Download or read book To Reach the Nation's Ear written by Richard W. Leeman and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-11-15 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout much of American history, African Americans have been denied easy access to most of the traditional modes of effective reform, such as newspapers, legislative assemblies, unions and political parties. Public speaking has thus been one of the most critically important means by which leaders and individuals have reached an audience, enacted or prevented change, and created community. Dating from the earliest days of American history, the African American community has produced many notable and eloquent speakers and has demonstrated a vibrant oral tradition. The volume will follow a chronological organization, tracing the history of African American public speaking from colonial times to the present.