Great Women’s Great Speeches

Enlightened MotherhoodNovember 15, 1892 before theBrooklyn Literary Society It is nearly thirty years since an emancipated people stood on the threshold of a new era, facing an uncertain future- a legally unmarried race, to be taught the sacredness of the marriage relations; an ignorant people, to be taught to read of the Christian law and […]

Address on Woman’s RightsOctober 19, 1851 My Friends: -The observing and reflecting mind that casts his vision far beyond the panoramic scenes of every-day life, must perceive that our present age is fast ripening for the most important changes in the affairs of man. The desire for Freedom has shaken Europe to its very centre.

On Free SpeechACLU Biennial Conference New York City-June 22, 1995 You know, I want to speak to you today about the creative imagination and censorship and why censorship is such a dire threat to creative people. But first I want to define some terms. I think that one of the reasons that we are embroiled

First Anniversary of the American Equal Rights AssociationMay 9, 1867 In considering the question of suffrage, there are two starting points: one, that this right is a gift of society, in which certain men, having inherited this privilege from some abstract body and abstract place, have now the right to secure it for themselves and

What Libraries Mean To The NationThe District Of Columbia Library Association Dinner—April 1, 1936 It has been a great pleasure to be here this evening and to hear all the things that have been said about libraries in the district and in general, and the librarians, without whom the libraries would be of little use,

Now We Can BeginCrystal Eastman, 1920 what tasks remain after the vote was won Most women will agree that August 23, the day when the Tennessee legislature finally enacted the Federal suffrage amendment, is a day to begin with, not a day to end with. Men are saying perhaps “Thank God, this everlasting woman’s fight

Republican National ConventionRepublican National Convention—Tuesday August 1, 2000 Ladies and gentlemen, fellow delegates from the Golden State of California and fellow delegates from across this great country.Tonight, we gather to reflect on America’s unique opportunity to lead the forward march of freedom and to fortify the peace.We offer special thanks to all those Private Ryans

The Crisis1916, Atlantic City, New Jersey I have taken for my subject, “The Crisis,” because I believe that a crisis has come in our movement which, if recognized and the opportunity seized with vigour, enthusiasm and will, means the final victory of our great cause in the very near future. I am aware that some

Stand Up For America RallyFebruary 2003 I’m here tonight because the men and the women of the United States military have given their lives for my freedom. I am not here tonight because Sheryl Crowe, Rosie O’Donnell, Martin Sheen, George Clooney, Jane Fonda or Phil Donahue, sacrificed their lives for me.If my memory serves me

Fundamental Principle Of A Republic New York State equal suffrage campaign at the City Opera House in Ogdenburg, New York on June 21, 1915.When I came into your hall tonight, I thought of the last time I was in your city. Twenty- one years ago I came here with Susan B. Anthony, and we came

1988 DNC Keynote Address Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, very much.Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Buenas noches, mis amigos.I’m delighted to be here with you this evening, because after listening to George Bush all these years, I figured you needed to know what a real Texas accent sounds like.Twelve years ago Barbara Jordan, another

Trading With PrinciplesInternational Forum On Globalisation’s Tech-In—Seattle, Washington—November 27, 1999 We are in Seattle arguing for a world trade system that puts basic human rights and the environment at its core. We have the most powerful corporations of the world ranged against us. They own the media that informs us—or fails to inform us. And