“I declare to you that women must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take a stand.” – Susan B Anthony. The speech titled “Ain’t I a woman?” is a powerful speech given by Sojourner Truth in 1851 at a Women’s Convention. It addresses the difficulties African-American woman faced during slavery and how that affected their lives. During this time African-American woman faced difficulties in everyday life while working on plantations. Sojourner Truth gave this speech in protest to white’s – mainly men’s – opinions and actions towards these slave women.
Sojourner was not always free. She endured many of the hardships that slaves faced. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York. She was sold to another plantation when she was 10, where she was treated severely worse. Even thought she was promised freedom, she did not gain it legally. In 1826, she became …show more content…
In 1851, slavery was not yet abolished, but Sojourner was free. Sojourner Truth was one of the main activists for woman’s rights, and had made a large political impact. In 1828, after Sojourner had gained her freedom, she went to court to recover her son. Truth became the first African-American woman to win a court case against a white man. This is one of the major events that kicked off her powerful career. She had finally gained attention, and was going to use it.
She starts her most powerful speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” by addressing the audience creating a feeling of personality. When she speaks directly to the audience she calls them “children”. I think she does this to interact with the audience more. Further on in the speech, she interacts more with the audience by asking them a question. Sojourner talks about how men need to learn. By creating this connection, she makes a wonderful atmosphere for everyone to listen to her powerful