Hundreds Gather in Ohio to Unveil Sojourner Truth Plaza and Statue

Hundreds gathered in Akron, Ohio, on Wednesday to unveil a plaza and statue dedicated to abolitionist and women’s rights pioneer Sojourner Truth. The dedication took place at the very spot where Truth delivered her iconic 1851 speech, now known as “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Historical Significance

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Bomfree, was a formerly enslaved person who delivered her powerful speech to a crowd at the Universalist Old Stone Church in Akron during the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention. In her speech, Truth highlighted the hardships she faced while enslaved and questioned why the humanity of enslaved African Americans was not recognized on par with that of white Americans. Though the church no longer exists, the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza and the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties now stand in its place.

The Unveiling Ceremony

Towanda Mullins, chairperson of the Sojourner Truth Project-Akron, emphasized the importance of the plaza in honoring the past and shaping the future. “It’s going to remind others to be the first one to speak up, to speak up for all, not just for some,” Mullins said.

The statue, created by artist and Akron native Woodrow Nash, depicts Truth standing tall, holding an open book. The monument is situated on top of an impala lily, the national flower of Ghana, where Truth’s father traced his heritage.

Design and Symbolism

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, spoke about the design's significance. “It was an opportunity to embed within the design of the memorial to uplift the overlooked contribution of Black women civic leaders that have sojourned in Truth’s footsteps,” Leggs said.

The plaza features large stone pillars with words like “faith” and “activism” engraved at the top and quotes from Truth below. One of the pillars bears the quote, “I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”

Dion Harris, the landscape architect who designed the plaza, aimed to use natural materials from northeast Ohio that would have been used to construct the former church, including sandstone and stone. “I wanted to show the industrial side of Akron,” Harris said. “I wanted to show every side of her and capture some of the time of the 1850s when she came.”

Broader Legacy

The statue and plaza in Akron are part of a broader effort to honor Sojourner Truth's legacy. In 2020, a bronze statue depicting Truth alongside women’s rights pioneers Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony was unveiled in New York’s Central Park, becoming the park’s first monument honoring historical heroines. In 2021, another statue of Truth was unveiled in Angola, Indiana, at the site where she gave a speech in June 1861.

Community and Funding

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund opened the plaza. The project was funded by the Knight Foundation, United Way of Summit and Medina, the Sojourner Truth Project-Akron, and the Akron Community Foundation.

Reflections on the Event

“This is not an African American story. This is an American story. History at its best for all people,” Mullins stated, emphasizing the universal significance of Truth’s legacy and the importance of preserving and honoring this history for future generations.

The unveiling of the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza and statue marks a significant moment in recognizing the contributions and enduring impact of a remarkable woman who fought tirelessly for equality and justice. The site now stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging individuals to speak out for justice and equality, echoing Truth's powerful message from over a century and a half ago.

Truth's Impact and Continuing Legacy

Sojourner Truth's influence extends far beyond her lifetime. Her powerful oratory and unyielding stance on human rights have continued to inspire generations of activists and leaders. By immortalizing her legacy through the statue and plaza, Akron ensures that Truth's contributions will not be forgotten and will continue to serve as a catalyst for social justice movements.

Educational Outreach

In addition to the physical memorial, the Sojourner Truth Project-Akron plans to use the plaza as an educational tool. Schools and community groups will be invited to learn about Truth's life, her contributions to abolition and women's rights, and the broader context of 19th-century American history. This educational outreach aims to instill a deeper understanding of historical struggles for equality and the ongoing fight for justice.

Community Involvement

The unveiling event saw participation from various community leaders, historians, and activists who shared their reflections on Truth's legacy. Local schools sent student representatives to witness the unveiling, hoping to inspire the next generation with the story of Sojourner Truth's courage and resilience.

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza and statue in Akron serve not only as a tribute to an extraordinary woman but also as a reminder of the continuous journey towards equality and justice. This dedication ensures that Sojourner Truth’s voice remains a guiding force in the quest for a more equitable society.