Date
4-7-2026
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
Chair
Luci Vaden
Disciplines
History
Recommended Citation
McGinniss, Jeremy, "“Genuine, Sincere, Unafraid”: Considering the Life and Work of Francis James Grimké" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8074.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8074
Abstract
This dissertation argues Francis Grimké’s historical impact should be recognized as infrastructural, offering evidence for Grimké as a key influence in the long struggle for social equality by African Americans. Drawing from key works within Grimké’s extensive archive provides clear examples of Grimké’s work advocating for social equality as well as his engagement with key social issues during the late 1800s and early 1900s. This dissertation considers segregationist and integrationist arguments from a variety of primary sources, tracing their continuity from antebellum through Reconstruction and into the mid-19090s.
This dissertation highlights three elements of continuity consistently evident across Grimké’s body of work. The first element is the recognition of Scriptural authority, the second is pursuit of social equality, and the third is use of the printed word. His concern for social equality for African Americans was parsed through a deeply rooted faith which held a high view of Scriptural authority. This dissertation similarly emphasizes continuity and social equality as two long-running themes which provide context and perspective to the cultural, theological, legal, and social movements to which Grimké was responding.
