State Historical Society of Iowa

Sojourner Truth, "Ain't I A Woman?," 1851

    Download PDF Resource

Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Sojourner Truth, 1851

Description

Sojourner Truth, who escaped a life of enslavement, gave a speech at a Women’s Rights Convention in 1851. This transcription was printed a week after Truth spoke.

Transcript of "Sojourner Truth, Ain't I A Woman?," 1851

Source-Dependent Questions

  • What arguments does Sojourner Truth give in favor of women’s rights? How do her arguments compare to those of Susan B. Anthony? Which do you find more persuasive and why?
  • Why do you think the author of the article made a point to tell readers about the impact of Truth’s speech on the crowd?
  • Consider both this source and the “Am I Not a Man and a Brother?” How do these sources demonstrate arguments for or attempts by individuals and groups to advance civil rights of Americans?

Citation Information

Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio), 21 June 1851. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Library of Congress.