The Negro and the Elective Franchise: A Series of Papers and a Sermon by Kelly Miller is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the history and significance of the African American struggle for voting rights in America. Miller presents a meticulous analysis of the evolution of the Negro's relationship with the elective franchise in the United States, shedding light on both the triumphs and pitfalls of this ongoing battle.
One of the standout qualities of this book is Miller's ability to provide a comprehensive historical backdrop to the issue. He presents readers with a deeply informative account of the Negro's journey from enslavement to post-Civil War Reconstruction and the subsequent systematic disenfranchisement of African Americans through various discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses. Miller's extensive research and scholarly approach make this text an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of the struggle for suffrage.
What sets this book apart from others on the topic is Miller's unwavering optimism and his emphasis on education and economic power as tools for African American empowerment. He argues that the Negro must not only fight for political representation but also strive for education and economic independence to break the chains of systemic discrimination. By interweaving personal anecdotes and historical examples, Miller conveys a powerful message of hope and resilience, encouraging his readers to actively participate in pushing for change.
Miller's eloquent writing style and cogent arguments are also noteworthy. His articulate and well-structured essays provide a compelling case for equal voting rights, successfully debunking prevailing arguments against the granting of suffrage to African Americans. The inclusion of a sermon towards the end of the book adds a spiritual dimension, inspiring readers to harness their faith in the pursuit of justice.
However, one minor drawback is the occasional dense and academic nature of the text. Some readers might find certain parts of the book challenging to navigate due to the highly detailed historical analyses and complex terminology. Nevertheless, Miller's overall accessibility and commitment to clarity make this book accessible to a wide range of audiences.
In conclusion, The Negro and the Elective Franchise: A Series of Papers and a Sermon is an indispensable piece of scholarship that furthers our understanding of the African American struggle for the right to vote. Kelly Miller's meticulous research, persuasive arguments, and inspirational tone make this book a must-read for anyone interested in civil rights, American history, and the ongoing fight for equality.
First Page:
The Negro And The Elective Franchise. A Series Of Papers And A Sermon The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers, No. 11.
The American Negro Academy.
THE NEGRO AND THE ELECTIVE FRANCHISE
A SERIES OF PAPERS AND A SERMON BY
Archibald H. Grimké, Charles C. Cook, John Hope, John L. Love, Kelly Miller and Rev. Frank J. Grimké.
PRICE: THIRTY FIVE CENTS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
PUBLISHED BY THE ACADEMY.
1905.
CONTENTS
The Meaning And Need Of The Movement To Reduce Southern Representation ARCHIBALD H. GRIMKÉ The Penning of the Negro CHARLES CHAUVEAU COOK The Negro Vote in the States Whose Constitutions Have Not Been Specifically Revised JOHN HOPE The Potentiality of the Negro Vote, North and West JOHN L. LOVE Migration and Distribution of the Negro Population as Affecting the Elective Franchise KELLY MILLER The Negro and His Citizenship FRANCIS J. GRIMKÉ
The Meaning And Need Of The Movement To Reduce Southern Representation ARCHIBALD H. GRIMKÉ
In 1787 when the founders of the American Republic were framing the Constitution they encountered many difficulties in the work of construction, but none greater than the bringing together on terms of equality under one general government of the slave holding and the non slave holding states... Continue reading book >>
