Lift Every Voice: African American Oratory, 1787-1901

by Philip S. Foner

Book Overview

This comprehensive anthology will be the standard source for the
study of African American public address for years to come.

For Americans of the 19th century, as W. E. B. Du Bois observed, eloquent
speeches were 'the shining lights of civilization' that both expressed
and sought to improve the lives and communities from which they sprang.
Through political speeches, sermons, lectures, oral testimonies, and ceremonial
addresses,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0817309063
• ISBN13: 9780817309060
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: University Alabama Press
• Length: 944 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.0" x 6.2" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Incredible vision

Listen, this book is a must have for every young black male/female. This book delves into the very essence from which we came. As far back as the 1700`s blacks realized to get ahead they had to speak like the people who where ahead.. This important message has escaped the youth of today as they no longer have been taught of the struggle of the African American, all they know is their current struggle which compared to the backs we stand on is quite a small struggle. If any one is interested in improving the thought process of our youth male and female, they must buy this book.

Reveals a lot of Obscure gems from unsung heroes

For Black History fans, this is a great book in that it reveals a lot of unknown great speeches from forgotten heroes and heroines in the African-American struggle. Here, you'll meeet the likes of William Crogman, Henry McNeil Turner, Joseph C. Price, and Maria W. Stewart who boldly spoke up for African-Americans during the days of slavery and its aftermath. Also, this book contains some lesser-known speeches from the better-known Black heroes of the day like Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and Richard Allen (the latter's eulogy on George Washington will surprise the PC crowd). But in either case, Black History fans will have a field day with this book and I would strongly recommend this for teachers to use with their students.