Frederick Douglass
1818-1895
Abolitionist and Suffragist
Ê
Written and Performed by: Joshua Garc’a
Setting: New York, New York, 1869ÊÊ

At the annual meeting of the Equal Rights Association, the topic of the 15th Amendment is brought to the floor and open for discussion. Should the organization support the amendment, over getting women the right to vote?Ê Susan B. Anthony dismisses the thought and here is what Frederick Douglass has to say.

Right is of no sex, truth is of no color! Ms. Anthony these are the words that I stand by! When women because they are women are hunted down through the cities of New York and New Orleans; when their children are torn from their arms, and their brains dashed out upon the pavement; when they are objects of insult and outrage at every turn; when they are in danger of having their homes burned down over their heads, when their children are not allowed to enter schools; then they will have an urgency to obtain the ballet equal to our own. Yes it is true that the black women face these same awful atrocities, but it is not because she is a woman, but because she is black. We live in a time when the color of your skin can dictate the hardships of your life, the 15th amendment changes that!

Ratifying the 15th amendment will mean black people will have a hold on society, that we will no longer be put under the boot; that we Ð have Ð a -- say! If you agree with the ratification, Black men can help push the vote for women through! DonÕt you see that? Why are you against a cause that you fought for? That we fought for! I have dedicated many years to womanÕs suffrage and when you needed help, I lent a helping hand. All I am asking is for you to lend me yours.

I want to make clear that this is for the greater good. People are dying and to be stagnant goes against everything we believe in.É.. SusanÉ.pleaseÉ.donÕt do this. The time will come. It will! But the 15th amendment has to be the thing we focus on right now. I am still devoted to the movement. This is not me turning away. There are too many divides in this country and we do not need another. Whatever you decide is your choice but I stand by what I have said.