Katie Darmofal - Timeline: African American Women and the Struggle for Equality lyrics

Throughout history African Americans have faced much adversity in the effort to gain equality. Even more so, African American women face added challenges to this struggle in comparison to their male counterparts. African American women encountered discrimination due to both race and gender, making it even harder for their voices to be heard. Despite this, many African American women and women's organizations were prevalent during this time period and advocated fervently for equality to be achieved. These culture heroes not only affected the world they lived in at the time, but their efforts are still being seen even today. This timeline serves to show the key dates in which African American women impacted their societies and helped bring about change on a global scale. 1773 – First American Book of Poetry by a Black Woman is published Excerpt from Phillis Wheatley's “On Being Brought from Africa to America” (1773) Some view our sable race with scornful eye, 'Their colour is a diabolic die.' Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train 1832 - Creation of the Female Anti-Slavery Society Excerpt from Maria W. Stewart's Lecture Delivered at the Franklin Hall (1832) Let our girls possess whatever amiable qualities of soul they may; let their characters be fair and spotless as innocence itself; let their natural taste and ingenuity be what it may; it is impossible for scarce an individual of them to rise above the condition of servants. 1848 - Woman's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York Excerpt from Frederick Dougla**'s “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Dougla**” (1845) Hailing the brother, sister throng, With words of heavenly union. 1851 - Women's Rights Convention in Akron Excerpt from Sojourner Truth's “Ain't I a Woman” (1853) If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! 1866 - American Equal Rights Association founded Excerpt from Harriet Jacobs “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” (1861) But my heart is so full, and my pen is so weak! There are noble men and women who plead for us, striving to help those who cannot help themselves. God bless them! 1870 – 15th Amendment to the Constitution Excerpt from Anna Julia Cooper's “Womanhood a Vital Element” (1892) Respect for a woman, the much lauded chivalry of the Middle Ages, meant what I fear it still means to some men in our own day – respect for the elect few women whom they expect to consort. 1895 - National Federation of Afro-American Women founded Excerpt from Ida B. Wells-Barnett's “A Red Record” (1895) The colored people of this country who have been loyal to the flag believe the same, and strong in that belief have begun this crusade. 1906 - National League for the Protection of Colored Women Excerpt from Frances E. W. Harper's “An Appeal to My Country Women” (1900) But hark! from our Southland are floating Sobs of anguish, murmurs of pain, And women heart-stricken are weeping Over their tortured and their slain