E. W. Watkins
American author, orator, and social reformer who was notable for her poetry, speeches, and essays on abolitionism, temperance, and woman suffrage.
Background
Ethnicity:
Frances Watkins was the daughter of free black parents.
Frances E.W. Harper, in full Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, (born September 24, 1825, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.—died February 22, 1911, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Frances Ellen Watkins was born to free parents in Baltimore, Maryland. After her mother died when she was three years old in 1828, Watkins was orphaned. She was raised by her maternal aunt and uncle, Rev. William Watkins, who was a civil rights activist. She was educated at his Academy for Negro Youth. Watkins was a major influence on her life and work.At fourteen, Frances found work as a seamstress.
Education
She was educated at the Academy for Negro Youth. Then she continued her education on her own.
Career
Frances Watkins Harper was a strong supporter of abolitionism, prohibition and woman's suffrage, progressive causes linked before and after the American Civil War. She was also active in the Unitarian Church, which supported abolitionism. She often read her poetry at the public meetings. She was connected with national leaders in suffrage, and in 1866 gave a moving speech before the National Women's Rights Convention, demanding equal rights for all, including black women.Harper was active in black organizations. After slavery was abolished Harper continued her activism,she continued to fight for the civil rights of woman,and African American.
Religion
She was active in the Unitarian Church, which supported abolitionism
Politics
Frances Watkins Harper was a strong supporter of abolitionism, prohibition and woman's suffrage.