The Sojourner Truth Education Committee was born out of a call by Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro to form plans to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment. Our original mission was to commemorate this milestone, educating the public on the progress of women's rights over the past century. We honored the long fight for voting rights, recognizing the exclusion of women of color until the 1960s, and encouraged our community to reflect on contemporary voting equality and the ongoing pursuit of true equity for all women.

Inspired by this work, we are now dedicated to honoring the legacy of Sojourner Truth, the iconic abolitionist and women's rights activist. Her powerful 1851 speech, "Ain't I a Woman?", delivered right here in Akron, electrified the women's rights and civil rights movements. We strive to amplify her courageous voice and the timeless message of her work.

In great thanks to community-wide support as well as the unwavering dedication of a local committee, The Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza was dedicated adjacent to the site where the speech was given on North High Street on May 29, 2024. This plaza will serve as a lasting tribute to Truth's unwavering fight for equality.

The Sojourner Truth Education Committee is committed continuing to provide resources and programs that illuminate her legacy, inspiring a continued commitment to justice in Akron and beyond.