The Gist of Freedom is pleased to Present the Reading of Benjamin Quarles' Black Abolitionists with  Genealogist, Preston Washington.

Author, AMANDA SMITH: At the end of the nineteenth century, a remarkable and world renowned African American established the first orphanage in Chicago Illinois for African American children. At the time of her death in 1915, the Chicago Defender called the well-traveled Amanda Berry Smith, "the greatest woman that this race has ever given to the world."

While living on the East Coast, she was urged to write her autobiography. Written at the home of friends in Newark, New 

Jersey, it was published in Chicago. Originally published in 1893, it has been reprinted in at least six editions during the past one hundred years. An Autobiography, The Story of the Lord's Dealing with Mrs. Amanda Smith, the Colored Evangelist has become one of the better-known works by nineteenth century African American women writers.