thecivilwarparlor:
Frederick Douglass -Source-The Art Institute of Chicago -Date-1847-52 |Author-Samuel J. Miller; American, 1822-1888
Frederick Douglass stood up to speak in favor of women’s right to vote.
In 1848, Douglass was the only African American to attend the first women’s right’s convention, Many of those present opposed the idea, including influential Quakers. Douglass stood and spoke eloquently in favor; he said that he could not accept the right to vote as a black man if women could not also claim that right. He suggested that the world would be a better place if women were involved in the political sphere.
“In this denial of the right to participate in government, not merely the degradation of woman and the perpetuation of a great injustice happens, but the maiming and repudiation of one-half of the moral and intellectual power of the government of the world.”
Douglass’ powerful words rang true with enough attendees that the resolution passed.
