Ain't I A Woman

Today is Women's Equailty Day. When we look back at the struggle for equality I'm reminded of Sojourner Truth's Ain't I A Woman. It made such an impression upon me; I learned of this dignified woman. She was and is an important figure in the abolitionist and equal right advocate - a feminist icon- of the 1800s.

This week as I was listening to Bell Hook's book, Ain't I A Woman, and was reminded of Sojourner and her story. Her words are still inspiring us today to sojourn on with truth at our side. Our words count and if we must be judged by our them and actions I'd rather be judged on the side of truth and love, rathen oppression and hate.

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 mudpuddles, 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."

Her life is worth knowing about and learning from so click on the links and or watch the videos.