The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

On Sept. 19 2025, we shared sketches of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s artistic and activist life through artistic interpretations by choreographers, poets, composers, dancers and actors. Born free on September 24, 1825, Harper addressed the key issues of her era as a Black woman. Through her work as a writer and activist, she illuminated significant moments in history when many Black people and women were denied freedom. We believe in the power of the arts to inform us about the past, to illuminate the challenges of the present, and to guide us in creating a more just and equitable future. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper is our guide.