LAD/Blog #18: Sojouner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" Speech

LAD/Blog #18: Sojouner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman Speech”

Sojouner Truth begins her speech by saying that the white men will soon be caught up in the protest of rights by women and African Americans. She says that some men say women need to be helped in every way, and should have the “best place everywhere.” She says this never happens to her, but isn’t she a woman? She gives examples of her hard work, and things she’s has to endure, saying she’s a woman. She then asks what intellect has to do with women’s or African Americans’ rights. It is pointed out that women can’t have as many rights as men, because Christ wasn’t a woman, so she asks where Christ came from- a woman! Finally, she says that women should be able to change the way society has taken away their rights, and says that men better let them.

 

Sojouner Truth

Susan B. Anthony (synthesis)

Susan B. Anthony, like Sojouner Truth, was a woman's rights advocate who pushed for reforms and for equality for women. Both protested against racial injustices and played major roles in advancing women's rights.