“But there are other Christian women scattered over the Southern States, a very large number of whom have never seen me, and never heard my name, and who feel no interest whatever in me. ‘But I feel an interest in you, as branches of the same vine from whose root I daily draw the principle of spiritual vitality—Yes! Sisters in Christ I feel an interest in you,”.
Angelina Grimké, Appeal to Christian Women of the South, 1836
While reading Angelina Grimké’s words for the first time, I immediately understood the type of person I was listening to. Soon after, She also says, “it is not written in the heat of passion or prejudice but in that solemn calmness…”. True to heart words that deeply crave understanding and support. She speaks to Christian Women of the South to take part in mending the wrongdoings done by their legislation. Pronouncing it a “great moral conflict,” in which it is but appeasing their Christian obligation. Their Christian obligation to gather other Christians, using the Gospel and calling upon change; for it is right and just.
“when unwelcome light is pouring in upon the world on the subject of slavery…. We must come back to the good old doctrine of our forefathers who declared to the world, “this self-evident truth that all men are created equal, and that they have certain inalienable rights among which are, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It is even a greater absurdity to suppose a man can be legally born a slave under our free Republican Government, than under the
Angelina Grimké, Appeal to Christian Women of the South, 1836
petty despotisms of barbarian Africa.”
I understand the sentiment behind the words our forefathers and its use by Angelina Grimké but it leaves me wondering if it was with the idea that “all men” was to include Black Men and Women. I don’t believe it was written with the intent to include any man who wasn’t white. So is this a call to change that narrative as well? Is it the start to change and enforce the idea that when we say “all men” it is to include Black Men and Women?
