OFAMERICANS - Brillant Black American Speeches

Course Description

The first speech we will listen to and discuss is Frederick Douglass's “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July,” delivered to the Anti-Slavery Society in Rochester, New
York, on July 5, 1852, also performed by James Earl Jones. Next, we’ll view “Ain’t I a Woman,” by Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, performed by Kerry
Washington. This speech was delivered at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, in 1851. Moving to the 20th century, we'll hear James Baldwin’s “Pindrop
Speech,” given on February 18, 1965, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during a debate against William F. Buckley, which Baldwin won decisively. We cannot
overlook Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech from August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, along with his “Birmingham Jail” letter, which has also
been recognized as a speech. We will hear his “I Have a Dream” speech and listen to him read his “Birmingham Jail” letter. Finally, we’ll watch Barack Obama deliver
the “2004 DNC Keynote Address” on July 27, 2004, in Boston, a speech that played a significant role in launching him towards the presidency. Additional
speeches may also be included. People of all political affiliations or none are welcome to come, share their opinions, and discuss the importance of the First
Amendment, effective writing, and powerful oratory.
Type: Discussion.