Social Change

Yes, I think writing does have the power to enact social change. Many great leaders of the past and of the present used writing to try to enact social change during their lifetime. After reading “The Bombing of Baghdad” by June Jordan I began to feel what she was feeling about Iraq. She uses great description while talking about all the bombings and it left me with a vivid image in my head about what was really going on in Iraq. In class we read about King, Gandhi, and Thoreau’s writings and what their message was about social change. King and Gandhi fought for their change and eventually made progress toward the change they were aiming for.
Another great leader who enacted social change during his life was President Abraham Lincoln. He delivered many speeches on many important issues in the United States while he was president. I think one of his best speeches that he delivered was the Emancipation Proclamation. This was the speech that emancipated the slaves from the south after the Civil War. I feel president Lincoln delivered a great speech to his audience to enact social change in his country.Enacting social change through writing seems like a very hard thing to do. I think that’s why only a few leaders in history have made an impact on changing something. Of all of the leaders that have enacted social change I feel that King contributed the most. He made great progress in gaining rights for the African Americans here in America.

The Price of a Child

Nicholas Coppola
January 30, 2009
11-2
The Price of a Child
Dear Mattie,
I am here living with Tyree’s Aunt Zilpha. I finally arrived, the trip to Westchester was not too bad. I really do miss you and Etta, but this is for the best. How are things going with the Quicks? I’m sure Tyree and Blanche are taking care of you and keeping you both safe.
Today, Harriet thought it would be a good idea for me to go speak with a woman of the Ladies Anti-Slavery Society. Her name is Eliza Ruffin. I am going to meet her because she knows my situation. She asked me to sign an affidavit which will make it seem more legal that we left Jackson Pryor on our own. I am so happy that we got away from his ownership Mattie. Eliza wishes us the best on our quest to have a free life. She wants us to be as successful as possible against Passmore. This means that I will have to go to court for the trial against Jackson. This could threaten our freedom Mattie but I will do my best to not let it. This is why Eliza Ruffin will help.
The Ladies Anti-Slavery Society was nice. I was asked to talk about all my experiences as a slave. It was a little difficult remembering it all and talking about it, but it was nice to be with others who experienced it too. I met a woman, Mrs. Eugenia Pitts and she is going to bring me to New York so I will meet Mr. Henry who will help me prepare for the trial.
The fact that I have to appear in court is scary Mattie, but I have the feeling it will only help us to freedom. I have to go now to New York so I could make all of this happen as smoothly as possible. Wish me luck and I hope you are doing well in Philadelphia with the Quicks. Give everyone my best.
Love,
Mom