A Century of Great African American Speeches: Oratory that Shaped a Nation

The history of the United States is inextricably intertwined with the voices of African Americans. From the depths of slavery to the heights of the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans have used their voices to speak out against injustice, demand equality, and inspire hope.

Say It Plain: A Century of Great African American Speeches

by Geoffrey C. Fuller

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	455 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	288 pages
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This article is a tribute to a century of great African American speeches. These speeches have shaped the course of American history and continue to inspire us today.

The 19th Century: Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818. He escaped to freedom in 1845 and became a leading abolitionist and orator. Douglass's speeches were powerful and eloquent, and they helped to galvanize the anti-slavery movement.

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in 1797. She escaped to freedom in 1827 and became a leading abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth's speeches were fiery and passionate, and they helped to raise awareness of the plight of slaves and women.

The 20th Century: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in 1929. He became a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. King's speeches were eloquent and persuasive, and they helped to inspire millions of Americans to join the fight for racial equality.

Malcolm X was born in 1925. He became a leading figure in the Nation of Islam in the 1950s and 1960s. Malcolm X's speeches were passionate and fiery, and they helped to raise awareness of the plight of African Americans.

The 21st Century: Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Barack Obama was born in 1961. He was elected President of the United States in 2008, becoming the first African American to hold the office. Obama's speeches are eloquent and inspiring, and they have helped to unite Americans of all races and backgrounds.

Michelle Obama was born in 1964. She is a lawyer, author, and the former First Lady of the United States. Michelle Obama's speeches are powerful and inspiring, and they have helped to empower women and girls around the world.

The speeches of African Americans have played a vital role in shaping the course of American history. These speeches have inspired, motivated, and united Americans of all races and backgrounds. They are a testament to the power of the human voice and the importance of speaking out for justice.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us take time to reflect on the words of these great African American speakers. Let their words inspire us to continue the fight for racial equality and justice.

Say It Plain: A Century of Great African American Speeches

by Geoffrey C. Fuller

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	455 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE