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"Why Sit Here and Die" -Maria W. Stewart
In this speech, Maria Stewart passionately argued that African Americans, particularly African American women, should not passively accept the oppression and injustice they faced. Instead, she called for active resistance against slavery, racial discrimination, and societal inequality. Her work as an orator and writer was groundbreaking, laying the foundation for later African American leaders and activists. -
"What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?"
In this powerful address, Frederick Douglass critiques the hypocrisy of celebrating American independence while millions of African Americans remained enslaved. He challenges the nation’s commitment to liberty, asking how it can celebrate freedom when slavery still exists. The speech is a call for justice and a reflection on the disconnect between American ideals and the reality of slavery. -
Lincolns Inaugural Address
Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address emphasized equality and freedom, laying the foundation for future civil rights movements. His call for a "new birth of freedom" and dedication to the principle that "all men are created equal" was later echoed by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. in his "I Have a Dream" speech. Lincoln's ideals became central to the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring efforts to fulfill the promises of equality in American society. -
"Southern Horrors: Lynch Laws in All Its Phases" -Ida B. Wells
This work is a powerful condemnation of the widespread practice of lynching in the Southern United States. Ida B. Wells used this pamphlet to raise awareness and rally support against the racial violence that claimed the lives of so many African Americans. Through her writings and investigations, she brought national attention to the horrors of lynching, challenging the false justifications used to perpetuate the violence and calling for justice for black victims. -
Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston’s subtly contributes to the Civil Rights Movement by highlighting the resilience of African Americans in the face of oppression. Through Delia's struggle and eventual triumph over her abusive husband, Hurston shows both racial and gender-based power dynamics. Her showing of African American life with pride helped lay the foundation movements that fueled civil rights activism. -
A 'Forgotten History'
This history, often overlooked or minimized in mainstream narratives, shows how various government agencies, from the federal housing programs to the legal structures of the New Deal, played a significant role in institutionalizing racial segregation in housing, education, employment, and beyond. This sparked rioting and protest against the segregating households set by the government. -
The Zoot Suit Riots
The Zoot Suit Riots were a stark illustration of the racial and ethnic tensions in Los Angeles. The media played a significant role in shaping public opinion, often depicting Mexican Americans as troublemakers or enemies of the war effort. Afterwards, the Mexican American community, and many civil rights organizations, protested the treatment of Mexican American youth and the failure of authorities to protect them. -
"Letter to My Nephew"
In this letter, Baldwin writes to his nephew, urging him to understand the weight of being Black in America and the harsh realities of racism. Baldwin stresses the importance of hope, dignity, and the need to confront racism and injustice with courage and resilience. His letter is a call to action, encouraging the younger generation to challenge the system of racial inequality and fight for a more just future.