Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Andre Johnson

Committee Member

Tony DeVelasco

Committee Member

Christy Moss

Committee Member

Candace Epps-Robertson

Abstract

The accomplishments of Hallie Quinn Brown can be separated into segments of her teaching career, her experiences as a public speaker and elocutionist, and her work as an activist. She successfully educated various students, spoke before dignitaries, and moved her audiences to tears on multiple occasions. She fought for civil and women’s rights until her death at 100. Yet, while her membership and participation in specific organizations are not disputed, her importance, significance, and impact on African American rhetoric are relatively ignored. This dissertation analyzes Brown’s speeches and (re)introduces Brown to the study of rhetoric. By examining Brown’s speeches through close reading and didactic oratory, this dissertation adds to the study of African American rhetoric and public address, especially in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Ultimately, the author argues that studying Brown’s oratory adds depth to the traditional rhetorical canon and expands our understanding of the influence of African American rhetoric.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

Notes

Open Access

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