A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South

In “What Are We Worth,” Cooper provides social criticism by analyzing racial prejudice in connection to the American political system. Cooper describes the capitalist system based on commerce and labor that values individuals depending on their practical and material output. The theme of The Quest for Black Liberation in the Post-Reconstruction Era recurs, as Cooper stresses the social construction of racism by explaining that racial prejudice in America “is mere sentiment governed by the association of ideas” (136). Here, Cooper draws out the inherent illogic of tracing human worth to a quality as superficial as skin color. She proclaims that skin color does not define a person’s character. Racism is a formulated ideology separated from one’s humanity: “[E]veryone with brains knows and must admit that he must look deeper than this for the man” (136). In regard to the activism of the period, Cooper stresses that racial prejudice cannot be countered by rhetoric, as it is “impervious to reason” (137). Thus, action becomes the only path toward social change. Here, Cooper suggests that because it is impossible to counter the illogic of racial prejudice with logical argument, the only recourse is through concrete changes that enfranchise Black people. This way, Black people will be politically and economically protected from racial prejudice.

Shifting her focus to African Americans’ condition, she seeks to illustrate their practical contributions to American society, emphasizing their value for the country. In doing so, Cooper can undermine harmful stereotypes about African Americans and demonstrate that, even in a state of oppression, African Americans have already made important contributions to American society. While criticizing the objectification of people within the capitalist system, she also values their labor and stresses the skills and endurance of Black people as workers. Cooper considers the historical inheritance of African Americans to examine their position within American society. The theme of The Importance of Education in Empowering the Black Community reemerges as Cooper notes that education is the most important “investment” for a society and the economic system, as it is necessary for people’s development and evolution: “Education is the word that covers it all—the working up of this raw material and fitting it into the world’s work to supply the world’s need” (144). Cooper argues for the value of education to persuade people that the cause for the training of Black people would benefit the American social order as a whole. She bolsters her criticism by providing evidence that African Americans still have limited access to education despite emancipation. Despite struggles, their determination and the help of the Church allowed them to establish their own schools and academies for the advancement of the community. Cooper stresses Black people’s perseverance and will “to do the best [they] can” (144).

Cooper continues to describe the injustices and struggles Black people confronted, thereby adding nuance and further evidence to her claims about racial injustice. She highlights that the discrimination in housing and lack of resources that impact the African American community are a result of “past oppression.” She indicates the significance of intersectionality again, noting that working-class white men always had more opportunities than Black men. Cooper makes the case for the advancement of the education of Black people, suggesting that both practical and academic training are necessary. Her argument underscores the theme of the quest for Black liberation in the post-Reconstruction era as she proclaims that Black people should be free to develop their skills, either technical or intellectual. Cooper emphasizes that racism inhibits African Americans’ development and increases their marginalization. However, to counter arguments of the time that Black people were not sufficiently productive, she mentions their contributions as soldiers, intellectuals, workers, and ministers, stressing their perseverance and will to progress. Ultimately, the American institutions and the government must be challenged and reevaluated as to whether they advance collective prosperity. Cooper reiterates her hopes for justice and equality and encourages Black people to advance, noting that in the future, society will recognize their value and contributions.