Sojourner+Truth+-+F08

=Sojourner Truth=



"//Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about? That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman? Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or Negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full? Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him. If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it. The men better let them. Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.// ” __-- Ain't I a Woman?__

Sojourner Truth grew up as a slave, and lived in various towns across New York, as she had different owners. She had five children, four of which she was forced to have and were sold off; and one "lovechild" with another slave on another plantation, which she stayed with while the father was sent away and Sojourner never saw again. When slavery was abolished in 1827, she went to live with a quaker family, and became a devout Christian. In 1844, Sojourner joined the Northampton Association of Education, an abolitionist group that supported woman's rights, religious tolerance, and pacifism (non - violence). In 1850, Sojourners book, __The Narritive of Sojourner Truth: A slave__ ; was published. Then in 1851 she joined George Thompson to tour and travel across country and promote womans rights and abolition. In May 1851, she spoke at the Ohio Woman's Rights Convention and gave her infamous speech, Ain't I a Woman? (Posted Above). She gave dozens of speaches for abolition and woman's rights, joining Marious Robinson from 1851 to 1853. When the civil war came, Sojourner recruited black soldiers for the union. In 1864 she was employed by the National Freedmans Association, where she improved conditions for African - Americans. In October 1864, she met and spoke with President Abraham Lincoln. In 1965, Sojourner rode along in streetcars throughout Washington, for desegregation. In 1870 Sojourner tried to secure land rights for freed slaves, and after seven years failed. It wasn't a complete failure though, as it inspired many other abolitionists. She also met with President Ulysses S Grant, and continued to preach about ending segregation and woman's rights. Although she spoke and wrote many speaches, books, and poetry, Sojourner was illiterate and self-educated. She also was very tall, at 5'11", and had a very deep masculine voice. She was often accused of being a man. Susan B Anthony was a supporter of Sojourner Truth and often preached the same concepts as she did. They became close friends and often gave speeches with one another. George Thomas was another reference. He was the person she first did a tour with, and mentored her through the way. He became close friends with her also.

Martich, Michael. "Sojourner Truth." Sojourner Truth. 1996. Happy Lizard. 2 Oct. 2008 . Women in History. Sojourner Truth biography. Last Updated: 1/25/2008. Lakewood Public Library. Date accessed 10/2/2008. .