This is Women's History Month
In honor of the month, I decided to post something each week
on women in History.
I read this speech in college and I have to say, I was
overwhelmed at this woman's intellect, wisdom. Miss Sojourner Truth, held her
audience spellbound that day in Akron, Ohio in 1851, at a women's convention,
with her on point views of human rights, not just women's rights. She is one of
my favorite women in history and a personal hero.
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain't I A Woman?
Delivered 1851
Women's Convention,
Akron, Ohio
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.
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Copyright © 2013 Glynis Rankin