Date of Award

Summer 8-16-2024

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Advisor

Heather M. Falconer

Second Committee Member

Ryan Dippre

Third Committee Member

Kathryn Swacha

Abstract

This thesis discussed how Emilie Davis, a free woman in Philadelphia, PA, exhibited her proximity to the ideal of Black womanhood during the years of 1863-1865 as shown through her diary entries. Using Black Feminist Thought and applying Intersectionality, I show how Davis showed epistemic resistance and agency in the face of epistemic oppression. Black female respectability at that time could be shown through financial status, education, religion and activism. Although a member of the lower class, Davis gained proximity to respectability through her education at the Institute for Colored Youth, participation in church activities and engagements and her political activism. Through discussing her entries regarding the Emancipation Proclamation, Frederick Douglass, the Battle of Gettysburg and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln I have gained meaningful insights through her diary inscriptions, including Davis resistance through what knowledge she chose to consume and write, as well as the actions she took because of these. The exploration shows how recording her actions and thoughts, and thus recording history was a powerful form of knowledge creation.

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