Angelina and Sara Grimke

Charleston, SC

1792–1873, 1805–1879

Sarah and Angelina were two early and prominent activists for abolition and women’s rights. They were raised on a plantation in Charleston South Carolina. The sisters grew in their opposition to slavery eventually move to Philadelphia where they joined the Quaker Church. 

The two sisters became the first women to speak in front of a state legislature as representatives of the American Anti-Slavery Society. They also became active writers and speakers for women’s rights.  They published pamphlets and traveled around speaking to mixed crowds of people about human rights. In 23 weeks, the sisters spoke before at least 88 meetings in 67 towns. 

"We are citizens of this republic and as such our honor, happiness, and well-being are bound up in its politics, government, and laws."

Angelina Grimke

 “I ask no favors for my sex, I surrender not our claim to equality. All I ask of our brethren is that they will take their feet from off our necks, and permit us to stand upright on the ground which God has designed us to occupy.”

Sarah Grimke

“I know nothing of man's rights, or woman's rights; human rights are all that I recognize.”

Sara Grimke