The Grimke Sisters, Sarah and Angelina, were early advocates for abolitionism and women's rights in the 1800s. They traveled throughout the North lecturing about their experiences growing up on a plantation where their father advocated for slavery. After witnessing a slave being beaten at age 5, Sarah taught her personal slave how to read and the sisters became outspoken abolitionists, realizing that both slaves and women lacked equality. They were instrumental in helping to establish the philosophical foundations for the future spread of equality in America.

1. Grimke Sisters

2. Who were the Grimke Sisters?Sarah Grimke and Angelina Grimke were early advocates for abolitionism and women’s rights.Throughout their lives, they traveled North, lecturing about their first hand experiences with slavery on their family’s plantation.

3. History of the Grimke Sisters Sarah Grimke was born November 26, 1792 and Angelina Grimke was born November 26, 1805.Their father was a strong advocate of slavery and of the subordination of women.In 1835, Sarah became an abolitionist.

4. History of the Grimke Sisters (con’t)When Sarah was 5, she witnessed a slave being beaten and want to move where there was no slavery. After witnessing the beating, Sarah taught her personal slave how to read.Sarah GrimkeAngelina Grimke

5. Importance of the Grimke SistersFirst women to publicly speak out against slaveryRealized that like African Americans, women were not afforded equalityHelped lay down the philosophical foundation for the spread of equality in America.