Slavery was one of the main social issues facing American society in the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the few hundred abolitionists who spoke out against this curse was Angelina Grimke. Her aversion to servitude began to grow when she was quite young. Her first step toward altering society’s perception of slaves began at home. She conveyed the biblical teachings to her home’s ignorant and underprivileged slaves. To disseminate the word about the significance of abolishing slavery, she traveled to many locations in America and even England. After deciding that even powerful religious organizations couldn’t stop the practice of slavery, Angelina made the decision to upend the system through literature. Even today, she is well-known in American political circles for her works. After being greatly troubled by her sister’s condition as a widow, Angelina also tackled the issue of women’s emancipation. Her essays are regarded as some of the first examples of feminism in the modern era. Her ground-breaking efforts to transform American society are still valued today.
Early Childhood & Life
John Faucheraud Grimké and Mary Smith, two rich parents, gave birth to Angelina Grimke in Charleston, South Carolina, on February 20, 1805. The Father of Angelina was a judge, attorney, and politician. He has also served the country in the military. Mary Smith, Grimke’s mother, came from a wealthy Charleston family.
Despite being the youngest of her parents’ 14 children, Angelina was far more self-righteous and confident than the rest of her siblings. Angelina was particularly close with Sarah Moore among the 13 others. Angelina started rebelling against the orthodox doctrines of the “Episcopal Church” when she was just thirteen years old.
Along with her sister, Angelina relocated to Philadelphia in 1819. She joined the religious group ‘Society of Friends, in a bid to stand up against slavery and injustice.
At the age of 21, Angelina joined the “Presbyterian,” a Christian sect with a somewhat unconventional philosophy. Grimke began evangelizing for religious principles to her family’s slave-like employees. Her mother was originally incensed by this action, but subsequently, she was grateful for Angelina’s effort.
Angelina Grimke’s Career
Rev. William McDowell, the pastor of the church Angelina frequently attended, was also introduced to her through the Presbyterian faith. Despite the fact that they both opposed slavery, McDowell chose to end the practice through prayer and other spiritual practices, which Angelina found objectionable.
Through a meeting conducted in 1829, Angelina urged all Presbyterian Church members to abolish slavery. The populace, however, disagreed with her opinion. An angry Angelina later joined the Quaker Community, a little religious organization with roots in Charleston, where she was raised.
The Quaker community’s stance on slavery did not sit well with Angelina either. In an effort to voice her concern about this social issue, she turned to pen articles with “anti-slavery” content for publications like “The Emancipator” and “The Liberator.”
In 1835, Angelina became a member of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. She actively took part in the dozens of meetings the association held to address the social issue.
In order to highlight the significance of anti-slavery rights, the “American Anti-Slavery Committee” organized a two-week conference in 1836. Sarah Moore, Angelina’s sister, and I were there. The pair soon received numerous invitations to speak at events in an effort to abolish slavery. Additionally, Sarah and Angelina helped establish a number of anti-slavery organizations in the New York area.
Angelina just so happened to read an article by author William Lloyd Garrison in the publication “The Liberator” the same year. Angelina was moved by Lloyd’s piece and wrote him a letter thanking him for his efforts to end slavery. In exchange for Angelina’s kindness, Lloyd published an essay about the story in the magazine. This article made Angelina more popular among abolitionists who shared her views.
The three times Angelina appeared before the Massachusetts legislative committee were among her most notable anti-slavery actions. As a result, she became the first woman in American history to address a legislative body.
Through her remarks, Angelina encouraged former American president Abraham Lincoln throughout the “Great American Civil War.”
Angelina’s Bigger Works
In 1836, Angelina published a piece titled “An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South.” Grimke urged the female residents of her community and the nearby areas to contribute to the abolition of slavery. One of the best products of American socio-political concerns is thought to be this book.
By publishing a number of pieces critical of the women, Angelina expressed her opposition to the public foe Catherine Beecher. Letters to Catherine Beecher was the name given to this compilation.
Recognition & Achievements
In 1998, Angelina Grimke was admitted to the “National Hall of Fame.”
Personal Legacy & Life
Angelina had a romantic relationship with Edward Brittle. Although Brittle had never publicly admitted his love for Angelina, it seemed that he wanted to wed her. Unfortunately, Brittle became ill with cholera and eventually passed away. His passing devastated Angelina, who turned her focus to social activities.
In 1836, Angelina wed the abolitionist Theodore Weld. During one of the “American Anti-Slavery Committee” sessions, the pair got acquainted for the first time. The man’s lectures and strategy for the anti-slavery fight profoundly impressed her.
The death of Angelina occurred on October 26, 1879. At the time, she was seventy-four years old.
Angelina and Weld both made excellent authors. Before being married, they wrote each other numerous love letters to show their feelings for one another.
This famous abolitionist was mentioned multiple times in the 2013 play “If She Stood.”
Estimated Net Worth
One of the wealthiest and most well-known civil rights leaders is Angelina Jolie. Our research of Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider revealed that Angelina Grimke has a net worth of $5 million.