"Ain't I A Woman?"
                           by Sojourner Truth

Delivered 1851 at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio


Well, children, where there is so much racket, there must also
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 helped 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 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?    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
hold 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.