Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Definition

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a prominent 19th-century African American writer, poet, and activist, known for her work in abolitionism and women's rights. She became one of the first African American women to publish a short story and was instrumental in promoting the rights of Black women through her writings and speeches, linking her work to broader social movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harper's most famous work is the poem 'Bury Me in a Free Land,' which expresses her deep yearning for freedom and highlights the struggle against slavery.
2. She was a key figure at the 1852 National Women's Rights Convention, where she advocated for both racial and gender equality.
3. Harper published her first short story, 'The Two Offers,' in 1859, making her one of the first African American women to do so.
4. Throughout her life, Harper traveled extensively to give speeches on abolition, suffrage, and education, making significant contributions to social reform movements.
5. In addition to her literary works, Harper helped establish organizations aimed at improving the lives of African Americans, such as the National Association of Colored Women.

Review Questions

• How did Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's writings reflect the intersection of abolitionism and women's rights?
  • Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's writings served as powerful reflections of the intersection between abolitionism and women's rights by addressing both racial oppression and gender inequality. Her poetry and essays often highlighted the struggles faced by African Americans under slavery while simultaneously advocating for women's suffrage. Through her literary activism, Harper sought to uplift Black women and underscore their critical role in both movements, illustrating how these two issues were interconnected in the fight for justice.
• Discuss how Frances Ellen Watkins Harper contributed to the development of African American literature in the 19th century.
  • Frances Ellen Watkins Harper made significant contributions to African American literature by being one of the first African American women to publish works that addressed social issues such as slavery and women's rights. Her poetry, essays, and short stories provided a voice for Black women during a time when their experiences were often marginalized. By incorporating themes of social justice into her literature, Harper not only enriched the canon of African American writing but also inspired future generations of writers and activists to use their voices for change.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's activism on subsequent generations of Black women leaders.
  • Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's activism had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of Black women leaders by laying the groundwork for future movements focused on civil rights and gender equality. Her dedication to fighting for social justice inspired later activists such as Ida B. Wells and Mary McLeod Bethune, who continued her legacy through their own advocacy efforts. Additionally, Harper's emphasis on education and empowerment for Black women helped shape the narratives around women's rights within the African American community, fostering a spirit of resilience that would persist throughout history.

Related terms

Abolitionism:

A social and political movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting equal rights for African Americans.

Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections, a key issue that Frances Ellen Watkins Harper advocated for, particularly for women.

Literary Activism: The use of writing and literature as tools for social change and activism, which Harper exemplified through her poetry and essays.