Speeches at the Constitutional Convention With the Right of Suffrage Passed by the Constitutional Convention

In this compelling collection, listeners hear the powerful voice of a former enslaved sailor turned statesman as he argues for universal male suffrage during South Carolina’s 1895 constitutional convention. The book weaves together his courtroom‑style speeches, contemporary newspaper editorials, and heartfelt letters from supporters across the nation, offering a vivid snapshot of the fierce debate over enfranchising Black citizens. Through the carefully reconstructed remarks, the narrator paints a portrait of a community determined to claim its rights amid mounting calls for disenfranchisement.

The compilation also presents the detailed suffrage plan that Smalls introduced, outlining eligibility, ballot procedures, and protections for voters—proposals that sparked intense opposition yet showcased a forward‑thinking vision of democracy. Listeners gain insight into the broader political climate, hearing how reformers and conservatives clashed over race, citizenship, and the future of the state. The recording brings history to life, inviting you to experience a pivotal moment when courage and conviction faced a nation’s entrenched prejudice.