2010 Reprint of 1925 Edition. This book is exactly what its title purports it to be. It contains orations from about fifty different black-American orators. A brief sketch of each orator appears along with his oration. The documentary source from which the oration was obtained is pointed out. The occasion of the delivery is given. The speakers represent practically every generation in American history. Woodson provides the material for a study in the development of the Black-American in his use of English. The orations also present a unique source for studying the history of Black-Americans. It is also well indexed and has become a standard publication.

In reprinting these orations the editor has endeavored to present them here as nearly as possible in their original form. No effort has been made to improve the English. Published in this form, then, these orations will be of value not only to persons studying the development of the Negro in his use of a modern idiom but also in the study of the history of the race. It is in this spirit that these messages are again given to the public.