CommonLit The Library

Shirley Chisholm, an African American woman, announces her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the presidency in 1972.

Sojourner Truth speaks on women's rights at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851.

This excerpt from Thoreau's famous essay meditates on the necessity of following one’s own conscience, even if it conflicts with the law.

Barack Obama accepts the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

In this historical text, Benjamin Franklin issues a plea to the United States government.

The speaker describes how the experiences of women pursuing the arts differ from those of men.

In an open letter to the American people, Choctaw chief George W. Harkins expresses his opinion about the Indian removals.

Martin Luther King, Jr. accepts the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

Jimmy Carter accepts the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to international peace.

President Ronald Reagan delivers this famous speech imploring General Secretary Gorbachev to take down the Berlin Wall and reunite Germany.

Famous minister and abolitionist Richard Allen implores slave-owners and pro-slavery advocates to reconsider their stances.

Ancient Greek thinkers have influenced Western culture and philosophy for centuries.

Martin Luther King, Jr., outlines his nonviolence approach to addressing injustice while responding to criticism.

Malala Yousafzai receives the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for education.

In Senator Joseph McCarthy’s most famous speech, he condemns the threat of communism and accuses the state department of communist infiltration.

Nelson Mandela receives the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and discusses his work ending South Africa’s system of segregation.

Journalist Susan Dare interviews Susan B. Anthony and describes the life of this famous women’s rights activist.

In this speech, 16-year-old Rosie King shares her experiences with autism and how it has allowed her to be true to herself.

In this speech to the United Nations, Malala Yousafzai describes her experience after being shot by members of the Taliban and her commitment to education and rights for women.

A Holocaust survivor discusses the consequences of acting indifferently towards human suffering.