Frances Ellen Walken Harper: The Gilded Age Historian
Frances Harper: A Trailblazer for Black Women’s Rights
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Frances Harper was a formidable force in the fight for equality, a poet, activist, and suffragist whose work and life continue to inspire. Born a free Black woman in Baltimore,Maryland,in 1825,Harper’s journey through the antebellum period,the Civil War,and Reconstruction left an indelible mark on American history. Her unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for Black women, positioned her as a pivotal figure in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Harper’s literary contributions where instrumental in shaping public discourse and giving voice to the experiences of Black Americans, especially women, in the post-Civil War era.
A Powerful Literary Legacy
Frances Harper’s novel, Iola Leroy, or, Shadows Uplifted (1892), stands as a important work in American literature. Through its narrative, Harper explored the complexities of race, class, and politics, offering a nuanced portrayal of Black life and identity in the aftermath of the Civil War. The novel not only celebrated the resilience and strength of Black women but also highlighted the systemic challenges they faced. By embracing her Black identity, Harper worked tirelessly to advance the interests of her peopel, using her pen as a powerful tool for social change.
Defiance in the Face of Injustice
Harper’s activism was not confined to the written word; she actively challenged segregation and discrimination throughout her life.
She Didn’t Get Up
In a remarkable act of defiance, Harper refused to give up her seat on a segregated trolley car in Philadelphia in 1858.When the conductor attempted to force her to move from the horse-drawn vehicle, she stood her ground.This courageous act occurred 97 years before Rosa Parks’ iconic protest on a bus in Montgomery,Alabama. Harper’s refusal to budge was a clear presentation of her commitment to equal rights and her willingness to challenge unjust authority.
She Inspired an Association
The experiences of discrimination, like the trolley incident, fueled Harper’s passion for activism. In 1866, she delivered a powerful speech at the National Woman’s Rights Convention in New York City, demanding equal rights for all.Her impassioned words resonated deeply, inspiring the attendees to establish the American Equal Rights Association (AERA). This pivotal organization brought African American women into the burgeoning suffrage movement, and Harper herself served on its finance committee, further solidifying her role in shaping the course of women’s rights.
She Co-Founded the National Association of colored Women
Harper was a foundational figure in the establishment of the National Association of Colored Women (NACWC) in 1896.This vital advocacy organization was dedicated to improving the lives of women of color across the nation. Throughout her lifetime,the NACWC championed crucial causes,including women’s suffrage and the fight against lynching and jim Crow laws. The organization’s legacy continues to this day, as it remains a powerful force for women’s rights and social justice.
A Life of Advocacy and Resilience
Beyond her public activism,harper also navigated personal challenges that shaped her perspective and strengthened her resolve.
she Was a Widow
in 1860, Frances Harper married Fenton Harper, a widower. The couple welcomed a daughter, Mary, into their family. Tragically, Fenton Harper passed away just four years later. Following his death, Harper relocated to the East Coast, where she continued her tireless work as a lecturer and advocate for women’s rights, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of personal loss.
Frances Harper on Screen
The impactful life and work of Frances Harper were recently brought to the screen in the popular HBO series, The Gilded Age.
Who Played Harper on The Gilded Age?
The role of Frances Harper in The Gilded Age was portrayed by the talented actress LisaGay Hamilton. Hamilton, a distinguished Juilliard graduate, is renowned for her impactful stage work in productions such as The Piano Lesson and The Ohio State Murders. Her extensive television and film credits include appearances in The Practice, Men of a Certain Age, House of Cards, and the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Toni Morrison’s novel, Beloved (1998).
The Gilded Age airs Sundays on HBO.