Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution the national museum of the United States. They are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation preservation and dissemination of sound. Folkways Records believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials Folkways Records seek to strengthen people s engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document “people s music ” spoken word instruction and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987 and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity education increased understanding and lively engagement with the world of sound.

This collection of speeches written by influential 19th century African American women s rights activists presents views of equality tolerance action and strength propagated by some of the people in American history who struggled the hardest to fight the prejudices and injustices of their time and who refused any limitations that kept them from achieving respect and greatness. Among those represented here are abolitionist Sojourner Truth who condemns the act of lynching and asks people to recognize the graveness of such racial cleansing. All speeches are recited by actress Ruby Dee. Liner notes with the original speakers backgrounds and transcriptions included. (See also FW05537 What If I Am A Woman. Vol. 2)