30 review for Maria W. Stewart, America's First Black Woman Political Writer: Essays and Speeches

1. 

   4 out of 5

   BMR, LCSW – Sep 06, 2018

   I picked this up on impulse of the shelf at the library, while I was waiting on a PC to become available. This book is a compilation of writings from a 19th century abolitionist. It's a short volume, as there must not be much else available that Mrs. Stewart wrote. It was heavy with respectability politics. Being the perfect citizen, chaste and virtuous, and God fearing will not suddenly make racists aware of the humanity of Blackfolks. It didn't work before or after the Civil War, and it still do I picked this up on impulse of the shelf at the library, while I was waiting on a PC to become available. This book is a compilation of writings from a 19th century abolitionist. It's a short volume, as there must not be much else available that Mrs. Stewart wrote. It was heavy with respectability politics. Being the perfect citizen, chaste and virtuous, and God fearing will not suddenly make racists aware of the humanity of Blackfolks. It didn't work before or after the Civil War, and it still doesn't work. ALL people are worthy of basic human rights, equal justice under law, equal educational and employment opportunities, regardless of their level of literacy, or family of origin, or religious involvement. Recommended only for feminist history scholars.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Kate Seader – May 22, 2019

   A great window into the beginning of the abolitionist movement from a free woman of color. Heavy religious theme due to religion being her inspiration for fighting for her brothers. Feminist themes and a focus on bettering of self to ‘prove’ that blacks can be equal to whites. Some good themes can be found sorting through the self/victim blame. My favorite being that a people cannot rise up unless they stop stepping on each other, and seeing an armed slave revolt as a weapon of gods wrath agains A great window into the beginning of the abolitionist movement from a free woman of color. Heavy religious theme due to religion being her inspiration for fighting for her brothers. Feminist themes and a focus on bettering of self to ‘prove’ that blacks can be equal to whites. Some good themes can be found sorting through the self/victim blame. My favorite being that a people cannot rise up unless they stop stepping on each other, and seeing an armed slave revolt as a weapon of gods wrath against slave owners sins.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   NIGEL PEARCE – Feb 03, 2021

   This woman in the early 1800's was preaching and teaching equal rights for women and against the tyranny of slavery. Her essays are a testament to the foundation she received growing up as an orphan from the age of 3 years old. Living in a minister's house as a servant and yet with all that tragedy surrounding her, Maria Stewart found the strength not only to stand up for herself but for the cause of others. This woman in the early 1800's was preaching and teaching equal rights for women and against the tyranny of slavery. Her essays are a testament to the foundation she received growing up as an orphan from the age of 3 years old. Living in a minister's house as a servant and yet with all that tragedy surrounding her, Maria Stewart found the strength not only to stand up for herself but for the cause of others.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Michael Leak – Jun 22, 2020

   The book itself was blah. However, there is a lot to be learned from the things that Maria Stewart went through. Maria was obviously influenced heavily by the bible and christian teachings. Its a travesty how much she went through after her husband died.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   J – Mar 05, 2012

   Caveat: actually basing this off the reading of "Mediations from the Pen of Mrs. Maria W Stewart" (since goodreads didn't have that one specifically listed) which also contained several speeches. Huge on the religion, nuggets of the pulling up by boot straps and striving for intellectual/moral improvements. Mostly interesting from historical perspective of beginnings of american anti-slavery movement and the hardships she overcame to speak out and in public. Perhaps this book has other speeches n Caveat: actually basing this off the reading of "Mediations from the Pen of Mrs. Maria W Stewart" (since goodreads didn't have that one specifically listed) which also contained several speeches. Huge on the religion, nuggets of the pulling up by boot straps and striving for intellectual/moral improvements. Mostly interesting from historical perspective of beginnings of american anti-slavery movement and the hardships she overcame to speak out and in public. Perhaps this book has other speeches not contained in Mediations from the Pen.

6. 

   4 out of 5

   Amanda – May 18, 2009

   This made me believe there was room for religion in the revolution. Stewart made me believe that if people really did follow the word of god there would be no oppression. But then of course there is interpretations of the word of god, and thats where everything gets messed up. She makes sense of the unity of oppressions. She speaks of the abilities, hopes, and dreams of her people that are wasted on labor. She speaks for higher education for black women. She speaks! She speaks.

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Lindsey Z – May 23, 2010

   While I like the premise of a black anti-slavery author and orator appealing to women's issues as well, I found the compilation as a whole disjointed. I also felt that her intentions and aspirations were sometimes at odds with her articulation of them. While I like the premise of a black anti-slavery author and orator appealing to women's issues as well, I found the compilation as a whole disjointed. I also felt that her intentions and aspirations were sometimes at odds with her articulation of them.

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Olivia – Jan 15, 2008

   it's a shame that my schooling allowed me to go 22 years without hearing about this woman. it's a shame that my schooling allowed me to go 22 years without hearing about this woman.

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Tiffany –

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Claire –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Arnie Hill –

12. 

    5 out of 5

    Judy Alston –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Ashley –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Tom Marcotte –

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Phoenix Rises –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Grace Mc –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Amanda –

18. 

    5 out of 5

    Ismoon Maria –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Shirley –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Nick –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Kat Woodman –

22. 

    5 out of 5

    Eunice –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Tracy –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Kitten Anne –

25. 

    4 out of 5

    Brett –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Sarah –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Aya –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Monica –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Chris Jones –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Tiana –