Susan B. Anthony
Friends, fellow citizens, and seekers of Justice, I am Susan B. Anthony. To provide some background about myself, I grew up in a Quaker family with a long-standing tradition of activism. You may know my father, who had strong beliefs in Social Justice and was also a successful businessman during the Industrial Revolution. You may know me and my work on temperance or how I cofounded the Women's Loyal National League to press for a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery.
But enough about me; I stand before you today in this vibrant place we call New York City not just as a woman but as a human being who believes in the birthright of every citizen in this nation. Not just for those white men and women, not just for the wealthy, but for all. However, all over our country, we see this racial injustice that many of our fellow men follow, holding a man to the cruelest bondage we call slavery.
I am now going to quote the wise words from our third president, Thomas Jefferson, "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (Declaration of Independence). We mock these words that are the foundation of our republic. Are all men truly equal? Well, if that were the case, I would not be speaking to you today. Shall we keep talking about how we are a free nation when there are millions of unfreed men working for the wealthy? How long shall we raise churches and praise God while denying His children the dignity of their personhood?
Now, let me be clear: slavery is not just a problem in the South. It is a national crime. The cotton that is grown by these enslaved men and women strengthenes the banks in Boston and merchants in New York. The iron shackles and the auctions Southerners hold make the people of the North just as guilty due to their indifference. How are we supposed to make a change if the people don't take a stand?
With this question you are now pondering, let me say this: "Injustice is everyone's concern. And if the laws of this nation bind my tongue from speaking against the oppression of another, then those laws are as unjust as the institution they protect."
The word is slavery will die out on its own. Patience is a virtue. Let me make it clear: "There is no virtue in silence when men, women, and children are sold like cattle." We can not just sit here and wait when we can hear the cries of the oppressed echo all across the nation.
Do not let the comfort of quietness convince you to stop acting against these horrendous crimes. Do not let these claims of compromise persuade you that it's all okay. Every time we sit here and do nothing, there is another moment of a slave suffering. Every moment we sit here in silence, another enslaver believes what he is doing is morally right.
We may not rest until every man and woman that is in this mighty nation is free. Regardless of gender or race, everyone should be recognized as an equal member of this republic. The cause we are fighting for is genuinely excellent. Let us work together and continue to speak out until one day, their shackles are dropped, and we truly are the nation of freedom.
Thank you
Credits:
https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/susan-b-anthony/
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/susan-b-anthony
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