The speaker is Sojourner Truth. She was born a slave and grew up speaking Dutch in her settlement. Self-educated and charismatic, she traveled along the east coast, moving on spiritual journeys hoping to preach. While in Massachusetts, she met abolitionists who inspired her to proclaim women's suffrage and abolition. We can assume that she is a black woman who wants to make a difference because of her powerful persona.
Truth delivered her speech to the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Speaking at a place where women can come together and advocate for themselves is a perfect place to deliver a speech about problems that women encounter during this time period. Creating a convention where …show more content…
He is a black man who had a steady life in America. He studied at Dartmouth College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Based on this, we can assume that he is an intelligent leading figure because of his morals, intellect, and understanding.
This speech was delivered after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Many African Americans were overjoyed after this moment. Gibbs wants to honor and celebrate emancipation, therefore, advocating fellow African Americans about a better future ahead of them.
The audience is most definitely African American men. Because the Proclamation was signed, slaves should be freed and have the same “guarantee of life, liberty, and protection in the pursuit of happiness”. Gibbs is addressing this to his audience because he believes all slaves are good people, therefore, deserving what white citizens have. We can assume that the audience is happy and agrees with Gibbs because this was an important day for them. Why shouldn’t slaves feel content with themselves and others around them, in their home? This particular audience deserves to hear this message because they are listening to a man who is similar to them. Gibbs is courageous and propels his intelligence for the sake of himself and others around