A Tribute to Womanhood

Welcome to "I Am Woman"...a tribute to all those women who had the courage and perseverance to stand up and fight for their rights. Thanks to those who came before us we enjoy a freedom unknown to women not too long ago. But, sadly, in many parts of the world, women continue to be repressed. In fact, even in this country there are women living today under the threat of violence...completely controlled by a violent spouse. Some may make it; others won't. Hopefully, one day ALL women will be free. May that day come soon.

4/14/2010

Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth was born in 1797.  She began her life as a slave and ended it as a celebrated American freedom fighter and orator.  Born in New York she was sold several times before she managed to escape with her infant daughter in 1827.  During her life as a slave she had been beaten and suffered many other cruel and unjust hardships...including seeing her husband beaten savagely and dragged away, never to see him again.

Although she could neither read nor write, Sojourner was a captivating speaker who spoke out for women's rights and against slavery.   It was in 1851 that she gave her famous speech, "Ain't I A Woman?", a short, but stirring challenge to the notion that men were superior to women. 


Ain't I A Woman

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 bourne 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?  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.
     --Delivered 1851at a Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio

She was a controversial for most of her life and was the first black woman to test the legality of segregation of Washington, D.C. streetcars.  During the Civil War, she bought gifts for the soldiers with money raised from her lectures and helped fugitive slaves find work and housing.  After the war, she continued her tirade against racial injustice...even when old age and poor health confined her to a sanatorium in Battle Creek, Michigan.  She died there on November 26, 1883.  What a very special, brave woman she was.

4 comments:

  1. Hey Mary, I found my way over. I didn't realize you had so many other blogs, how great. I need to check them all out, the subject matters are right up my alley. Uncanny indeed how closely we posted on this amazing woman but not surprising to me, I pretty much live my life in this type of energy. I've been thinking about compartmentalizing my subject matter into different blogs as well, so you are an inspiration to me.

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  2. Mary, I'm just trying to catch up on things and finally got here again. What a wonderful blog this is! And what a powerful woman she was in her time. How sad that she lived the life she did....but how wonderful that we know of her, thanks to you. Now to see what else I've missed on here..
    Please keep up this special tribute to us women!

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  3. Thank you for this post. I was looking for a link to Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?", for my blog today, and your post is just perfect!

    https://goodevaning.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/who-needs-international-womens-day/

    Thank you,and I wish you an inspiring International Women's Day!
    Evan Andrew Mackay

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  4. t looks like you may have a real interest in Sojournertruth. You may find this interesting.
    Sojournertruth & Matthias
    The name Sojournertruth has become established with in the hearts and minds of modern humanity, she is a symbol of freedom, justice, strength and endurance. The established Icon of Sojournertruth helps humanity understand the importance of communication and honesty. The name Sojournertruth is a pseudonym adopted after the point of departure from New York in 1843.
    Within the book ‘Clash Of The Prophets, The Beginning’ we read ‘In time and between the years of 1843 and 1850 the evidence, both direct and indirect, confirms the evolution of Isabella's name from "SOJOURNER" into "SOJOURNER TRUTH." The name of "Sojourner truth" was penned by Mr Oliver Gilbert in 1850. When Gilbert penned this name he placed a space between the "SOJOURNER" and the "Truth." In time the name once again evolved and the accepted name for Isabella is now established within the hearts and minds of humanity as "SOJOURNERTRUTH." The name of "SOJOURNERTRUTH" is recognised as a symbol of justice and freedom for all, regardless of nationality, gender, or religion!'
    Matthias called himself "the Spirit of truth."
    Isabella Van Wagener called herself "Sojournertruth"
    After reflection upon the activities within New York Isabella Van Wagener (Sojournertruth) concluded: 'that she had been taking part in a great drama, which was, in itself, but one great system of robbery and wrong.'
    The manuscript is perfect for readers who enjoy a true story. Additionally college and university students will find facts presented in a readable enjoyable manner, with all of the required historical references fully presented. The book is a foundation for study, debate and end of term essays involving Sojournertruth and her New York years with Prophet Matthias.
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    (Author Clash Of The Prophets The Beginning.)

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