Giving Voice to the Next Generation

By Alisha Martin

In honor of this special edition of Mahogany Columbus celebrating the positive achievements of women in our city, I would like to take the time to reference a notable speech in women’s history that was first delivered in our great State of Ohio.

At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth delivered her most famous speech “Ain’t I A Woman” to advocate for voting rights for women and Black people.

I competed in a speech meet competition as a kid and won an award for reciting this same speech. As I began to memorize her words, I started to also internalize her message. This was a very impressionable time for me as a young 11-year-old girl attempting to process everything Sojourner was trying to convey during this most important time in in our country’s history. I began to realize the power of advocacy, and the power of seizing the moment.

This speech was delivered 172 years ago, and the impact can still be felt today. Much of the tone is rooted in equity, fairness, and basic human and civil rights.

To all the women featured in this special issue and reading these words, I pray you are honored, respected, seen, elevated, regarded, heard, loved and protected!