ain't that the truth

Sojourner Truth (surely one of the all-time greatest names; she gave it to herself) was born into slavery in 1797. In 1826 she escaped to freedom, and later became a prominent abolitionist, meeting Abraham Lincoln, and campaigning for women's right to vote. Today she becomes the first black woman to be honoured with a bust at the Capitol, in a ceremony attended by Michelle Obama. Here's a passage from her most famous speech:

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?

(Hat tip: Jehmu)

Comments

[peter]

Michelle Obama and Hilary Clinton attended this event. Can one imagine any two British politicians honouring some historical figure in this way? It says something about the poor calibre of UK politicians that among well-known politicians perhaps only William Hague has the historical sensibility that is widespread among American politicians.