Ruby Sterling had a magnificant presentation discussing several women who led the way for women's rights in the history of the USA including Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. Ruby actually had two presentations today. She appeared at the start of the program "in character" as Sojourner Truth, making a speech, and even wearing a costume. Later Ruby spoke about the women pioneers. Great job, Ruby !!
-- Adrian
Here is Ruby's article in her own words:
Women Pioneers
By Ruby Sterling
In celebration of International Women’s Day I am honored to present Sojouner Truth, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Bridget “Biddy” Mason, and Harriet Ross Tubman. These women seemed to have had much in common as they prepared the way for us to follow. Yet, each stands on their own merit and determination, but one thing is for certain is that each were a driven force that could not be extinguished no matter the odds with a deep rooted love for all mankind.
Sojouner Truth
Her given name was Isabella ‘Bamfree’ Hardenbergh born in Ulster County, New York about 1797 lived until 1883. Honesty, hard work, and prayer were engraved in her character. Her faith led her to become a preacher. She decided to change her name to Sojouner which means ‘to travel’ and Truth because to her this is what God’s gospel is. People came from miles around, different cities and states just to hear her message of hope. She worked along with abolitionist Frederick Douglas and Elizabeth Stanton. Even President Abraham Lincoln invited her to the White House. He presented a special book to her, even autographed it for her. It became one of her proudest moments in her time. She devoted the rest of her life to fighting for women’s rights.
Mary Ellen Pleasant
She states that she was born on August 19,1814 in Philadelphia. She describes her mother as a free woman of color and her father as a wealthy planter. She adopted the Quakers faith and practices in the belief that all men are equal and that slavery must end. She fought for the rights of slaves to be free. She gave much of her wealth to the Underground Railroad and other abolitionist groups. She was gifted in accounting: she was taught to read and write. She was mulatto and told to never revile her race when she worked for an old Quaker merchant, Grandma Hussey’s General Store in Nantucket, Mass. In later years she did, however, reveal her race.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason
Born a slave in Hancock County, Miss. on Aug. 15, 1818 lived until 1891. Her parents not known, but records indicate that she was of mixed blood, black and three kind of Indian- Choctaw, Seminole, and Geegi. After a long jouney from Miss. to Utah in a wagon train caravan, she had many duties in addition to taking care of her children. Then she had to take another journey from Utah to California. While in California she filed a petition to Judge Benjamin Hayes that resulted in freedom papers for her and thirteen other slaves of Smith’s. This law suit set a precedent regarding the legal rights of black settlers in the American West. Biddy Mason became a nurse and midwife for Dr. John S. Griffen serving members of the Los Angeles, San Bernardio, San Diego, and Santa Barbara communities. She saved her wages of $2.50 a day to purchase her homestead at Spring Street. Ms. Mason was a founding member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of 1872.
Harriet Ross Tubman
Born in Bucktown, Maryland, in 1820 lived until 1913. Her mother was Harriet Green and father was Benjamin Ross. She was one of eleven children. It’s believed she was second to the youngest child. After escaping from slavery she wanted to help others obtain their freedom as well, so she decided to become a ‘conductor’ for the Underground Railroad. She became known to the people as “Moses”. It’s estimated that she led 300 slaves to freedom. She served in the Union Army in the Civil War as a scout, nurse, cook, and spy. She was never paid for service. She went on to work with Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, renown abolitionists. Even President Lincoln gave recognition to her efforts of helping her people get their freedom.
These pioneers have inspired in me to have courage to never quit and to press toward my goals: to respect others, and to honor myself.
Here is Ruby's article in her own words:
Women Pioneers
By Ruby Sterling
In celebration of International Women’s Day I am honored to present Sojouner Truth, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Bridget “Biddy” Mason, and Harriet Ross Tubman. These women seemed to have had much in common as they prepared the way for us to follow. Yet, each stands on their own merit and determination, but one thing is for certain is that each were a driven force that could not be extinguished no matter the odds with a deep rooted love for all mankind.
Sojouner Truth
Her given name was Isabella ‘Bamfree’ Hardenbergh born in Ulster County, New York about 1797 lived until 1883. Honesty, hard work, and prayer were engraved in her character. Her faith led her to become a preacher. She decided to change her name to Sojouner which means ‘to travel’ and Truth because to her this is what God’s gospel is. People came from miles around, different cities and states just to hear her message of hope. She worked along with abolitionist Frederick Douglas and Elizabeth Stanton. Even President Abraham Lincoln invited her to the White House. He presented a special book to her, even autographed it for her. It became one of her proudest moments in her time. She devoted the rest of her life to fighting for women’s rights.
Mary Ellen Pleasant
She states that she was born on August 19,1814 in Philadelphia. She describes her mother as a free woman of color and her father as a wealthy planter. She adopted the Quakers faith and practices in the belief that all men are equal and that slavery must end. She fought for the rights of slaves to be free. She gave much of her wealth to the Underground Railroad and other abolitionist groups. She was gifted in accounting: she was taught to read and write. She was mulatto and told to never revile her race when she worked for an old Quaker merchant, Grandma Hussey’s General Store in Nantucket, Mass. In later years she did, however, reveal her race.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason
Born a slave in Hancock County, Miss. on Aug. 15, 1818 lived until 1891. Her parents not known, but records indicate that she was of mixed blood, black and three kind of Indian- Choctaw, Seminole, and Geegi. After a long jouney from Miss. to Utah in a wagon train caravan, she had many duties in addition to taking care of her children. Then she had to take another journey from Utah to California. While in California she filed a petition to Judge Benjamin Hayes that resulted in freedom papers for her and thirteen other slaves of Smith’s. This law suit set a precedent regarding the legal rights of black settlers in the American West. Biddy Mason became a nurse and midwife for Dr. John S. Griffen serving members of the Los Angeles, San Bernardio, San Diego, and Santa Barbara communities. She saved her wages of $2.50 a day to purchase her homestead at Spring Street. Ms. Mason was a founding member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of 1872.
Harriet Ross Tubman
Born in Bucktown, Maryland, in 1820 lived until 1913. Her mother was Harriet Green and father was Benjamin Ross. She was one of eleven children. It’s believed she was second to the youngest child. After escaping from slavery she wanted to help others obtain their freedom as well, so she decided to become a ‘conductor’ for the Underground Railroad. She became known to the people as “Moses”. It’s estimated that she led 300 slaves to freedom. She served in the Union Army in the Civil War as a scout, nurse, cook, and spy. She was never paid for service. She went on to work with Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, renown abolitionists. Even President Lincoln gave recognition to her efforts of helping her people get their freedom.
These pioneers have inspired in me to have courage to never quit and to press toward my goals: to respect others, and to honor myself.
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