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"And Ain't I a Woman"?

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Sojourner Truth Puts Things In Perspective

Women were the backbone of the Abolishionist Movement. Women from the North, often the wives, daughters, sisters and mothers of professional men, worked tirelessly to end slavery. There were Southern women on plantations who risked all to teach slaves to read and helped some escape to the North.

The women started asking questions about their own situations. After all, if they were capable of doing the work for the Abolishionists, then maybe they were capable of voting and holding property in their own names.

They held a conference in Akron, Ohio in 1851 to discuss these issues. The men took over the meeting to list all the reasons why these delicate flowers could not have the few rights for which they had started to ask. The women were quiet while they men spoke.

At the back of the room was a Negro woman, a legally freed slave, who had gone on to become a preacher. She had founded the Underground Railroad and guided hundreds of slaves to freedom in the North.

Sojourner Truth stood almost 6 foot tall and would have been imposing even without the dark skin and the authority that came from her triumph over a life more difficult than anyone else in the room could imagine.

She pulled herself up to full height and stode slowly to the front of the now quiet room, all eyes were on her. People were filled with a mixture of respect, awe and some fear. She began to speak...

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 your 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.

That was all she needed to say.

Contents at a Glance

The Story of Sojourner Truth
Which 'Sojourner Truth' Gets Your Vote?
Kerry Washington: Ain't I A Woman
Alice Walker Reads Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth Truly Was Bigger Than Li...

Important!

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain't I A Woman?
Delivered 1851
Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio

The Story of Sojourner Truth

Which 'Sojourner Truth' Gets Your Vote?

I have watched each of these several times. Its worth watching them all, as each gives a different perspective.

After you watched, you can then vote. Use the Guest Book to tell us why you picked that one.

Enjoy!

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Kerry Washington: Ain't I A Woman

Alice Walker Reads Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth Truly Was Bigger Than Life

A Little Girl Does, "Ain't I A Woman

Alfre Woodard: "Ain't I A Woman?"

Malawian Woman: "Ain't I A Woman?"

Sojourner Truth & Abraham Lincoln: Did They Meet?

Sojourner Truth and Abraham Lincoln

It has been said that much of the detail of Sojourner Truth's life is unknown; that much of what we think we know is really myth.

We know she was a slave in New York, freed when the state abolished the abomination. We know that most of her children were sold away from her by her owners. We know that she was instrumental in starting the Underground Railroad, we don't know if she made the dangerous trips into the South with which she is credited.

We know that she made the "Ain't I a Woman?" speech. We don't know that she met with Abraham Lincoln. But the picture is great.

Is The Meeting Between Sojourner Truth and Abraham Lincoln A Myth? Does It Matter?

No, I Think That Is Just Myth and People Should Stick to the Facts and Here Is Why...

Spook says:

I highly doubt it as Lincoln wasn't everything people believed him to be although he still remains my favourite.

7Suze7 says:

who knows, but I doubt it

I Don't Know, Don't Care, But I Choose to Believe It As It Is The Spirit That Matters and Here Is Why....

holiver1 says:

Hi Margo:

I have an original copy of the "Narrative (1875)" and I had decided to do my first lens on Sojourner Truth. After spending some time gathering material I decided to check Squidoo. Boy was I crushed. You had already done a fine lens detailing her accomplishments. So I will just add a comment. President Lincoln apparently did meet Sojourner Truth. According to The Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek, Michigan, when President Lincoln met with Sojourner Truth, he inscribed Truth's Book of Life, "For Aunty Sojourner Truth."(from the collection of the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan). The following link has a picture of the inscription.

http://www.sojournertruth.org/_Photos/008.htm.

Momtothezoo says:

I really don't know but Abraham Lincoln worked so hard to free the slaves and give them a better life! I would not doubt the meeting at all.

SAMEPRINCESS10 says:

I think she was in the women's movement, met Abraham Lincoln.Then he abolished Slavery. Then here comes the men's movement for freedom always for freedom? Why can't we all just get along? by : Princess10, and friends in 2011-? @ sameprincess10 lenses. Please go to Smeprincess10's lense titled : politics politicaly speaking lense. Thanks! Comments, and questions are all welcomed here.

Ahmady says:

It was so long ago (relatively speaking, it doesn't matter. They were both honorable people

cjjc says:

It matters not to me. It's the idea that's great and I, for one, will keep it alive in my heart.

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Don't Forget to Sign In. I Would Love to Hear Your Reactions to This Speech

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sockii Mar 13, 2012 @ 12:14 pm | delete

Thanks for sharing this great message!

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SmartyGirlRenee Feb 8, 2012 @ 4:14 pm | delete

I learned about Sojourner Truth in 5th grade and she was an inspiration ever since.

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Tipi Jan 28, 2012 @ 4:31 pm | delete

Returning to this high impact article with a fresh angel blessing, excellent!

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hlkljgk Apr 13, 2011 @ 9:19 pm | delete

love the variety of the videos

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Momtothezoo Apr 10, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete

This is an excellent lens...people of such determination deserve to be remembered. They have paved the way for so many!
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Come Visit Margo's Salon

Get comfortable in a nice chair, get something good to drink and chat with us, read, give your opinion, lets get to know each other.

I Couldn't Do This Alone, Drifter Was a Big Help

He has some fine lenses of his own, I urge you to go visit him!

Get to know this guy better! He has taken Sojourner so much to heart. I am reprinting all of his comments here.

March 5, 2009 "few speeches or, moments for that matter, transcend beyond the original scope. Gandhi's 'Non-Violence' speech, anything that Abraham Lincoln did as president (speech or otherwise), and this speech by Sojourner Truth, among countless others all had this in common; acted from their heart, and because of that, had to struggle against all sides.

When she made this speech, you just have to know that women and blacks alike were abashed and most likely chided her for what most would say was a brash action. It is what defined this moment. It is what made this woman heroic. Not only for black women, but for anyone who might feel oppressed in any fashion.

Thank you again (third time and many more coming) :) "

March 1, 2009: "Just thought I'd drop back by and read the speech again. I kinda needed it today.

Thanks!"

February 25, 2009: "What a well presented lens. Content alone makes the difference here, and that's what makes truly great lenses and heroic people.

Sojourner was larger than life, and her content is legendary. I thought Alice Walker's delivery carried the most impact. She sounded tired and stern. I have often wondered what it would have been like to be in that room while she gave that speech.

Wekk done and thanks!"

drifter0658 drifter0658

Drifter's Additions to Sojourner Truth

ew speeches or, moments for that matter, transcend beyond the original scope. Gandhi's 'Non-Violence' speech, anything that Abraham Lincoln did as president (speech or otherwise), and this speech by Sojourner Truth, among countless others all had this in common; acted from their heart, and because of that, had to struggle against all sides.

When she made this speech, you just have to know that women and blacks alike were abashed and most likely chided her for what most would say was a brash action. It is what defined this moment. It is what made this woman heroic. Not only for black women, but for anyone who might feel oppressed in any fashion.

Thank you again (third time and many more coming) :)

Posted March 05, 2009

Just thought I'd drop back by and read the speech again. I kinda needed it today.

Thanks!

Posted March 01, 2009

What a well presented lens. Content alone makes the difference here, and that's what makes truly great lenses and heroic people.

Sojourner was larger than life, and her content is legendary. I thought Alice Walker's delivery carried the most impact. She sounded tired and stern. I have often wondered what it would have been like to be in that room while she gave that speech.

Well done and thanks!

Posted February 25, 2009