In 1851, abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth visited Akron, Ohio, and made history. Speaking at the Old Stone Church, Truth addressed a mostly white crowd at the Ohio Women’s Convention. As a Black woman and former enslaved person, Truth spoke out on behalf of those whose voices were ignored or silenced. Her iconic speech, now considered one of the greatest in American history, is remembered as “Ain’t I a Woman?” – though she probably never spoke those exact words.
In honor of Sojourner Truth, and in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a committee of local Summit County women raised funds to commission local artist Woodrow Nash to create a statue. This statue will serve as an ongoing opportunity to educate the public on the progress made over the last 100 years and honor the fight for voting rights for all women — especially many women of color who were excluded from voting until the 1960s. (Learn more here: https://www.truthstatue.org/about)
In 2022, First Congregational Church of Akron made a $25,000 donation to become a presenting sponsor of the Legacy Plaza project. As the unveiling date approaches, there are many ways to learn more and celebrate the memory of this important point in history.
April 28, 2024 – Beginning at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall, there will be a 30-minute presentation about the life of Sojourner Truth and the Plaza, hosted by Towanda Mullins, Chair, Sojourner Truth Project-Akron and Margaret Maurer, church member and Education Committee Chair, Sojourner Truth Project-Akron.
May 18, 2024 – A Salute to Sojourner Truth Night hosted by the Akron RubberDucks. Game time is 7pm at Canal Park (300 S Main St, Akron), and first 1,000 attendees receive a miniature replica of the Sojourner Truth Statue. Use this QR Code to purchase your tickets and you will be seated in the Sojourner Truth section of the ballpark!
May 17, 2024 – 7pm Sojourner Truth Celebration Event hosted by First Congregational Church of Akron. This celebratory event will feature a Sojourner Truth speech re-enactment, a dance performance, poetry reading and more! Event will be held at First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E Market St, Akron.
May 29, 2024 – From 5:30p-7:30p join the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza Celebration for the unveiling of the new monument. This free community event will be held at the Legacy Plaza, located at 37 N High St, Akron.