This volume compiles more than 230 noteworthy speeches delivered by over 130 prominent African, Asian, Native, and Hispanic Americans from the late 1700s through 1995. In bringing together these speeches, "Voices of Multicultural America" brings to life the people and events surrounding each speech with narratives that give the historical background and the significance and impact of each speech. A brief biography of each subject is also included. To the extent possible, speeches are published in their entirety. Four introductory essays provide brief overviews of the oratory traditions of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Selections are indexed by ethnicity of the speaker and by speech topic. A time line helps show each speech in its historical context. (SLD)