AKRON, Ohio — Leaders in the city of Akron want to make sure the legacy of women's and civil rights activist Sojourner Truth is never forgotten.
After a decadeslong project, city leaders and residents gathered at the United Way of Summit & Medina's downtown office, where the was standing room only for the unveiling of a new life-sized sculpture of Sojourner Truth.
The sculpture, designed by native sculptor, Woodrow Nash, was unveiled on the 173rd anniversary of the abolitionist's "Ain't I a Woman?" speech. The sculpture sits adjacent to the same spot where she delivered the iconic address at the 1851 Ohio Women's Convention held in Akron, and although some accounts dispute whether she actually uttered that phrase, the message remains the same.
"I'm just enamored at the beauty of this statue itself," Akron resident Dorothea Dingle told 3News. "It's just a nice momentous recognition of what women can accomplish. She's a representation of anyone and what you can accomplish and what your rights are as an individual."
The statue is surrounded by pillars that read, "Activism, Faith, Power." It sits alongside a metal sculpture of an impala lily designed by Alexandria Couch. The impala lily is the national flower of Ghana, known to be Truth's ancestral home.
For Akron residents, the statue brings a sense of pride to the Rubber City.
"It means that we live in a place that was once progressive. It means we have a representation of strength, especially with the women, here in Akron," Meka Purdiemoore, who brought her daughter to the occasion, said. "I am proud of where I live."
Truth's legacy goes beyond generations, so other parents joined Purdiemoore in making sure to pass that legacy to the next.
"I brought my daughter because I think remembering the past is important," Michael Howard explained. "I think it's especially important for young people to know this history, because this history is part of shaping what we hope the future will be."
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik designated May 29 as Sojourner Truth Day in Akron.