In Jaqueline Royster's piece "Going Against the Grain", Royster describes the understandings of African American women from an early stage. Royster states, "Since the beginning of Africans' lives in the Americas, African American women have been encumbered by racist, sexist, class-bound ideologies" (109). She goes on to explain that these adversities lead to the rise of a fight for women to question and demand justice and power. African American women understood how life was in the United States, and also understood the power of literacy in changing this. I think that this understanding was important, because by fighting for their rights they were also fighting for the rights of all African Americans. I feel that it is refreshing to know that through out all of the abuse that was faced, African American women have played a big role in the demand for our rights since the very beginning.
Royster goes on to describe a "Spirit of Activism" (114) which was developed by black women. Women, such as Belinda and Lucy Terry, were showing resilience as they fought for their rights through the legal system and through literature. These women, among others, fought for their rights and set an example to others to do the same. Terry fought for her rights and took defeats, but did not give up. Eventually she was able to succeed, showing that it was possible for others to do the same as she lead by example.
I find that the fight by women for rights to be a crucial part of our progress from the days of slavery to now. Although women as a whole are not recognized as much as we deserve, we have been a large part of the movement. More commonly known women like Harriet Tubman are only a small fraction of the women of this time period to do the same thing. Roster describes that Benjamin Franklin "recognized the importance of standing up for principles, whether the effort results in immediate success or not" (121). Women like Lucy Terry who fought for their beliefs set examples for many others to do the same. Even her defeats helped us get where we are today in some way. This gives me the desire to stand up for what I believe and to fight for my rights. I feel that the work of these women who have come before us needs to be continued. We should understand where we come from, and use our literacy to continue to move us forward.
I find this fight to be empowering as well, showing the strength that African-American women embodied. This "Spirit of Activism" was essential for women to gain their rights and progress in society. Many women came together to create this change and it showed how you can have power in numbers. I think moving forward, as much work still needs to be done, people need to come together and use stories from the past as examples.
ReplyDelete-Berkley Jenkins
I agree that there are many powerful black women who set great examples for all African Americans. After all that they had been through, they showed that they had much confidence to stand up for themselves and their community, and also for their rights and what they believed in. Lucy Terry's fight shows her determination to stand up and represent her people. She is also a good representation for a strong-willed African American woman who is not afraid to defend herself as a woman and as an African American. There are many African American women who took on the fight and succeeded thus making life much easier on future generations.
ReplyDeleteDanielle Broadnax
Reading the last sentences of the first paragraph, it clearly shows that how the hardwork and determination of African American women have carved a better path for the future generations. The "Spirit of Activism" that was obtained within the Afriacn American female communities can be such a great thing. It creates a state of opposition as though yes maybe knocked down, but never giving up. I agree with understanding and knowing ones' past, helps you obtain greater knowledge in the future and what you do. Great Blog =)
ReplyDelete-Socoya Douglas