25 African American Speeches That Changed America

Everyone will appreciate this collection of speeches and the significant contribution the speaker has made to the history of the United States of America. Arguably, these twenty five speeches, spanning over two centuries, have left an indelible mark on all of us. These orations, given at times of national and/or regional turmoil, are targeted and address the historic issues of the time. However, do not be fooled, these speeches represent more than just a moment in history. In many ways, these speeches themselves actually changed history, because they evoked our national conscience to take action on an issue or spurred us to make political, educational or economic changes. Differing philosophies are reflected in this book; most notably W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington presentations are included. Dubois and Washington differed on the strategies for black economic and social development. Both viewpoints are given equal time in this collection. Some of the most noted African-American men and women of their times are included in this book across a broad spectrum of thought. This was done purposefully so that the wide range of the African American experience would be addressed. The ideas expressed in these orations are enduring; they portray the historical soul of a people. Each of these speeches is also unique in its focus, and is layered in the philosophical and complicated current events of the time. Truly, each speech is word-music. When one reads the words of these speeches, one cannot help but appreciate the poetry and passion of each word. Includes orations from the following: - Frederick Douglas - Sojourner Truth - Colin Powell - Frances Watkins Harper - President Barack Obama - Ida Wells - Marcus Garvey - Ralph Bunche - Shirley Chisholm - Barbara Jordan - Rev. Jesse Jackson - Nathaniel Paul - Tim Scott - Malcolm X - Dr. Martin Luther King