On the record
That is the spirit which the Negro encounters in the American church; that is the spirit which crushes him down and crowds him back whenever he tries to rise and advance.
Said by
Archibald Henry Grimké
Source
gutenberg.orgArchibald Henry Grimké: “That is the spirit which the Negro encounters in the American church; that is the spirit which crushes him down and…”
Editor's note · Context
Grimké describes the oppressive attitude of the American church towards Black individuals, highlighting the barriers they face in seeking progress.
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More from Archibald Henry Grimké
For myself, I had rather rob any bank to an indefinite amount than kidnap a fellow-being, or hold him in bondage; the sin would be less injurious to society, and less sinful in the sight of God.
No body of men on the face of the earth deserve their charities, and prayers, and united assistance so much as the slaves of this country; and yet they are almost entirely neglected.
Our garb should be sack-cloth--our heads bowed in the dust--our supplications for the pardon and assistance of Heaven.
I have always supposed that its spirit was directly opposed to everything in the shape of fraud and oppression.