Philosophy 20

“It was only now that I realized how difficult it would be for me to find a suitable job because of my African origin, because although I was gifted, no one thought of letting me learn a profession.”

Quote translated after: handwritten notes by Henriette Alexander, in: Monatsblatt von Beuggen, Mai 1895, Nr. 4, p. 30-32. Picture: Findagrave.

Henriette Alexander (1817-1895), born in Stuttgart, was the daughter of African valets, who herself worked as a teacher in various places.

The quote comes from Henriette Alexander's own notes about her life. As the daughter of so-called African valets, she lived in dependency throughout her life. She was very gifted and as she read a lot, especially the Bible. In her notes, she describes the various stages of her life as a teacher. In the quote, she expresses that despite her talents, she was never able to achieve independence in her home or profession. She was denied equality and freedom because of her African heritage.

*Monika Firla (2001): Exotisch - höfisch - bürgerlich. Afrikaner in Württemberg vom 15. bis 19. Jahrhundert. Katalog zur Ausstellung des Hauptarchivs Stuttgarts: Stuttgart. *Helen Whittle (13.11.2012): Homestory Deutschland.

1895