2008 Student Essays - Central Region Winner

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Sojourner Truth
by Emily Dutton
Massaponax High School
Fredericksburg, Virginia

In Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" speech, Truth stated, "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? ... 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 … ain't I a woman?"

Sojourner Truth was a leader who overcame huge obstacles and fought for what was right. She did not accept her place at birth as a slave and a woman, but instead overcame doubts and fears in order to heal others. She was beaten, raped and told she was nothing, yet found the strength in herself to be proud and outspoken about what she was – an unbreakable woman.

Life treated the slave girl with cruelty.  Born Isabella Baumfree, she was sold at the age of nine to a second master.  Another disappointment occurred when her first love was severely beaten for attempting to associate with her.  She was then forced to wed a man she did not love and had to watch many of her thirteen children sold into slavery.  She refused to let these obstacles pound her into the grave.

Isabella Baumfree chose to change her name to Sojourner Truth after she escaped her master.  She became a devout Christian and addressed large groups of people about her faith.  During the Civil War, Truth spoke on behalf of the Union and the benefits of allowing black men to fight for their country.  After the Civil War, she continued to preach on the subject of women’s rights and tolerance.  She championed for more land and the opportunities for the migration of families to the Midwest – a new beginning.

Sojourner Truth personified what it means to be a strong woman.  I have personally watched my mother descend into madness and had the care of my infant brother placed upon my young shoulders.  I was then placed into foster care with a wonderful family.  Sojourner Truth taught me that I do not have to be defined by my past, and I alone can shape my future.