Sarah Grimké

Born November 26, 1792
Charleston, South Carolina
Died December 23, 1873
Hyde Park, Massachusetts

Angelina Grimké

Born February 20, 1805
Charleston, South Carolina
Died October 26, 1879
Hyde Park, Massachusetts

Abolitionists, women's rights activists

Sarah and Angelina Grimké were among the very first women to publicly speak out against slavery in the United States. They may also have been the first Americans to argue in print for women to receive the same legal and social rights as men. The Grimké sisters crusaded for the emancipation of slaves and women during a time in America when women could not vote, run for office, or go to college. No organized religion except the Quakers allowed women to speak out or participate in church affairs. It was a time when women were expected to have their names in the newspapers...