Discussion Leading

“Ain’t I A Woman”

Sojourner Truth gave a speech in 1851 at woman’s convention in Ohio. A few years back I had to choose a famous speech for a project for my introduction to speech class at my community college. After doing research on a speech that meant something to me, I chose Sojourner’s Ain’t I A Woman speech. I felt inspired and empowered after hearing the words she spoke and learning about her life story.

Truth paved the way for woman, especially women of color, with her bravery and strength throughout her life. Born into slavery, Sojourner escaped with her daughter to freedom in 1826. Two years later, Sojourner went to court to win back her son and successfully did so. She became the first black woman to win a case of its kind against a white man.

Amistad’s article Black Feminism closely relates to the story of Truth and the life she lived, being a voice and inspiration for all women, especially those of color. She gave the women of the future the courage and strength to stand up and keep fighting for what they believe in and what they know is right.

Topics like these that relate to women and feminism really touch close to home for me as I am a woman and have many influential women in my life. I think about the history women have gone through and the progress we have made. And those women of color and how their stories and experiences are different than mine and are so important to be heard and understood.

In comparison to some ideas discussed in the documentary Miss Representation and the lack of women in positions of power and who feel empowered, I like to think about how far we’ve come today. Political affiliations aside, I think about the efforts we have made and here we are in 2021 with not only our first female vice president, but first female vice president of color. I hope that milestones like these help to pave the way for women in the future to continue to have women in positions of power who care about making a difference and the common good in our country.

There is still more to come and progress to be made for women, especially women of color, but I feel so proud to look back on our history and see where we are today. I feel hopeful for the women of the future that they will feel empowered to live the lives they want and make a change for the better so all women can feel represented and equal.