The Charleston natives who fought to end slavery

Have you heard of the Grimké sisters? Many of you probably haven’t (like me) which is unfortunate, as they played important roles in the abolitionist + women’s rights movements– and they grew up right here in Charleston.

Sarah and Angelina Grimké, two of fourteen children, were the daughters of Judge John Fauchereaud Grimké and Mary Smith. They lived in the Blake-Grimké House, which is located on East Bay Street and is now a law office.

Growing up in a wealthy family that had slaves, the sisters witnessed the horrors of how slaves were treated firsthand. At times, Sarah would even work in the fields alongside the family’s slaves. This upbringing would be important in forming their passion to fight against this injustice.

Sarah + Angelina both eventually became Quakers + relocated to Philadelphia. It was in Philly where they were able to find their voices to fight for women’s rights and against slavery.

In 1838, Angelina became the first woman to ever address a legislative body when she went to the Massachusetts State House in Boston to deliver antislavery petitions signed by 20,000 women.

Angelina wrote an especially influential appeal titled “Appeal to the Christian Women of the South” where she encouraged southern women to try and influence their husbands thinkings on slavery. She wrote: “I know you do not make the laws, but I also know that you are the wives and mothers, the sisters and daughters of those who do; and if you really suppose you can do nothing to overthrow slavery, you are greatly mistaken.”

Both women were public speakers + spoke to mixed-gender crowds– something women had not been permitted to do before. They were resilient activists who weren’t afraid to speak up for what they wanted– despite the fact that they were living in a time where women couldn’t vote.

If they were so influential, then why is their history in the Holy City not more well-known? Perhaps it’s because all of their abolitionist accomplishments occurred after they parted ways with CHS. Even more so, it was because the city wasn’t a huge fan of the sister’s anti-slavery agenda, which was obviously not too popular in the South at the time. When Angelina published her “Appeal to the Christian Women of the South,” it never made it out of the post office, as it was burned by the postmaster in protest. Angelina + Sarah never returned to Charleston, as their mother was warned if they ever did, they would be arrested.

The history of the Grimké sisters has been revived in CHS, thanks to author Sue Monk Kidd. In her novel, “The Invention of Wings”, Sarah Grimké is a main character. Additionally, you can take a Grimké Sisters Tour as led by the Preservation Society.