A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South

Cooper mentions several social contributions by white American women. She also refers to the struggles of working-class women and men under capitalism. She notes that during this period of material prosperity in America, women’s contributions and influence are essential. As the country is entering a new era, Cooper urges that women’s status in the working place must be reexamined. For Cooper, women are a “moral factor” in the world.

Cooper stresses that Black women have a unique perspective, as they are “confronted by both a woman question and a race problem” (79). She highlights the sexism Black women often face by Black men who doubt their worth and necessary role in society and focus on their own political interests. She criticizes American politics overall for its emphasis on political advantage, its corruption and selfishness, and its exclusion of women. She stresses the significance of voices of Black women, who have long been silent witnesses to American history and can contribute to the progress and the well-being of the African American community. She mentions the influential work of pioneer Black women thinkers like Sojourner Truth and Frances Watkins Harper.

Even though the domestic sphere was women’s domain in the past, Cooper notes that the new age of American civilization demands their presence and responsibilities on social, political, and economic issues.