In a significant tribute to the 19th-century abolitionist and former slave, Sojourner Truth, a statue and plaza were unveiled on Wednesday in northwestern Ohio, near the site of her historic 1851 speech, "Ain't I a Woman." The unveiling was reported by various media outlets.
The statue and plaza are situated on the grounds of the former Universalist Old Stone Church in Akron, where Truth delivered her renowned speech, as reported by The Associated Press (AP). The speech, as documented by The Sojourner Truth Project, was a powerful argument for human rights, advocating for both women and enslaved African Americans. The church has since been demolished, and the site now also hosts the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties.
The unveiling of the Sojourner Truth Statue and Legacy Plaza was witnessed by over a thousand people, both physically present and virtually, according to a statement from the Sojourner Truth Project-Akron at the unveiling event.
Ilene Shapiro, the Summit County Executive, described the ceremony as a "wonderful celebration." She expressed gratitude to Woodrow Nash, the sculptor responsible for bringing Truth's likeness to life, and Dion Harris, a landscape architect with Summit Metro Parks, for designing the stunning plaza.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik expressed his honor at being part of the unveiling of Akron's newest landmark. Towanda Mullins, chairperson of the Sojourner Truth Project-Akron, told The AP that the plaza would serve as a reminder to speak up for all, not just for some. Mullins added that the plaza would honor a piece of the U.S.'s past and help shape its future.
Truth, born Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Hurley, New York, was enslaved for approximately 28 years, according to the Library of Congress (LOC). Despite being illiterate, she was reportedly well-versed in parts of the Bible. In 1843, she adopted the name Sojourner Truth, believing that God had given her the name. The LOC quotes Truth as explaining, "Sojourner because I was to travel up and down the land showing people their sins and being a sign to them, and Truth because I was to declare the truth unto the people."
Truth made history as the first African American woman to win a lawsuit in the U.S. She first won her son's freedom after he was illegally sold, and later won a slander lawsuit against a newspaper that accused her of witchcraft, as reported by the LOC.
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