A Feminist’s Independence Day Speech From 1828 Is More Important Than Ever

A Feminist’s Independence Day Speech From 1828 Is More Important Than Ever

We can’t cede the United States or our collective notion of patriotism to President Trump and his MAGA supporters.  Almost 200 years ago, Frances Wright, an early feminist, abolitionist and utopian visionary, gave a Fourth of July address that celebrated true patriotism as the embrace of change, moving always toward the improvement of humanity. In 1828, women didn’t speak in public—and when they did, it was only for other women. Wright was one o…