Speech- "An Address to the Negros of New York"

[Ms. Knarr]

www.blackpast.org/?q=1787-jupiter-hammon-address-negroes-state-new-york

Be sure to read the entire speech!

[mattstyczynski]

1. The overall meaning of this speech seems to be no matter what circumstances that we as indivduals face on earth, we have to overcome and make the best of it. According to Hammon what we face on earth is only preapring us for Heaven. It does not matter what race or nationality or how rich or poor we are, there is only one Heaven. He encourages those who are slaves not to revolt, but to obey their masters, for they will be given true freedom from God. He also encourages those who can read, to read the Bible because it reveals the truth in the eyes of God.

2. After reading this piece I immediately felt the compassion Jupiter Hammon had towards African Americans who were slaves. He talked to them as a father figure, using his wisdom and past experiences to help them try and guide them on a path to a better life. Also the way he went about speeking with tranquility and peacefulness, making sure he excluded violence, reminded me of Ghandi. This speech had a big impact on me, seeing that even at humanity's darkest time Jupiter Hammon could find light and reason it in. This speech should be read by everyone to gain an understading of what true strength and faith is.

3. 1) How do you think this speech was perceived in this era? 2) Personally do you think you could have done what Hammon was suggesting African Americans to do if you were in there situation? 3) Aside from the Bible, where else do you think Jupiter Hammon got his inspiration to write this speech? 4) How difficult might it have been for slaves to agree or even consider what Jupiter Hammon was telling them?

[abbyjameson]

1. I agree with you, Matt. The meaning of the speech, to me, means that whatever challenges God has put forth to you, he has done it for a reason and we should face those challenges with pride and joy. There are no excuses for disobeying God; on Earth their may be excuses for disobeying you masters, but in Heaven, whether your white, black, rich or poor, there are no excuses for disobedience. No matter how terrible our lives are on Earth, we should tackle them with happiness and obedience because they are what prepares us for Heaven. There are only two places for us to go; Heaven or Hell, no matter what race, gender, or wealth, your placement in the afterlife rests upon your ability to move throughout life on Earth obedient to God.

2. I really enjoyed this piece. Jupiter Hammon says that even though on Earth people may have excuses because of their social standards, in Heaven and to God their are no excuses for not living out God's message. I immediately felt compassion towards Jupiter because he may have lived what seemed to be a tough life, but he took it with pride and joy because he knew it was for God. His speech made me realize that I shouldn't look at everything in life as a bad thing, but as a challenge that I should try to conquer happily, looking on the bright side of life. His speech should move others to always look on the bright side and to treat each other equally because we're all the same to God in Heaven.

3.(Question 1) In Jupiter's era, i believe that many African Americans of whom he was speaking to may have wished that everyone was equal, but wouldn't believe it. In their time period of hardships and slavery, it would be understandable that African Americans wouldn't be able to perceived how they could possibly be equal to their masters. They were also probably also outraged at Jupiter's suggestion to be humble to their masters and face each day with joy because they would be rewarded in heaven, because their days were tough and trying to be humble to a terrible master wouldn't be easy. Therefore, I do not think African Americans appreciated this speech by Hammon because they weren't able to look on the bright side like Jupiter.
(My question) How do you think people in the 21st century would respond to this speech?

[rosemariefreschi]

1. I agree with both Abby and Matt about the meaning of this speech. Hammon was being very straightforward in a time when there was much confusion among the African American community. He encouraged the people to live their lives in a way that will benefit them in the afterlife because that is where they will spend eternity, hopefully in happiness in heaven. He wanted the people to understand that he knew where they were coming from but that they had to accept it all and move on with their lives. I believe Hammon wanted the people to understand that although at the time they were living, wealth, race, sex, etc. mattered it won’t to Jesus. Jesus just wants us to obey and there is no reason for disobedience.
2. This speech inspired me because I truly believe in what Hammon was saying. God is not judgmental, he just wants us to reach our full potential and be with him in the end. We are the ones that make wealth and race matter. After reading his speech I felt as if I haven’t been living my life to its full potential as I should have. The way he spoke to the people truly touched my hearty and feel compassion. I also felt bad for the people he was talking to because they were put in such a difficult situation.
3. (Matt’s question 2) Personally I do not believe that I could have done what Hammon was suggesting. I am the type of persons who holds onto my anger and wants revenge. If I were those people I honestly would have told Hammon that he’s ridiculous and should feel the same anger that I do. I understand what the hopeful ending should be which is to live with Jesus in heaven but I also feel that we should live in the present. If I were one of those people he was talking to I would have completely ignored him and just lived in the present.
(my question)Hammon was speaking to the people but would he have practiced what he preached?

[mattstyczynski]

1. I agree with both Abby's and Rosemarie's answers to my questions. I agree with Abby and how she said African Americans would have wished everyone was equal, but would not believe it themselves. I also agree with Rosemarie with how I would not be able to suppress my feelings, I would seek for retribution.

2. (Answering Rosemarie's question) I do believe thar Jupiter Hammon would have practiced what he had preached. I say this because I feel like he had come to terms with his state of being and learned to accept it as a part of his life. With what he was addressing in his speech, is what I think he did himself in order to get through the hardships he was faced with.
(my question) Do you think that African American slaves admired Jupiter Hammon as a figure of wisdom and truth?

[stephhsieh]

1. I agree with all three, that this speech is about "equality". That no matter who you are, what race, sex, nationality, religious belief, wealth, etc maybe, you should still make to best of what you have and overcome these things and live life filled with happiness. At the end of life, everyone ends up going to the same place. either Heaven or Hell. Therefore, it doesn't matter about what you are on the outside, but rather your actions and your obedience, and that will depend on your ability to move throughout life.

2. I also found this piece compassionate and a really eye opener. I strongly agree with Matt when he said, "seeing that even at humanity's darkest time Jupiter Hammon could find light and reason it in". He really persuade me, as a reader, to always look at the bright side of life and reach the highest potential I have as a human being. It really inspires me to treat everyone as an equal and give everyone a better chance at life.

3. (answering Q3) I believe that Jupiter Hammon got his inspiration to write this speech also from personal experience. He probably got inspiration from the younger generation as well. Too make a speech so he can hope to see the younger generation have more freedom and to see them grow. When I read speech, it also reminded me of Martin Luther King Jr, hoping for equality to all men.

(my question) How do you think the White people took his speech during his time period?

[caileighidell]

1. I agree with all of my peers in that this speech was written for a better understanding of freedom. Also, I see that this speech was to be understood by all African American slaves saying they must still have faith in the Lord even though they live lives of slavery. All who have taken the time to delicately assess Hammon's words realize that the point he is bringing across emphasizes life with absolute faith in God. As Steph stated this speech is about "equality", therefore what Hammon wanted his readers to take with them is that they are no better than anyone else who may be different than themselves in any way.

2. Overall I was able to fully understand what Hammon wanted to make clear in this piece, however I did not find it to be particularly interesting. Yes I agree with the statements that he is making, but this piece did not persuade me in any way to change my lifestyle.

3.(answering Abby's question) This piece made me realize how different our society is today from what is used to be back in 1787. What I am trying to convey here is that people in the 21rst century would most likely respond very negatively to Hammon's words. In our society today people are not afraid to voice their own opinions. Especially on the internet people today respond to the thoughts of others by firing back their own opinions without even bothering to "candy-coat" it. Therefore, I believe that if delivered to society today Hammon's words would be to in a negative manner.

4.(my question) *If delivered in today's society, what aspects of this speech would the public today view in a negative manner?

[elineal]

1. I agree with everyone’s statements. The speech was made to empower American Americans in New York and give them strength throughout their hardships. This speech also transcends those slaves and gives meaning to everybody who feels oppressed in some sort of way. He says that the path to freedom is in the Bible.

2. I like the speech and could comprehend the deeper meaning those of that time period would have felt. Nothing changed in me after reading this piece but and understanding that it changed many others impacts me greatly.

3.
(Answering Matt's repost) Yes, I believe that Hammon was someone for blacks to look to for advice and empowerment.

(My question) How great of an impact do you think this speech had on the whole population of New York?

[colleenpoling]

1. I agree with Matt and Abby that Hammon was telling us that we have to make the most of every situation we face because in the end it is all worth it. Also we must follow the teachings that God taught us, and we must always obey those of high authority. He says that everyone, no matter what, feels oppressed in some way or another, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The bible is that light and path to be free of all hardships we might face and freedom in general. I agree with Steph that this speech was to emphasize equality and that no one should feel as if they are better than anyone else.

2.Overall I think Hammon was trying to pursue a great idea and interesting key points, but it was boring to read. I personally wasn't connecting to this speech as I read it, but maybe others could be depending on backgrounds and such. I liked that he was trying to bring us back to that time period and have us connecting to those who were oppressed, and I did see their pain they felt.

3. (Response to Matt's question) I do believe African American slaves admired Jupiter Hammon as a figure of wisdom and truth. In his speech he proved a lot of his key points and had great overall thoughts, but for those reading it today, had a harder time connecting to it. African American slaves were taught all of the things Hammon stated and I think they looked up to him and applauded his truth throughout.

My question:
1. What do you think the main reason was behind Hammon directing this speech towards New York?

[chrismarrie]

1. I aso agree with everyone's statements. What this speech is saying is that your going to face difficulties on earth and things sometimes won't be fair, such as slavery. However, people should not dwell on it or rebel. Instead, you should do what you are told and even if that involves suffering, you will be rewarded by God in heaven. Hammon wants everyone to keep their faith and know that life on earth is nothing compared to what awaits them in heaven.

2. I think Hammon had a very good message to give to the slaves, and even to people in general. He seemed to be all about peace, which was difficult to preach about since the easy way would be reciprocating that violence out of angry. Instead, he looked above it and looked at the situation from a new perspective involving God. As Matt said Hammon was able to "find light" in this terrible time in history.

3. (Matt's question 4) I think it would of been difficult for the slaves listening to Hammon to understand where he was coming from. Naturally, being a slave you would lean towards a more angry approach. It would be really tough to even consider accepting it, and might have taken a while for slaves to even open their minds to this positive view.
(My question) Should we have this same mentality toward injustices being done today?

[alexmaravic]

1. I agree with Matt and Steph. The speech states how life isn't fair but we can't give up. The author basically says that in order to be happy and to get through the hard times, we must have faith in God. Through the Bible, God speaks to us through the stories of the past. African Americans can relate to the stories of slavery in the Bible and I think the author is trying to show them that things change and society can change so they shouldn't give up hope. I also agree with Chris, that the author is trying to say that no matter what hardships we encounter on Earth, we will be rewarded in heaven because everything happens for a reason and only God knows that reason.

2. I personally found this inspirational even though I could feel sadness behind it. Reading this speech gave me a sense of hope that everything will be okay despite how awful it may seem. It made me think that God is always there with us, helping us along the way. I think that the author wanted to give the people hope and through God, they could find that hope.

3. (Answer to Colleen's question) Like I stated in my reaction, I believe that the author was trying to encourage people to be positive that everything will turn out okay. I think that this speech created unity and solidarity among the African Americans in New York. I think the author was also trying to create hope by showing them that none of them are in this alone and together, things can change.

Question:
Do you agree with the author's attitude that our suffering will get us to heaven?

[briannashreve]

1. I agree with everyone that the author, rather than promoting anger and hate during a time of injustice, was telling his people to have faith in God and make the most of life's ordeals. I believed Hammon's speech was written to emphasize how important God is. God was the difference between heaven and hell; those who believed in God would go to heaven and those who disobeyed and hated God would go to hell. God does not judge based off physical attributes and material possessions, but rather the goodness of ones life.

2. I honestly enjoyed this piece and the meaning behind it. The author, Jupiter Hammon, made me realize that no matter what sort of situation is going on in my life, if I persevere and believe in God, only good things can come out of it.

3. (Answer to Alex's question)
I disagree with the author, that suffering will not get us to heaven. I believe that how one deals with the suffering and the challenges it brings should get us to heaven. I think that suffering here on Earth allows us to realize the "paradise" that heaven is supposed to bring us when we reach it.

My question: What do you think Jupiter Hammon would think about the world today based off of his speech?