Ain't I A Woman? The Times, Tales, And Impact Of Sojourner Truth

Speaker: Sojourner Truth (portrayed by Daisy Century, Ph.D.)  'Ain't I a Woman?' The Times, Tales, and Impact of Sojourner Truth Born Isabella Baumfree, the enslaved person from a small town north of New York City changed hands several times, sold by one brutal owner to another just as harsh. Her life included repeated beatings, rapes, and a forced marriage. In 1826, having been promised freedom but then cruelly denied emancipation, she left her current enslavers and found her way to the Van Wageners' home. There, she had an epiphany, became a devout Christian, and renamed herself Sojourner Truth, after which she began her travels as a preacher. In 1850, Sojourner began speaking on women's suffrage, believing the causes of abolition and women's rights to be intertwined and equally important. Ms. Truth's most quoted speech, "Ain't I a Woman?" was delivered at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Although there has been much dispute about the words she spoke and the rhythm of her speech, there is no debate about the power and integrity of the speaker or about the impact of the speech and the speaker's life. Truth also helped recruit Black troops during the Civil War for the Union Army, and she worked as a Union nurse. This event is part of the JES's USA 250 series. Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St. Erie, PA 16508 Date/Time: Monday, May 4, 7:00-8:30PM Admission: $15/person; $25 w/ a guest