I love this speech delivered by Sojourner Truth in 1851 at a Women's Rights Convention. There is some discrepancy about what her actual words really were--this is an account given by Frances Gage, the leader of the movement many years after the convention.
There is, however, no question that she addressed the meeting (a room full of men--many who were ministers and women) in a very powerful way with her very tall (5'11'+ frame) and "soulful deep-toned voice". There is no question that she was NOT on the day's agenda...this was impromptu. And there is NO QUESTION that she spoke to the hearts of women (and men) in that room.
It really is a reminder that we, as women, are not so different from one another. In my mind it's so much more than equality...and/or feminism...it's about being part of a human race that really knows no race or ethnic differences. It's about recognizing that we are all God's children.
I love it, though that this woman who lived through slavery...in a time where it really wasn't apropos for a woman to speak in public...much less a black woman....wasn't afraid to speak what she believed. She spoke with passion. She spoke from her heart. She obviously lived her life with passion. Would that we would all find ways to defend a cause or help one another with such heart! I think we could change the world if there were more modern day "Sojourners".
And so, I ask myself...in what areas do I need to be bold and speak out on behalf of others? Here's Sojourner's example:
Ain't I A Woman?
by Sojourner Truth
Delivered 1851 at the Women's Convention in 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.
