining more followers. However, I am worried that my brothers and sisters in the new states might not be free. I hear that in Kansas and Nebraska, guerilla warfare is breaking out [Butler, p 83]. I sincerely hope that our president, Franklin Pierce, can stop an all out war.
Tonight the spirit moved me and some good preaching was done, but there is still a long way to go. The slaves still aren’t free in the south; women and blacks still can not vote in the north; many freed slaves are living in poverty. There are so many challenges that we are facing right now. We can use our free speech rights to change the minds of the southerners. But, while those minds are being changed, it doesn’t hurt to bring slaves north using the Underground Railroad. Also, it is important for women to “put their shoulder to the wheel” and to vote. “Women could set matters aright and keep them that way; they must set to work and drag the world right side up, disentangling it from the snarl men have willfully got it into.”[Washington, p.259].
Works Cited Ashley, Martin L, and Mary G Butler. "http://www.sojournertruth.org/History/Biography/NY.htm." http://www.sojournertruth.org/Default.htm. Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
Butler, Mary G. Sojourner Truth:From Slave to Activist for Freedom. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2003.
Washington, Margaret. Sojourner Truth's America. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2009. Print.
Dear Diary, I, Sojourner Truth, have witnessed a terrible injustice today, June 16th, 1863. I traveled to Freedmen’s Village in Washington D.C. The families of black soldiers’ were had barely supplies to live. There was clothing that had been donated to these people, because they could not afford to buy their own. Instead, as I discovered they had to buy this donated clothing. Local whites in the area of Washington D.C. had been kidnapping small black children and forcing them into slavery. The challenges for equality for blacks are facing is a problem America has been facing for years. Many blacks are enslaved, and the emancipation order will not apply to all of them. Even those of us who are lucky enough to be free, we still face inequality when looking for new jobs and getting an education because of the color of our skin. These challenges are not overcome because of the way people think of us, even though we are not slaves anymore.
Dear Diary, The way the government is run now, there is not equality for all Americans. The blacks are treated as a lower class, sometimes not even as humans. Even if we are not enslaved, we are thought of as not important. I only wish that the Civil War will change the way all people are thought of in America. Everyone should have the same rights and be treated the same way. No one should ever e excluded from anything because of the color of their skin. I hope that one day everyone will tolerant of each other and that America will someday be equal for everyone.
Yours fondly, Sojourner Truth -Claire p.2
Butler, Mary G., and Martin L. Ashley. "Sojourner's Amazing Life ... and Beyond." Sojournertruth.org. Sojourner Truth Inst., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.sojournertruth.org/History/Biography/Default.htm
Langston, Donna. "Sojourner Truth." Fofweb.com. Facts on File, 2002. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/ default.asp?ItemID=WE42&NewItemID=True
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Sojourner Truth: Abolitionist, Minister, Ex-Slave, Woman's Rights Activist." Womenshisotory.about.com. About.com, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://womenshistory.about.com/od/sojournertruth/a/sojourner_truth_bio.htm
Savage, Augusta, and Cicely Tyson. African American Biographies. Danbury, CT: Grolier, 2006. Print.
Schwarz, Philip. African Americans during the Civil War. New York, NY: Inforbase, 2006. Print
Dear Diary, I see all the injustice of the slavery that there is today. The end of legal slavery for all blacks was to be July 4, 1827. I was within days of being freed; Mr. Dumont and I agreed I would be free one year before the end of legal slavery. The end was so close, and I could imagine the land my family would own once we were free. However, during this time, I injured my hand. Because of my injury, I could not work as well as I could when I was healed. My owner decided I would not be freed at the said date. Instead, I was forced to stay and continue to work for him (still without pay) until the wool-spinning for the winter. After this was completed, I gathered my youngest child, Sophia, and I fled the household, leaving my husband Thomas and the rest of my family. My other children could not join me because they were not legally freed in the emancipation order. In my 30 years I had never done anything so difficult. I think of them every waking minute and miss them more and more everyday. Sophia and I went to live with a very, very kind family named the Van Wagerners. When Mr. Dumont came looking for us, they graciously paid twenty-five dollars for our freedom. The next year, I filed a lawsuit for my son, Peter. He had been illegally traded in New York. The lawsuit was a success, and he is now living with me. I tried to keep him out of trouble, but when you live in New York that is difficult to do. Peter went out on a whaling ship called Zone. Over the years I got a total of five letters from him. However, when the boat returned, Peter was not among the men on the boat. I have not seen him in years. -Claire p.2
Dear Diary, October 14th, 1863 Today I was disgraced and out raged. After arriving in Tennessee, just after the battle has cleared, with a qualifying note from Assistant Surgeon General R.C. Wood, I was turned down. I am not allowed to become a surgeon in this camp, instead, Surgeon General Finely, would like to have me as a nurse. This is unjust and prejudiced. I am a highly qualified woman, one of the first to be accepted into Syracuse Medical College. As the battles go on with more force than ever, our soldiers are dying faster and becoming ill by the minute. There’s only so much that these men can handle. At one point, I’ll need to step in. When I came to the camp I expected to be welcomed as a surgeon, seeing that I have such great experience with injuries. Instead, I was asked to simply remain as a nurse. Why I am not respected among these men I do not know. I am a college graduate just as they are and much better in my work than they will ever be. The Constitution was written to free us all, giving rights to those who have been mistreated. Instead, it left out those who needed respect and freedom, women and slaves. That’s the reason this whole war is ragging on. And because man failed to include someone like the slaves, or me I’m the one being discriminated because I’m trying to help those fighting for their freedom. It truly is a vicious cycle. Soon, I will write to the Secretary of War, asking for my rightful position as a surgeon. -Mary Walker
Dear Diary, November 20th, 1863,
Today I mailed the letter to the Secretary of War, asking for his permissions to become the lead surgeon of the site. I only hope he will take my skill and respectability into account. Not only do I care for the cause, I care for the patients, we’ve all become friends. I’ve seen men shot in the stomach, barely holding on to life. There was a young man today who I had to watch get his arm sawed off. The worst part was I had no way to help him. Until I become a surgeon, I must idly stand by. Hopefully I did not come off rude in my letter to the Secretary. I simply asked for permission to do my best work on the field. Here’s a small segment of my letter asking for power over soldiers and medical actions around camp. “I would like authority to in list them in any loyal states. And also the authority to tell them that I will act as First Assistant Surgeon”. At the age of 31 I am in my prime and ready to be of use in this war. I’m sick of waiting around and acting like a woman, I have rights. At least, I should have rights! These men are obviously intimidated by a woman in bloomers! It seems that until I receive a reply I’m stuck as a nurse. I do hope the letter comes soon. -Mary Walker
Rebecca period 2 CONTINUED December 1863, I do not know what day it is. As the weeks go by, camp becomes more depressed than ever. More and more sickly men arrive, needing crucial treatment. If anyone could help them, it’d be me. However, I’m stuck blending into the background. All my attempts to put my skills to work have been shot down and declined. The letter arrived at camp today. Unfortunately, it brought bad news. I was not given permission to become a surgeon and was ordered to continue my duties as a nurse. He had the nerve to say no. As the Civil war continues to leave thousands dead I simply refuse to stand by and watch these poor men suffer. I’m tired of pushed aside by men who don’t know of the power that all women possess. I will try again, and fight for my honor like a real woman would. I am Mary Walker and no one will leave me in the dust. I intend to write to Lincoln next, if he can’t understand my predicament, no one will. There's so much to get done around here and I barely find the time to write to my own family. When I have the time, I will be sure to write to him. Until I get my way, I will remain as a nurse. I know one day my time will come. -Mary Walker
Works Cited American Association of University Women. Distunguished Woman of past and Present. St. Lawrence County, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.northnet.org/stlawrenceaauw/walker.htm. Joinson, Clara. Civil War Doctor: The Story of Mary Walker. GreensBoro, North Carolina: Morgal Raynolds, 2007. Print. “Mary Edwards Walker.” About North Dakota. Golden Ink, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://ngeorgia.com/ang/Mary_Edwards_Walker. Synder, Charles McCool. “Dr. Mary Walker: The Little Lady in Pants.” About.com:Women’s History. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blbio_mary_edwards_walker.htm. Women In History. “Mary Edwards Walker.” Women in History. N.p., 9 Mar. 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/walk-mar.htm.
Dear Diary, Today was a very exciting day for all women especially me. I attended the woman’s rights convention here in Akron, Ohio. Although most thought I was insane, I really think I moved some people to believe that men and women truly are equal. After all, I was the only African American. I decided to call my speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” In my speech I told stories about when I was a slave and then connected that to women’s rights. One day I hope that all I am doing now will free women, and make them just as equal as men. I also hope to be able to help free all slaves, I know what it is like to have the rough life of a slave and I won’t rest until every last one is free. I could have said so much more at my speech today. I could have spoken about my dead son James or how I ran away at dusk from one of my owners, barely escaping with my infant daughter Sophia. I am just glad I got that chance to raise awareness about slavery and women’s rights today. I hope to one day be reunited with my husband Thomas and my three other children. It has been hard being a single mother with my youngest daughter Sophia. I hope that they will one day be free like Sophia and I. It is unfair to be living in a world of such inequalities. I believe that every person is equal. It doesn’t matter if you are black or white, or if you are a man or a woman. Every person was made equal and if no one follows through with that, then the government is not securing the blessings of liberty. This means that everyone has the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If there are still slaves in this world that can not own their own land, two thirds of that right is being violated. I would know that it is very difficult to be a slave. You get separated from your family, you are forced to work, and you are often beat up by your owner. It is a huge challenge that we as slaves have to overcome by becoming equal with the wealthy white people, although, if they are not willing to cooperate, we will have to try even harder. The only way to win this battle is to never give up. Eventually, blacks and whites will be equal, it is so foolish that you get treated differently because you have a different skin color then some one else. If you let foolish things like that get in the way, you may never meet your soul mate or find your best friend. Never judge someone based on appearance. I’ll write another entry when I know my family is safe. Good bye for now!
Works Cited African American Biographies. Danbury, CN: Grolier, 2006. Print. Brezina, Corona. Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Women?” Speech: A Primary Source Investigation. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group , 2005. Print. Lewis, Jone Johnson. “Sojourner Truth.” about.com. about.com, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Sojourner Truth.” ThinkQuest. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Sojourner Truth (Isabella Baumfree).” Women In History. Lakewood Public Library, 20 Oct. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
May, 1851 Today will most certainly be a memorable day in my life- I met a friend I know I will have for the rest of my life. Miss Susan B. Anthony. She was dressed in gray silk, with a blue scarf, and her face reflected all the excitement I was feeling. We had very similar childhoods in that we were both free to have primary schooling and such, and became involved in our belief of true freedom of women and African Americans at a young age. I did not, to my later regret and hers as well, invite her to dinner at my house with the nobles. She always greatly stimulates conversation- we both have firm beliefs in the divorce rights, voting rights, and schooling rights of women. As said by a dear friend of both of us, “Mrs. Stanton is a fine writer, but a poor executant; Miss Anthony is a thorough manager, but a poor writer. Both have large brains and great hearts; neither has any selfish ambition for celebrity; but each vies with the other in a noble enthusiasm for the cause to which they are devoting their lives.” We complement the other marvelously. Later that day, after my luncheon, I joined Miss Anthony once again- this time outside the courthouse of a chief city. At this particular rally, we along with an overwhelming number of women fought for the right to attend universities. The battle is slow and strenuous, but I believe we are wearing down the hard armor surrounding their hearts. A very winning factor in our arguments, I believe, is the recently established “Women’s Bible”, which I composed along with other women and bible scholars interested in highlighting and annotating the parts of the bible which illuminate on the fact that women and men are indeed created equal. I went to bed imagining a speech I might deliver to the doubting men in our area. I would take bits and pieces from the bible, my life, the futures of my daughters, etc.. I am quite looking forward to running this through with Miss Anthony tomorrow over the light lunch we have schedualed. A title I fancy, although I must check with Susan that it is not overly wishy-washy, is “A Solitude of Self”. “The isolation of every human soul and the necessity of self-dependence must give each individual the right, to choose his own surroundings.” I am feeling rather proud right now of that quote of which I envision will inevitably impress the Congress. Someday, things will change, and I vow to help make that happen in any way I can. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton Biography." www.biography.com. A & E Television Networks, 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
"Solitude of Self- 1892." http://womenshistory.about.com. The New York Times Company, 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton Quotes." www.famousquotesandauthors.com. N.p., 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady, and Jone Johnson Lewis. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Reminisces." http://womenshistory.about.com. The New York Times Company, 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Ward, Geoffrey C. "Not for Ourselves Alone." www.pbs.org. WETA, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Brandon E Doyle Period 6 Rebecca Lee and the Medical Degree Since I was born in 1840, I've always had a love for helping those in need of care. I'm just so interested in the way our bodies function and the problems that they may face, as well as a cure to those problems. Then I decided it was time to take action and pursue a medical career. At age 12 I moved to Charlottetown, Massachusetts where I worked as a nurse for 8 years. I had little to no medical experience yet I was a very successful nurse for my work there. When I became old enough to attend college I faced many obstacles because of my African American heritage. The majority of colleges would not allow me to study my interests there based on my race. Fortunately, there was a college that recently opened up allowing the attendance of African American women. So, in 1860 I was admitted to the New England Female Medical College. I strived to do my best and thankfully, my hard work paid off. I graduated in 1864 and became the first African American women to earn an M.D. degree. I was given the name "Doctor of Medicine." Not only that, but I was the first African American women to graduate from the college itself. After graduation I spent time living and practicing medicine in Boston. Then in 1865 I moved to Richmond, Virginia after the Civil War had finally come to an end. While over there, I worked with other Black doctors in order to help freed slaves with their illnesses and injuries. We tried our best to stay strong but it soon became a challenge. We had to deal with those who were against us by threatening us with extreme racism. After life slowed down and became easier for me, I chose to write a book in 1883. The book , "A Book of Medical Discourses" was based on my journal notes that I took during my time as a doctor in medical practice. After that, I married my husband, Arthur Crumpler, before returning to my old home in Boston. Then in 1880, I moved to Hyde Park, Massachusetts where I finally retired from a very successful career. In spite of all the obstacles that I had to overcome, I could finally spend my days as a free African American woman. Aisha. "Woman Hero: Rebecca Lee Crumpler." My Hero. N.p., 28 Jan. 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.myhero.com/go/ hero.asp?hero=Crumpler_New_Haven. Childress, Diana. "One Invention at a Time." Foot Steps May 2004: 15. Print Diaz, Sara. "Crumpler , Rebecca Davis Lee (1831?-1895)." BlackPast.org. N.p., 2007. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aah/ crumpler-rebecca-davis-lee-1831-1895. "Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler." www.nlm.nih.gov. N.p., 1 Jan. 1993. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/changingthefaceofmedicine/physicians/ biography_73.html. Gray, Madison. "Rebecca Lee Crumpler a Medical Milestone." TIME. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.time.com/time/2007/blackhistmth/bios/ 03.html.
Gabby Pd9 ...CONTINUED This movement can relate to the democratic government and how it establishes equality among Americans. Before I made a difference in women’s rights the government didn’t establish equality. Women’s rights are an example of equality because our democratic government is based on everyone being equal and independent. And the deal with Women’s rights is that not everyone was equal since they had men doing certain things that woman could not do. The people just expected us to do work around the house and never get an education of our own. But now, women have all the same rights as men and it is completely fair. But the certain challenges to equality are different. The certain challenges to equality were that men didn’t want their rights to be shared with women and that was just unfair. But although it was a hard struggle, we still were able to become equal with men. Sincerely, Susan B. Anthony Works Cited "Abolition, Women's Rights, and Temperance Movements." Nps.gov. N.p., 9 Jan. 2007. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . "Biography of Susan B. Anthony." Biography of Susann B. Anthony. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Susan B. Anthony Women's Suffrage Pioneer." About.com. New York Times Co., 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . Linder, Doug. "The Trial of Susan B. Anthony for Illegal Voting." The Trial of Susan B. Anthony for Illegal Voting. N.p., 2001. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . "Susan Brownell Anthony." Western New York Suffragists. Rochester Regional Lib Council, 2000. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Gabby Pd 9/Susan B. Anthony April 10, 1850 Adams, Massachusetts
Dear Diary,
I believe that everyone should be equal. But right now, many people choose to disagree with me. But I really don’t see what makes women different from men. Growing up, my house was ruled by Daniel Anthony, my father. He was probably the sternest man I’ve ever known. Being the strict man he was he always pushed my six sisters and I to do our best in every single thing we did. I grew up learning self-discipline was very important so now I am taking what I learned from my father and fighting for what I believe in. I have been doing that since I was a kid and now that I am 30 years old, I will do whatever it takes to make sure that women have rights that they deserve. The first time I attended my first women’s rights convention I became interested in woman’s rights. I must say that it was so much better than when I joined the Daughters Temperance. That place was disgraceful. Did you know that in the Temperance rally they had, I was not allowed to speak because I was a woman? It’s a good thing that I left that horrid place. When I went to that convention, I wanted to make a difference in women’s rights and I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me from doing it. Therefore, I made three movements for women’s rights. The three movements were temperance, labor, and education. Temperance would change the way women acted, labor would allow women to be able to work like men, and education would allow us to get smarter rather than all the men going to school. These three topics were very important to me because it is what men believed they had the right to do those things and expected us to stay away from their rights. With those three movements, I then help organize the Whole World’s Temperance Convention which helped woman like me to get interested in woman’s rights and to fight for it. Doing that made me feel good. Although I got many women on my side, I still felt like I could do more than this. So I kept going. That same year, I traveled to Rochester, New York to outline wages for women in the city. Also while in Rochester, I went to a teachers meeting while I was there and I demanded that women in the school would be allowed to participate in women discussions that were usually only for men to do. After that, I felt more confident than ever. I decided to go to the University of Rochester and try and persuade them to bring women in so that they could get an education. And believe it or not, it worked! I felt very proud of myself of how I left Rochester. I believed that I did great opening women’s rights to so many options. After that was done, I began to focus on women’s suffrage for their right to vote. And because I kept pushing myself, I was the one to create the American Equal Rights Association. When election day came, I witnessed seven or eight women cast their votes. And to be honest, it was one of the best moments of my life. But just because I opened the possibility fir women to finally vote, that didn’t mean it happened right away. After everything I have done so far, that still doesn’t seem like enough to me. I will keep pushing myself until women’s rights are allowed. TO BE CONTINUED...
My name is Susan B. Anthony. My family and I are Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of friends and we believe that everyone should have equal rights, there should be no slavery, and there should be no armed conflicts. My parents taught us how to rely on ourselves, to discipline ourselves, and to become against slavery. When I was nineteen years old, I left to become a teacher in rural towns in New York, because it was the only job I was able to do. Being a teacher was an unfair job, though, because men made five times more money than women, even if they weren’t better teachers. After teaching for about ten years, in 1849, I joined a local temperance society. The purpose of the temperance society was to stop men from spending all their money on alcohol and neglecting their families. I wanted to talk at the meetings, but I was told by the white men that I was not allowed to. That made me feel like I had no voice, no membership, and no rights. It was a perfect example of how my country treated black people and all women unfairly because we couldn’t own land, vote, or even talk in temperance society meetings. In 1851, I met a woman named Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and we became very good friends for the rest of our lives. We both began working very hard for women’s’ suffrage. I began to notice even more examples of unfairness towards women in the United States, thanks to my religion. Elizabeth and I went around the United States giving speeches and making petitions to help give us more rights. I began participating in the National Women's Rights Convention every year, where I was allowed to speak. In1868, I published a journal called The Revolution and the motto was “The true republic — men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.” The Republic talked about things such as equal pay and the right to vote. I created it to try and persuade people to support women’s suffrage. Fourteen years after I died, my hard work paid off and the 19th amendment was added to the Bill of Rights.
Sources:
Anthony, Susan B. "Speech on Behalf of the Woman Suffrage Amendment." Facts On File. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Benson, Sonia, Daniel E. Brannen, and Rebecca Valentine. UXL Encyclopedia of U.S. History Volume 1: A-B. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2009. Print.
Curtis, Claire. "Anthony, Susan B." Facts on File. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Langston, Donna. A to Z of American Women Leaders and Activists. www.fofweb.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "Anthony, Susan B." Facts On File. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
My name is Sojourner Truth. I’m eighty five, I’m an African American, and I was a slave. But most importantly, I’m a woman. I’m starting to slow down and I think I lived a long life. I feel that at my age I’ve done a great deal in my life and motivated and inspired others. My real name is Isabella Baumfree. I was born in 1797 in Ulster County, New York to Elizabeth and James Baumfree who were both slaves. I was one of thirteen children though I never was able to spend my life with them because I was sold off at only age nine. My first master I was sold to was Charles Hardenberg who died in 1808. I was then sold to John Neely for one hundred dollars along with a few sheep. At the time I spoke Dutch, but John beat me severely so I could learn English. Once he had whipped me with “a bundle of rods, prepared in the embers, and bound together with cords.” In harsh times like this, I would turn to religion for a sense of hope. When I was beaten or scared I would pray aloud. I was then sold to my third master, Martinus Schryver who purchased me for one hundred and five dollars. But only a year and a half later, I was sold again to John Dumont who treated me so brutally harsh. I fell in love at a young age of eighteen to a boy named Robert. He was a former slave who belonged to a man named Catlin. His owner never understood our relationship and wanted him to have children with his own slaves or else he could no longer keep Robert. Robert came to visit me one night but he was followed by his owner who beat him so hard he bruised him and mangled his face so badly. Sadly, I never saw my first love ever again. I had five children with a slave named Thomas. Mr. Dumont told me he would free me a year before they would abolish slaves but he did not live up to his promise so I fled with my infant Sophia. I came across the home of Isaac and Maria Van Wagner who took such good care of me. I began turning to a religious group and left Ulster County. I was the housekeeper for a while but after the leader died the family who owned the house saw me suspicious so I then settled into New York City. On June 1, 1843, I changed my name to Sojourner Truth. I picked the name because Sojourner means to be a traveler and Truth means to be genuine or real. I later joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry in Massachusetts. The association strongly believed in a woman’s rights and anti-slavery but the company disbanded because of such debt. In 1854 I gave my famous speech called “Ain’t I a Woman?” After the Civil War ended I moved into Battle Creek where I began campaigning for the federal government to provide former slaves with land but I got little success. I know I might die soon but my dream was to see all slaves free. This is very dear to my heart because myself, my parents, and my siblings were all slaves. African Americans all over this country have fought like me but I am a very lucky woman that I was never killed at an early age. The color of our skin or our gender does not determine that anyone should be any better. We were all created equal but some people don’t recognize that. I know I have accomplished so much in my life and I hope that when and wherever I preached I changed someone’s life. -Julia period 4
Bio. True Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Brezina, Corona. Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" Speech. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2005. Print.
Butler, Mary G. "Sojourner Truth a Life and Legacy of Faith." Sojourner Truth Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
feminist.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
"Sojourner Truth Biography." Woman in History. N.p., 20 Oct. 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. .
I am so happy that I have found you! For many years I have been in search of you, my daughter, but with no prevail. My, it has been a long time now hasn’t it, sugar? The last time I saw you was … in 1835, nearly fifty years ago. I sure won’t be expecting those chubby cheeks that I’m used to, now will I? Well I’ll let you become more acquainted with your old mama before I bring you home.
Currently, I am eighty-two years old (I know, how the time does fly) and am still on the move. Poor, yes quite poor, but I have done great things. Eliza Jane, the things that I have accomplished have aided so many distressed, poor, and enslaved people of non color and color alike. After our family was broken up (I have heard nothing from your siblings or father) I was sold to a man who eventually died, which later set me free. Now, being a free, old spinster of color, I had very few opportunities. I thought to myself, ‘Now what could a woman do to earn a living. What are my strengths?’ The first thing that came to mind was laundry. Believe or not, my child, my laundry business made me some money, and deepened my yearning to find you are the rest of our family.
That’s how I managed to come to the good old land of Central City, Colorado. Here, I truly witnessed how unfair our society can be. Black men and women would show up on my doorstep, practically begging for work because all of the other openings required their skin color to be cracker white. It’s horrible, so of course I housed the poor darlings. I set them out into the world with full bellies and hope with our Lord. I’ve learned to depend on Christ through my hardships. Everybody tells me that I must be going through an awful time having lost my family and being low on cash. I just tell them that I used to think that it was hard, and I tell them to think about our Blessed Lord who was crucified. My little sufferings are nothing, honey, and the Lord gives me strength to bear up under them. I’m not complaining. Oh, but how we all are treated unequally because of the rich tone of our skin really gets to me. Honey child, I always want you to remember that EVERYONE is equal. That is the way it should be, and so far, nothing is being done. Well, I’ll stop with my blabbering! I will see you so very soon.
My forever love,
Your Mama, Clara Brown
Works Cited “Clara Brown.” Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, 9 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Clara Brown Biography.” www.biography.com. A & E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Denver’s Characters: Clara Brown.” www.Denvergov.org. Denver, Colorado Government, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Who Was Aunt Clara Brown?” Linda Lowery and Richard Keep Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 2 - Tier Software, Inc., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . William, Loren Katz. Black Women of the Old West. New York, New York: Enthrac Publications, Inc., 1995. Print.
I am so happy that I have found you! For many years I have been in search of you, my daughter, but with no prevail. My, it has been a long time now hasn’t it, sugar? The last time I saw you was … in 1835, nearly fifty years ago. I sure won’t be expecting those chubby cheeks that I’m used to, now will I? Well I’ll let you become more acquainted with your old mama before I bring you home.
Currently, I am eighty-two years old (I know, how the time does fly) and am still on the move. Poor, yes quite poor, but I have done great things. Eliza Jane, the things that I have accomplished have aided so many distressed, poor, and enslaved people of non color and color alike. After our family was broken up (I have heard nothing from your siblings or father) I was sold to a man who eventually died, which later set me free. Now, being a free, old spinster of color, I had very few opportunities. I thought to myself, ‘Now what could a woman do to earn a living. What are my strengths?’ The first thing that came to mind was laundry. Believe or not, my child, my laundry business made me some money, and deepened my yearning to find you are the rest of our family.
That’s how I managed to come to the good old land of Central City, Colorado. Here, I truly witnessed how unfair our society can be. Black men and women would show up on my doorstep, practically begging for work because all of the other openings required their skin color to be cracker white. It’s horrible, so of course I housed the poor darlings. I set them out into the world with full bellies and hope with our Lord. I’ve learned to depend on Christ through my hardships. Everybody tells me that I must be going through an awful time having lost my family and being low on cash. I just tell them that I used to think that it was hard, and I tell them to think about our Blessed Lord who was crucified. My little sufferings are nothing, honey, and the Lord gives me strength to bear up under them. I’m not complaining. Oh, but how we all are treated unequally because of the rich tone of our skin really gets to me. Honey child, I always want you to remember that EVERYONE is equal. That is the way it should be, and so far, nothing is being done. Well, I’ll stop with my blabbering! I will see you so very soon.
My forever love,
Your Mama, Clara Brown
Works Cited “Clara Brown.” Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, 9 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Clara Brown Biography.” www.biography.com. A & E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Denver’s Characters: Clara Brown.” www.Denvergov.org. Denver, Colorado Government, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . “Who Was Aunt Clara Brown?” Linda Lowery and Richard Keep Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 2 - Tier Software, Inc., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. . William, Loren Katz. Black Women of the Old West. New York, New York: Enthrac Publications, Inc., 1995. Print.
Sojourner Truth
ReplyDeleteMarch 5, 1882
Battle Creek, Michigan
I’m Sojourner Truth and am currently in Akron, Ohio. I was born in the year of 1797 and was born into slavery. I am 54 years old now. My real name is Isabella Baumfree and my last name was taken from my father’s owner, Baumfree. I was sold quite a few times and while owned by the John Dumont family in Ulster County, I married Thomas, another slave. We had five children. In 1827, I ran away with my youngest children not knowing that New York made a law to free all slaves. I eventually discovered that the Dumont family had sold one of my children to slavery in Alabama. The New York law freed my son from slavery and this act was against this law, so I decided to sue in court and I won his return. In 1843, I took the name Sojourner Truth, believing this to be on the instructions of the Holy Spirit, and then became a traveling preacher.
In the late 1840’s, I connected with the abolitionist moment and became a popular speaker. In 1850, I also began speaking on women suffrage. My most famous speech, Ain’t I a Woman?, was delivered in 1851 at a women’s right convention in Akron, Ohio. Women were treated very poorly at this time and had no rights. In 1864, during the Civil War, where the north fought the south, I raised food and clothing contributions for black regiments. I then was able to meet Abraham Lincoln at the White House. While there, I tried to challenge the discrimination that segregated street cars by race.
In my experience, our democratic government does not establish equality among Americans. This goes against the goal established by the constitution to secure the blessings of liberty. Securing the blessings of liberty gives everybody the right to freedom as long as the people respect others. Slaves were not free in the south and had to do a lot of laborious work. They were treated very poorly, and were lucky if they survived. This is a factor that prompted the civil war. Also, this time period goes against establishing justice because women were being treated unfairly. Women were not allowed to vote and were pretty much housekeepers who took care of the children. They needed to be helped into carriages and were not able to have a real job. During slavery, the slaves were not taken care of. They worked harder than their bodies could handle and were whipped and given barely any food. This goes against the goal established by the constitution to promote the general welfare.
A huge challenge that I experienced, was trying to get women to understand how unfairly we were being treated. At this time, men controlled women, so fighting back was a hard thing to do. I gave a very powerful speech, Ain’t I a Women?, which moved many people. Overcoming slavery was a challenge because the south wanted slavery and the north didn’t. This helped to start the Civil War, which was a brutal time. The north won and slavery ended on April 18, 1865. After the war ended, I spoke again, mainly to white audiences, and mostly on African Americans and women’s rights. I tried to organize efforts to provide jobs for black refugees from the war. I am in Battle Creek, Michigan. I know I’ve lived my life to the fullest. I am finished giving speeches because my health is not in very good condition. My work is done and I must rest.
-Alexandra Pd.1
Works Cited:
1. PBS Online. "The Civil War and Emancipitation." Africans in America. PBS, n.d.
Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
2. Bristow, Duane. "Sojourner Truth." Duane & Eva's Old Kentucky . N.p., 1995. Web.
22 Mar. 2010. .
3. Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Sojourner Truth." About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2010.
.
4. Strawberry. "Sojourner Truth." Legendary Women with Causes. Strawberry, 27 May
2000. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
Sarah
ReplyDeleteSocial Studies
Period One
March 23, 2010
Charlotte Forten
When I returned home form a long day at school Dad began to update me about Anthony Burns trail. The jury ruled Anthony Burns to be forced back to life as a slave in Virginia due to the Fugitive Slave Act. Two months ago he had successfully escaped from his terrible life working on a plantation in Virginia and made his way up here, to Boston where he was captured. His actions made me more aware of just how fortunate I was to live in the north. Anthony Burn’s case went against establish justice because to establish justice means to create fairness and Anthony burns was not fairly treated because he had to be forced back to Virginia. From then on I knew that I wanted to somehow help free slaves, especially as an abolitionist. In this months volume of the Liberator an Anti-Slavery newspaper; it mentioned having Anti-Slavery meetings every Sunday now so more citizens can become protest their beliefs on slavery. Today August First, 1854 is also the twentieth anniversary of the British emancipation. Everybody is in the street joyfully dancing. I, on the other hand am stating to ponder the meaning of “land of the free.” Within the southern states there are over four million slaves just begging to be free.
After recently graduating from Salem Normal School in Salem, Massachusetts; I applied to teach third and forth grade. In June 1856, I officially became Salem’s first African American school teacher. Later on in 1862 during the Civil War, I applied for another teaching job at the Boston Port Royal Commissions a company provides an education for newly freed slaves on the Sea Islands, South Caroline. It was formed by several private Northern charities. The north in the 1860’s was where the government was located and it promoted the general welfare by making sure everyone in the country has the right to an education. Boston sadly never replied, so I went on and applied with the Philadelphia Commission in my home state of Pennsylvania. I was so excited to find out that I had been hired and I had also earned the title of being the first African American to be hired by Port Royal for an experiment.
There are so many anxious to learn slaves here on St. Helena island. Someone said that eight thousands slaves need an education because their masters on the plantation that they were working on abandon most them due to the fall of the south during the war. The war went against insure domestic tranquility because there was not peace with in the U.S.A because there was a civil war going on. I then went on to publish some essays of mine called Life on the Sea Islands in June of 1864. From then on I still continue to stand up for my beliefs especially on slavery.
Works Cited
Charlotte, Forten L. A Free Black Girl before the Civil War. Mankato Minnesota: Blue Earth Books,
2000. Print.
"Charlotte Forten Grimke." Women in History. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. http://www.lkwdpl.org/
wihohio/grim-cha.htm.
Literary and Cultural Heritage Map of Pennsylvania. N.p., 17 Feb. 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
https://secureapps.libraries.psu.edu/PACFTB/bios/biography.cfm?AuthorID=154.
MAcEachern, Sally, and Aruna Vasudevan. African American Biographies. Danbury, Connecticut:
Scholastic Library Publishing, 2006. Print.
"Port Royal Experiment ." Wikipedia. N.p., 8 Jan. 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Royal_Experiment.
Nick
ReplyDeletePd. 2
March 24, 1854
I, Sojourner Truth, have just returned from a very exciting evening. In the past two years I have met many prominent people, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe [Ashley and Butler]. But tonight -- in Northampton, Massachusetts -- I was the most nervous that I have been in all my encounters [Washington, p 269]. I was asked unexpectedly to give the opening speech preceding Theodore Parker, whom I greatly admire. I guess I did a good job, even though English is not my first language. “So there it was -- De first words he said was ‘Well now Sojourner Truth say’ and then he went on and teld what I said and it sounded most beautiful.” [Washington, p. 269] My Gold Coast African grandparents [Washington, p. 10] are smiling down on me.
It’s a topsy-turvy world I am in right now. There are so many different groups. There are the abolitionists, the ex-slave owners, rowdy young men who go from camp to camp harassing the people there [Butler, p 52]. Here in the north, our cause is gaining more followers. However, I am worried that my brothers and sisters in the new states might not be free. I hear that in Kansas and Nebraska, guerilla warfare is breaking out [Butler, p 83]. I sincerely hope that our president, Franklin Pierce, can stop an all out war.
Tonight the spirit moved me and some good preaching was done, but there is still a long way to go. The slaves still aren’t free in the south; women and blacks still can not vote in the north; many freed slaves are living in poverty. There are so many challenges that we are facing right now. We can use our free speech rights to change the minds of the southerners. But, while those minds are being changed, it doesn’t hurt to bring slaves north using the Underground Railroad. Also, it is important for women to “put their shoulder to the wheel” and to vote. “Women could set matters aright and keep them that way; they must set to work and drag the world right side up, disentangling it from the snarl men have willfully got it into.”[Washington, p.259].
Works Cited
Ashley, Martin L, and Mary G Butler. "http://www.sojournertruth.org/History/Biography/NY.htm."
http://www.sojournertruth.org/Default.htm. Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek,
n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
Butler, Mary G. Sojourner Truth:From Slave to Activist for Freedom. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2003.
Washington, Margaret. Sojourner Truth's America. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 2009. Print.
Dear Diary,
ReplyDeleteI, Sojourner Truth, have witnessed a terrible injustice today, June 16th, 1863. I traveled to Freedmen’s Village in Washington D.C. The families of black soldiers’ were had barely supplies to live. There was clothing that had been donated to these people, because they could not afford to buy their own. Instead, as I discovered they had to buy this donated clothing. Local whites in the area of Washington D.C. had been kidnapping small black children and forcing them into slavery. The challenges for equality for blacks are facing is a problem America has been facing for years. Many blacks are enslaved, and the emancipation order will not apply to all of them. Even those of us who are lucky enough to be free, we still face inequality when looking for new jobs and getting an education because of the color of our skin. These challenges are not overcome because of the way people think of us, even though we are not slaves anymore.
Dear Diary,
The way the government is run now, there is not equality for all Americans. The blacks are treated as a lower class, sometimes not even as humans. Even if we are not enslaved, we are thought of as not important. I only wish that the Civil War will change the way all people are thought of in America. Everyone should have the same rights and be treated the same way. No one should ever e excluded from anything because of the color of their skin. I hope that one day everyone will tolerant of each other and that America will someday be equal for everyone.
Yours fondly,
Sojourner Truth
-Claire p.2
Butler, Mary G., and Martin L. Ashley. "Sojourner's Amazing Life ... and
Beyond." Sojournertruth.org. Sojourner Truth Inst., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.sojournertruth.org/History/Biography/Default.htm
Langston, Donna. "Sojourner Truth." Fofweb.com. Facts on File, 2002. Web. 24
Mar. 2010. http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/
default.asp?ItemID=WE42&NewItemID=True
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Sojourner Truth: Abolitionist, Minister, Ex-Slave, Woman's
Rights Activist." Womenshisotory.about.com. About.com, n.d. Web. 24 Mar.
2010.
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/sojournertruth/a/sojourner_truth_bio.htm
Savage, Augusta, and Cicely Tyson. African American Biographies. Danbury, CT:
Grolier, 2006. Print.
Schwarz, Philip. African Americans during the Civil War. New York, NY:
Inforbase, 2006. Print
Dear Diary,
ReplyDeleteI see all the injustice of the slavery that there is today. The end of legal slavery for all blacks was to be July 4, 1827. I was within days of being freed; Mr. Dumont and I agreed I would be free one year before the end of legal slavery. The end was so close, and I could imagine the land my family would own once we were free. However, during this time, I injured my hand. Because of my injury, I could not work as well as I could when I was healed. My owner decided I would not be freed at the said date. Instead, I was forced to stay and continue to work for him (still without pay) until the wool-spinning for the winter. After this was completed, I gathered my youngest child, Sophia, and I fled the household, leaving my husband Thomas and the rest of my family. My other children could not join me because they were not legally freed in the emancipation order. In my 30 years I had never done anything so difficult. I think of them every waking minute and miss them more and more everyday.
Sophia and I went to live with a very, very kind family named the Van Wagerners. When Mr. Dumont came looking for us, they graciously paid twenty-five dollars for our freedom. The next year, I filed a lawsuit for my son, Peter. He had been illegally traded in New York. The lawsuit was a success, and he is now living with me. I tried to keep him out of trouble, but when you live in New York that is difficult to do. Peter went out on a whaling ship called Zone. Over the years I got a total of five letters from him. However, when the boat returned, Peter was not among the men on the boat. I have not seen him in years.
-Claire p.2
Rebecca period 2
ReplyDeleteDear Diary, October 14th, 1863
Today I was disgraced and out raged. After arriving in Tennessee, just after the battle has cleared, with a qualifying note from Assistant Surgeon General R.C. Wood, I was turned down. I am not allowed to become a surgeon in this camp, instead, Surgeon General Finely, would like to have me as a nurse. This is unjust and prejudiced. I am a highly qualified woman, one of the first to be accepted into Syracuse Medical College. As the battles go on with more force than ever, our soldiers are dying faster and becoming ill by the minute. There’s only so much that these men can handle. At one point, I’ll need to step in. When I came to the camp I expected to be welcomed as a surgeon, seeing that I have such great experience with injuries. Instead, I was asked to simply remain as a nurse. Why I am not respected among these men I do not know. I am a college graduate just as they are and much better in my work than they will ever be. The Constitution was written to free us all, giving rights to those who have been mistreated. Instead, it left out those who needed respect and freedom, women and slaves. That’s the reason this whole war is ragging on. And because man failed to include someone like the slaves, or me I’m the one being discriminated because I’m trying to help those fighting for their freedom. It truly is a vicious cycle. Soon, I will write to the Secretary of War, asking for my rightful position as a surgeon.
-Mary Walker
Dear Diary, November 20th, 1863,
Today I mailed the letter to the Secretary of War, asking for his permissions to become the lead surgeon of the site. I only hope he will take my skill and respectability into account. Not only do I care for the cause, I care for the patients, we’ve all become friends. I’ve seen men shot in the stomach, barely holding on to life. There was a young man today who I had to watch get his arm sawed off. The worst part was I had no way to help him. Until I become a surgeon, I must idly stand by. Hopefully I did not come off rude in my letter to the Secretary. I simply asked for permission to do my best work on the field. Here’s a small segment of my letter asking for power over soldiers and medical actions around camp. “I would like authority to in list them in any loyal states. And also the authority to tell them that I will act as First Assistant Surgeon”. At the age of 31 I am in my prime and ready to be of use in this war. I’m sick of waiting around and acting like a woman, I have rights. At least, I should have rights! These men are obviously intimidated by a woman in bloomers! It seems that until I receive a reply I’m stuck as a nurse. I do hope the letter comes soon.
-Mary Walker
to be continued...
Rebecca period 2 CONTINUED
ReplyDeleteDecember 1863,
I do not know what day it is. As the weeks go by, camp becomes more depressed than ever. More and more sickly men arrive, needing crucial treatment. If anyone could help them, it’d be me. However, I’m stuck blending into the background. All my attempts to put my skills to work have been shot down and declined. The letter arrived at camp today. Unfortunately, it brought bad news. I was not given permission to become a surgeon and was ordered to continue my duties as a nurse. He had the nerve to say no. As the Civil war continues to leave thousands dead I simply refuse to stand by and watch these poor men suffer. I’m tired of pushed aside by men who don’t know of the power that all women possess. I will try again, and fight for my honor like a real woman would. I am Mary Walker and no one will leave me in the dust. I intend to write to Lincoln next, if he can’t understand my predicament, no one will. There's so much to get done around here and I barely find the time to write to my own family. When I have the time, I will be sure to write to him. Until I get my way, I will remain as a nurse. I know one day my time will come.
-Mary Walker
Works Cited
American Association of University Women. Distunguished Woman of past and Present. St. Lawrence County, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.northnet.org/stlawrenceaauw/walker.htm.
Joinson, Clara. Civil War Doctor: The Story of Mary Walker. GreensBoro, North Carolina: Morgal Raynolds, 2007. Print.
“Mary Edwards Walker.” About North Dakota. Golden Ink, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://ngeorgia.com/ang/Mary_Edwards_Walker.
Synder, Charles McCool. “Dr. Mary Walker: The Little Lady in Pants.” About.com:Women’s History. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blbio_mary_edwards_walker.htm.
Women In History. “Mary Edwards Walker.” Women in History. N.p., 9 Mar. 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/walk-mar.htm.
May 29, 1851
ReplyDeleteDear Diary,
Today was a very exciting day for all women especially me. I attended the woman’s rights convention here in Akron, Ohio. Although most thought I was insane, I really think I moved some people to believe that men and women truly are equal. After all, I was the only African American. I decided to call my speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” In my speech I told stories about when I was a slave and then connected that to women’s rights. One day I hope that all I am doing now will free women, and make them just as equal as men. I also hope to be able to help free all slaves, I know what it is like to have the rough life of a slave and I won’t rest until every last one is free. I could have said so much more at my speech today. I could have spoken about my dead son James or how I ran away at dusk from one of my owners, barely escaping with my infant daughter Sophia. I am just glad I got that chance to raise awareness about slavery and women’s rights today.
I hope to one day be reunited with my husband Thomas and my three other children. It has been hard being a single mother with my youngest daughter Sophia. I hope that they will one day be free like Sophia and I. It is unfair to be living in a world of such inequalities. I believe that every person is equal. It doesn’t matter if you are black or white, or if you are a man or a woman. Every person was made equal and if no one follows through with that, then the government is not securing the blessings of liberty. This means that everyone has the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If there are still slaves in this world that can not own their own land, two thirds of that right is being violated.
I would know that it is very difficult to be a slave. You get separated from your family, you are forced to work, and you are often beat up by your owner. It is a huge challenge that we as slaves have to overcome by becoming equal with the wealthy white people, although, if they are not willing to cooperate, we will have to try even harder. The only way to win this battle is to never give up. Eventually, blacks and whites will be equal, it is so foolish that you get treated differently because you have a different skin color then some one else. If you let foolish things like that get in the way, you may never meet your soul mate or find your best friend. Never judge someone based on appearance. I’ll write another entry when I know my family is safe. Good bye for now!
Works Cited
African American Biographies. Danbury, CN: Grolier, 2006. Print.
Brezina, Corona. Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Women?” Speech: A Primary Source Investigation. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group , 2005. Print.
Lewis, Jone Johnson. “Sojourner Truth.” about.com. about.com, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Sojourner Truth.” ThinkQuest. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Sojourner Truth (Isabella Baumfree).” Women In History. Lakewood Public Library, 20 Oct. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
-By Megan Newhard period 2
Caroline Pd. 4
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Cady Stanton
May, 1851
Today will most certainly be a memorable day in my life- I met a friend I know I will have for the rest of my life. Miss Susan B. Anthony. She was dressed in gray silk, with a blue scarf, and her face reflected all the excitement I was feeling. We had very similar childhoods in that we were both free to have primary schooling and such, and became involved in our belief of true freedom of women and African Americans at a young age. I did not, to my later regret and hers as well, invite her to dinner at my house with the nobles. She always greatly stimulates conversation- we both have firm beliefs in the divorce rights, voting rights, and schooling rights of women. As said by a dear friend of both of us, “Mrs. Stanton is a fine writer, but a poor executant; Miss Anthony is a thorough manager, but a poor writer. Both have large brains and great hearts; neither has any selfish ambition for celebrity; but each vies with the other in a noble enthusiasm for the cause to which they are devoting their lives.” We complement the other marvelously.
Later that day, after my luncheon, I joined Miss Anthony once again- this time outside the courthouse of a chief city. At this particular rally, we along with an overwhelming number of women fought for the right to attend universities. The battle is slow and strenuous, but I believe we are wearing down the hard armor surrounding their hearts. A very winning factor in our arguments, I believe, is the recently established “Women’s Bible”, which I composed along with other women and bible scholars interested in highlighting and annotating the parts of the bible which illuminate on the fact that women and men are indeed created equal.
I went to bed imagining a speech I might deliver to the doubting men in our area. I would take bits and pieces from the bible, my life, the futures of my daughters, etc.. I am quite looking forward to running this through with Miss Anthony tomorrow over the light lunch we have schedualed. A title I fancy, although I must check with Susan that it is not overly wishy-washy, is “A Solitude of Self”. “The isolation of every human soul and the necessity of self-dependence must give each individual the right, to choose his own surroundings.” I am feeling rather proud right now of that quote of which I envision will inevitably impress the Congress. Someday, things will change, and I vow to help make that happen in any way I can.
"Elizabeth Cady Stanton Biography." www.biography.com. A & E Television
Networks, 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
"Solitude of Self- 1892." http://womenshistory.about.com. The New York Times
Company, 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton Quotes."
www.famousquotesandauthors.com. N.p., 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
.
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady, and Jone Johnson Lewis. "Elizabeth Cady Stanton:
Reminisces." http://womenshistory.about.com. The New York Times Company,
2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Ward, Geoffrey C. "Not for Ourselves Alone." www.pbs.org. WETA, n.d. Web. 25
Mar. 2010. .
Brandon E
ReplyDeleteDoyle Period 6
Rebecca Lee and the Medical Degree
Since I was born in 1840, I've always had a love for helping those in need of care. I'm just so interested in the way our bodies function and the problems that they may face, as well as a cure to those problems. Then I decided it was time to take action and pursue a medical career. At age 12 I moved to Charlottetown, Massachusetts where I worked as a nurse for 8 years. I had little to no medical experience yet I was a very successful nurse for my work there.
When I became old enough to attend college I faced many obstacles because of my African American heritage. The majority of colleges would not allow me to study my interests there based on my race. Fortunately, there was a college that recently opened up allowing the attendance of African American women. So, in 1860 I was admitted to the New England Female Medical College. I strived to do my best and thankfully, my hard work paid off. I graduated in 1864 and became the first African American women to earn an M.D. degree. I was given the name "Doctor of Medicine." Not only that, but I was the first African American women to graduate from the college itself.
After graduation I spent time living and practicing medicine in Boston. Then in 1865 I moved to Richmond, Virginia after the Civil War had finally come to an end. While over there, I worked with other Black doctors in order to help freed slaves with their illnesses and injuries. We tried our best to stay strong but it soon became a challenge. We had to deal with those who were against us by threatening us with extreme racism. After life slowed down and became easier for me, I chose to write a book in 1883. The book , "A Book of Medical Discourses" was based on my journal notes that I took during my time as a doctor in medical practice. After that, I married my husband, Arthur Crumpler, before returning to my old home in Boston. Then in 1880, I moved to Hyde Park, Massachusetts where I finally retired from a very successful career. In spite of all the obstacles that I had to overcome, I could finally spend my days as a free African American woman.
Aisha. "Woman Hero: Rebecca Lee Crumpler." My Hero. N.p., 28 Jan. 2009. Web. 23
Mar. 2010. http://www.myhero.com/go/
hero.asp?hero=Crumpler_New_Haven.
Childress, Diana. "One Invention at a Time." Foot Steps May 2004: 15. Print
Diaz, Sara. "Crumpler , Rebecca Davis Lee (1831?-1895)." BlackPast.org. N.p.,
2007. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aah/
crumpler-rebecca-davis-lee-1831-1895.
"Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler." www.nlm.nih.gov. N.p., 1 Jan. 1993. Web. 23 Mar.
2010. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/changingthefaceofmedicine/physicians/
biography_73.html.
Gray, Madison. "Rebecca Lee Crumpler a Medical Milestone." TIME. N.p., n.d. Web.
24 Mar. 2010. http://www.time.com/time/2007/blackhistmth/bios/
03.html.
Gabby Pd9
ReplyDelete...CONTINUED
This movement can relate to the democratic government and how it establishes equality among Americans. Before I made a difference in women’s rights the government didn’t establish equality. Women’s rights are an example of equality because our democratic government is based on everyone being equal and independent. And the deal with Women’s rights is that not everyone was equal since they had men doing certain things that woman could not do. The people just expected us to do work around the house and never get an education of our own. But now, women have all the same rights as men and it is completely fair. But the certain challenges to equality are different. The certain challenges to equality were that men didn’t want their rights to be shared with women and that was just unfair. But although it was a hard struggle, we still were able to become equal with men.
Sincerely,
Susan B. Anthony
Works Cited
"Abolition, Women's Rights, and Temperance Movements." Nps.gov. N.p., 9 Jan. 2007. Web. 25 Mar.
2010. .
"Biography of Susan B. Anthony." Biography of Susann B. Anthony. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
.
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Susan B. Anthony Women's Suffrage Pioneer." About.com. New York Times Co.,
2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
Linder, Doug. "The Trial of Susan B. Anthony for Illegal Voting." The Trial of Susan B. Anthony for
Illegal Voting. N.p., 2001. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
"Susan Brownell Anthony." Western New York Suffragists. Rochester Regional Lib Council, 2000. Web.
25 Mar. 2010. .
Gabby Pd 9/Susan B. Anthony
ReplyDeleteApril 10, 1850
Adams, Massachusetts
Dear Diary,
I believe that everyone should be equal. But right now, many people choose to disagree with me. But I really don’t see what makes women different from men. Growing up, my house was ruled by Daniel Anthony, my father. He was probably the sternest man I’ve ever known. Being the strict man he was he always pushed my six sisters and I to do our best in every single thing we did. I grew up learning self-discipline was very important so now I am taking what I learned from my father and fighting for what I believe in. I have been doing that since I was a kid and now that I am 30 years old, I will do whatever it takes to make sure that women have rights that they deserve. The first time I attended my first women’s rights convention I became interested in woman’s rights. I must say that it was so much better than when I joined the Daughters Temperance. That place was disgraceful. Did you know that in the Temperance rally they had, I was not allowed to speak because I was a woman? It’s a good thing that I left that horrid place.
When I went to that convention, I wanted to make a difference in women’s rights and I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me from doing it. Therefore, I made three movements for women’s rights. The three movements were temperance, labor, and education. Temperance would change the way women acted, labor would allow women to be able to work like men, and education would allow us to get smarter rather than all the men going to school. These three topics were very important to me because it is what men believed they had the right to do those things and expected us to stay away from their rights. With those three movements, I then help organize the Whole World’s Temperance Convention which helped woman like me to get interested in woman’s rights and to fight for it. Doing that made me feel good. Although I got many women on my side, I still felt like I could do more than this. So I kept going.
That same year, I traveled to Rochester, New York to outline wages for women in the city. Also while in Rochester, I went to a teachers meeting while I was there and I demanded that women in the school would be allowed to participate in women discussions that were usually only for men to do. After that, I felt more confident than ever. I decided to go to the University of Rochester and try and persuade them to bring women in so that they could get an education. And believe it or not, it worked! I felt very proud of myself of how I left Rochester. I believed that I did great opening women’s rights to so many options. After that was done, I began to focus on women’s suffrage for their right to vote. And because I kept pushing myself, I was the one to create the American Equal Rights Association. When election day came, I witnessed seven or eight women cast their votes. And to be honest, it was one of the best moments of my life. But just because I opened the possibility fir women to finally vote, that didn’t mean it happened right away. After everything I have done so far, that still doesn’t seem like enough to me. I will keep pushing myself until women’s rights are allowed.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Virginie P.4
ReplyDeleteMy name is Susan B. Anthony. My family and I are Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of friends and we believe that everyone should have equal rights, there should be no slavery, and there should be no armed conflicts. My parents taught us how to rely on ourselves, to discipline ourselves, and to become against slavery. When I was nineteen years old, I left to become a teacher in rural towns in New York, because it was the only job I was able to do. Being a teacher was an unfair job, though, because men made five times more money than women, even if they weren’t better teachers.
After teaching for about ten years, in 1849, I joined a local temperance society. The purpose of the temperance society was to stop men from spending all their money on alcohol and neglecting their families. I wanted to talk at the meetings, but I was told by the white men that I was not allowed to. That made me feel like I had no voice, no membership, and no rights. It was a perfect example of how my country treated black people and all women unfairly because we couldn’t own land, vote, or even talk in temperance society meetings.
In 1851, I met a woman named Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and we became very good friends for the rest of our lives. We both began working very hard for women’s’ suffrage. I began to notice even more examples of unfairness towards women in the United States, thanks to my religion. Elizabeth and I went around the United States giving speeches and making petitions to help give us more rights. I began participating in the National Women's Rights Convention every year, where I was allowed to speak. In1868, I published a journal called The Revolution and the motto was “The true republic — men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.” The Republic talked about things such as equal pay and the right to vote. I created it to try and persuade people to support women’s suffrage. Fourteen years after I died, my hard work paid off and the 19th amendment was added to the Bill of Rights.
Sources:
Anthony, Susan B. "Speech on Behalf of the Woman Suffrage Amendment." Facts On File. N.p., n.d. Web.
25 Mar. 2010. .
Benson, Sonia, Daniel E. Brannen, and Rebecca Valentine. UXL Encyclopedia of U.S. History Volume 1:
A-B. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2009. Print.
Curtis, Claire. "Anthony, Susan B." Facts on File. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010.
.
Langston, Donna. A to Z of American Women Leaders and Activists. www.fofweb.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25
Mar. 2010. .
Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "Anthony, Susan B." Facts On File. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
.
Battle Creek, Michigan
ReplyDeleteOctober 16th 1883
My name is Sojourner Truth. I’m eighty five, I’m an African American, and I was a slave. But most importantly, I’m a woman. I’m starting to slow down and I think I lived a long life. I feel that at my age I’ve done a great deal in my life and motivated and inspired others. My real name is Isabella Baumfree. I was born in 1797 in Ulster County, New York to Elizabeth and James Baumfree who were both slaves. I was one of thirteen children though I never was able to spend my life with them because I was sold off at only age nine. My first master I was sold to was Charles Hardenberg who died in 1808. I was then sold to John Neely for one hundred dollars along with a few sheep. At the time I spoke Dutch, but John beat me severely so I could learn English. Once he had whipped me with “a bundle of rods, prepared in the embers, and bound together with cords.” In harsh times like this, I would turn to religion for a sense of hope. When I was beaten or scared I would pray aloud. I was then sold to my third master, Martinus Schryver who purchased me for one hundred and five dollars. But only a year and a half later, I was sold again to John Dumont who treated me so brutally harsh. I fell in love at a young age of eighteen to a boy named Robert. He was a former slave who belonged to a man named Catlin. His owner never understood our relationship and wanted him to have children with his own slaves or else he could no longer keep Robert. Robert came to visit me one night but he was followed by his owner who beat him so hard he bruised him and mangled his face so badly. Sadly, I never saw my first love ever again.
I had five children with a slave named Thomas. Mr. Dumont told me he would free me a year before they would abolish slaves but he did not live up to his promise so I fled with my infant Sophia. I came across the home of Isaac and Maria Van Wagner who took such good care of me. I began turning to a religious group and left Ulster County. I was the housekeeper for a while but after the leader died the family who owned the house saw me suspicious so I then settled into New York City. On June 1, 1843, I changed my name to Sojourner Truth. I picked the name because Sojourner means to be a traveler and Truth means to be genuine or real. I later joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry in Massachusetts. The association strongly believed in a woman’s rights and anti-slavery but the company disbanded because of such debt. In 1854 I gave my famous speech called “Ain’t I a Woman?”
After the Civil War ended I moved into Battle Creek where I began campaigning for the federal government to provide former slaves with land but I got little success. I know I might die soon but my dream was to see all slaves free. This is very dear to my heart because myself, my parents, and my siblings were all slaves. African Americans all over this country have fought like me but I am a very lucky woman that I was never killed at an early age. The color of our skin or our gender does not determine that anyone should be any better. We were all created equal but some people don’t recognize that. I know I have accomplished so much in my life and I hope that when and wherever I preached I changed someone’s life.
-Julia period 4
Bio. True Story. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. .
Brezina, Corona. Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" Speech. New York, NY: The
Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2005. Print.
Butler, Mary G. "Sojourner Truth a Life and Legacy of Faith." Sojourner Truth
Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2010.
.
feminist.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
"Sojourner Truth Biography." Woman in History. N.p., 20 Oct. 2009. Web. 23 Mar.
2010. .
Mary R pd. 1
ReplyDeleteDear Eliza Jane,
I am so happy that I have found you! For many years I have been in search of you, my daughter, but with no prevail. My, it has been a long time now hasn’t it, sugar? The last time I saw you was … in 1835, nearly fifty years ago. I sure won’t be expecting those chubby cheeks that I’m used to, now will I? Well I’ll let you become more acquainted with your old mama before I bring you home.
Currently, I am eighty-two years old (I know, how the time does fly) and am still on the move. Poor, yes quite poor, but I have done great things. Eliza Jane, the things that I have accomplished have aided so many distressed, poor, and enslaved people of non color and color alike. After our family was broken up (I have heard nothing from your siblings or father) I was sold to a man who eventually died, which later set me free. Now, being a free, old spinster of color, I had very few opportunities. I thought to myself, ‘Now what could a woman do to earn a living. What are my strengths?’ The first thing that came to mind was laundry. Believe or not, my child, my laundry business made me some money, and deepened my yearning to find you are the rest of our family.
That’s how I managed to come to the good old land of Central City, Colorado. Here, I truly witnessed how unfair our society can be. Black men and women would show up on my doorstep, practically begging for work because all of the other openings required their skin color to be cracker white. It’s horrible, so of course I housed the poor darlings. I set them out into the world with full bellies and hope with our Lord. I’ve learned to depend on Christ through my hardships. Everybody tells me that I must be going through an awful time having lost my family and being low on cash. I just tell them that I used to think that it was hard, and I tell them to think about our Blessed Lord who was crucified. My little sufferings are nothing, honey, and the Lord gives me strength to bear up under them. I’m not complaining. Oh, but how we all are treated unequally because of the rich tone of our skin really gets to me. Honey child, I always want you to remember that EVERYONE is equal. That is the way it should be, and so far, nothing is being done. Well, I’ll stop with my blabbering! I will see you so very soon.
My forever love,
Your Mama, Clara Brown
Works Cited
“Clara Brown.” Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, 9 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Clara Brown Biography.” www.biography.com. A & E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Denver’s Characters: Clara Brown.” www.Denvergov.org. Denver, Colorado Government, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Who Was Aunt Clara Brown?” Linda Lowery and Richard Keep Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 2 - Tier Software, Inc., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
William, Loren Katz. Black Women of the Old West. New York, New York: Enthrac Publications, Inc., 1995. Print.
Dear Eliza Jane,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that I have found you! For many years I have been in search of you, my daughter, but with no prevail. My, it has been a long time now hasn’t it, sugar? The last time I saw you was … in 1835, nearly fifty years ago. I sure won’t be expecting those chubby cheeks that I’m used to, now will I? Well I’ll let you become more acquainted with your old mama before I bring you home.
Currently, I am eighty-two years old (I know, how the time does fly) and am still on the move. Poor, yes quite poor, but I have done great things. Eliza Jane, the things that I have accomplished have aided so many distressed, poor, and enslaved people of non color and color alike. After our family was broken up (I have heard nothing from your siblings or father) I was sold to a man who eventually died, which later set me free. Now, being a free, old spinster of color, I had very few opportunities. I thought to myself, ‘Now what could a woman do to earn a living. What are my strengths?’ The first thing that came to mind was laundry. Believe or not, my child, my laundry business made me some money, and deepened my yearning to find you are the rest of our family.
That’s how I managed to come to the good old land of Central City, Colorado. Here, I truly witnessed how unfair our society can be. Black men and women would show up on my doorstep, practically begging for work because all of the other openings required their skin color to be cracker white. It’s horrible, so of course I housed the poor darlings. I set them out into the world with full bellies and hope with our Lord. I’ve learned to depend on Christ through my hardships. Everybody tells me that I must be going through an awful time having lost my family and being low on cash. I just tell them that I used to think that it was hard, and I tell them to think about our Blessed Lord who was crucified. My little sufferings are nothing, honey, and the Lord gives me strength to bear up under them. I’m not complaining. Oh, but how we all are treated unequally because of the rich tone of our skin really gets to me. Honey child, I always want you to remember that EVERYONE is equal. That is the way it should be, and so far, nothing is being done. Well, I’ll stop with my blabbering! I will see you so very soon.
My forever love,
Your Mama, Clara Brown
Works Cited
“Clara Brown.” Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, 9 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Clara Brown Biography.” www.biography.com. A & E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Denver’s Characters: Clara Brown.” www.Denvergov.org. Denver, Colorado Government, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
“Who Was Aunt Clara Brown?” Linda Lowery and Richard Keep Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 2 - Tier Software, Inc., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2010. .
William, Loren Katz. Black Women of the Old West. New York, New York: Enthrac Publications, Inc., 1995. Print.