The following is the famous speech from Sojourner Truth given at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio in 1851. What a powerful woman she was. Her words still resonate. She still inspires.
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.
Isn't it amazing that we are asking the same question today in 2007, that was asked back in the 1800's, Ain't I a Woman? We still don't receive the same treatment as other women. Who do you see in the nice exclusive hair salons and spas, the fanciest dining places, the exclusive resorts, nice cars, and who takes the nicest vacations? Ding! Ding! Ding! You have answered correctly, the white women. Is it because their mates make more money? BONG! Wrong answer. No, their mates feel as though they deserve it for all they do for their family. Oh, and don't forget they are stay at home moms. Unfortunately, we have to go to work and take care of our domestic responsibilities and our mates still don't feel we need a vacation. Don't feel sorry for me, because fortunately I am not in this state, but I have to many sista's that are. Yet, you hear constantly, she is not submissive, she's rebellious, and aggressive. That's not the case at all, just think of the treatment our men could really receive if they showed us a little appreciation. We take and take and take. Then we give and give and give. The gifts we do receive we help purchase them if not, purchase it all. All I can say Women continue to do what is right, GOD will give is a rest, peace, and joy that no man can provide. This will be done in this life. I must add, when our daughters and sons make it big whether it be in sports or intellegience and they say "I want to thank my mom for being there and never giving up on me and for sacraficing so we might have, I say to you enjoy that moment. Proverbs says, Her children will a rise up and call her blessed and her own works will praise her in the gates. So to answer the question, Ain't I a Women, I will say yes, and enjoy every moment of being that woman. Joy will come in the morning.
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Question Aint I a Women hell ya. From my large breast big booty and beautiful smile. I know who I am and aint afraid to show it from my sassiness. I must say I thank God for the husband I got. He do what he can to give me royal treatment. And I must agree with the sister about the white women and the treatment they get. On the other hand we as black are consider to bold or talk to much or just got to have the last word when we express ourselves we are consider not submissive. The devil is a lie. But I say to my sista out there keep God first and form a relationship with him tell him all about your problems and the royal treatment you would like to have and when the husband says no my God will make him say yes but make sure you are doing your part as a women and a child of God
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