EK
Elizabeth Keckley
11quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Elizabeth Keckley
Birth and Death Dates
1818 - 1907
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Formerly Enslaved African American, Seamstress, Fashion Designer, Writer, and Civil War-era Confidential Advisor to Mary Todd Lincoln.
Early Life and Background
Born into slavery in 1818 on a plantation near Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia), Elizabeth Keckley's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. As a child, she learned the art of sewing from her mother, which would become the foundation of her future success. Despite being separated from her family at a young age, Keckley's innate talent for needlework led to her becoming a skilled seamstress.
Major Accomplishments
Keckley's journey to freedom began when she bought her own freedom in 1855 and eventually settled in Washington D.C., where she opened a successful sewing business. Her entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional craftsmanship caught the attention of Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Keckley became a trusted confidante and advisor to Mrs. Lincoln, offering counsel on matters beyond fashion.
Notable Works or Actions
During her time at the White House, Keckley was responsible for creating many of Mrs. Lincoln's elaborate gowns, showcasing her remarkable skill as a designer. She also played a crucial role in supporting Mary Todd Lincoln through the difficult period following President Lincoln's assassination in 1865.
Impact and Legacy
Keckley's achievements extend far beyond her sewing skills and time at the White House. As one of the few African American women with her level of access to the nation's capital, she became a pivotal figure in the lives of many prominent figures, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. Her writings offer valuable insights into the experiences of formerly enslaved individuals navigating freedom.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Elizabeth Keckley is widely quoted and remembered for her sharp wit, unwavering determination, and poignant observations on life in the White House during one of America's most tumultuous periods. Her writings offer a unique perspective on the complexities of power, privilege, and identity.
As a testament to her enduring legacy, Elizabeth Keckley's work continues to inspire generations of scholars, writers, and artists. Her remarkable journey from slavery to freedom serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation.
Her words offer guidance and wisdom on living with intention, navigating complex relationships, and finding one's voice in the face of adversity. Elizabeth Keckley's story stands as an enduring tribute to her courage, creativity, and determination.
Quotes by Elizabeth Keckley
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I was regarded as fair-looking for one of my race, and for four years a white man – I spare the world his name – had base designs upon me. I do not care to dwell upon this subject, for it is one that is fraught with pain. Suffice it to say, that he persecuted me for four years, and I – I – became a mother. The child of which he was the father was the.
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No; eternal slavery rather than be regarded with distrust by those whose respect I esteemed.
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When I heard the words, I felt as if the blood had been frozen in my veins, and that my lungs must collapse for the want of air. Mr. Lincoln shot!
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These revolting scenes created a great sensation at the time, were the talk of the town and neighborhood, and I flatter myself that the actions of those who had conspired against me were not viewed in a light to reflect much credit upon them.
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Mr. Lincoln was generous by nature, and though his whole heart was in the war, he could not but respect the valor of those opposed to him. His soul was too great for the narrow, selfish views of partisanship. Brave by nature himself, he honored bravery in others, even his foes.
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Notwithstanding all the wrongs that slavery heaped upon me, I can bless it for one thing-youth’s important lesson of self-reliance.
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Nobody has a right to whip me but my own master, and nobody shall do so if I can prevent it.
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For an act may be wrong judged purely by itself, but when the motive that prompted the act is understood, it is construed differently. I lay it down as an axiom, that only that is criminal in the sight of God where crime is meditated.
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