Not only occupying a seat were on this day in 1860, new yorkers listened to the then littlek nown statesman from illinois deliver a speech that not only altered the course of his life, but what impact the future of our nation. Ofce that day, scores individuals have filled your seats, eager to explore issues that define who we are as a country, and tonight you have a seat to another perspective on americas next chapter, inspired by the man who would ultimately reunite a country after the most divided period of its history, and preserve the Great American experiment. Hisham lincoln later viewed Cooper Union Speech as the turning point for his eventual election to the white house. Here, he made an impassioned argument against expansion of slavery in the United States, in treating his audience to have faith that right makes might. His words did more than make a president. Voice to clarity gave those imploring others to do what is right for a greater good, no matter their political ideologi