Title: The life of Sojourner Truth "Ain't I a woman?" /
Authors: Parker, Valeria.; Harris, Julie, 1925-; Stephens, Loren.; Chaikin, Judy.; Goldsmith, Gloria.; Advanced American Communications, Inc.; One Step Productions.; Learning Corporation of America.
Publisher: Learning Corporation of America : Distributed by Simon & Schuster,
Year: 1989
Subjects: Truth, Sojourner,; African Americans; Antislavery movements United States; Women's rights United States; Civil rights United States
Abstract: "Look at me! Look at my arm! I have plowed and planted and gathered into barns and no man could head me - and ain't I a woman?" Following this opening speech by Sojourner Truth which provided inspiration for the title of this film, viewers are introduced to Olive Gilbert, a Quaker woman from Massachusetts who published The Narrative of Sojourner Truth in 1850. Olive Gilbert narrates this program which dramatizes the life of this early freedom fighter. Born into slavery, Isabella escaped her bondage at age 30, took refuge with a Quaker family and changed her name to Sojourner Truth. At age 46, Sojourner set out across New England speaking at prayer meetings and gatherings to champion the abolitionist cause as well the rights of women. In 1864, worried about the criticism being leveled at Abraham Lincoln, she journeyed to Washington to meet with the President and give him encouragement. In this program, Sojourner Truth's words are interspersed with the reflections of those who knew her, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe.