Michelle Obama honors abolitionist
For one of the few times as first lady, Michelle Obama today highlighted the history she is making, speaking of her own family's journey as she helped to unveil a statue of abolitionist Sojourner Truth -- the first black woman to be so honored at the Capitol.
"I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as the first lady of the United States of America," Obama said at the new Capitol Visitor Center.
An early crusader for giving women the right to vote, as well as ending slavery, Truth met presidents Abraham Lincoln in 1864 and Ulysses S. Grant in 1870. She tried to vote on two occasions, but was turned away both times.
"One can only imagine what Sojourner Truth, an outspoken, tell-it-like-it-is kind of woman...would have to say about this incredible gathering, just looking down on this day, and thinking about the legacy she has left all of us -- because we are all here because, as my husband says time and time again, we stand on the shoulders of giants like Sojourner Truth," Obama added.
Her full remarks are below:
Thank you. Thank you so much. I'm not going to talk long because everybody has said just about everything that can be said. But let me tell you something, I am proud to be here.
I want to congratulate everyone who was a part of making this day possible: the NCBW, all of the elected official, C. DeLores Tucker, her family, the family of Sojourner Truth. It is just a sheer delight to have you here witnessing this.
But let's just think about this day and this gathering. It is so good to see this hall filled with so many strong women -- a few brothers in here, a few people -- (applause) -- but such a diverse group of people crowding this hall. And one can only imagine what Sojourner Truth, an outspoken, tell-it-like-it-is kind of woman -- and we all know a little something about that, right -- (applause) -- just to imagine what she would have to say about this incredible gathering, just looking down on this day, and thinking about the legacy she has left all of us -- because we are all here because, as my husband says time and time again, we stand on the shoulders of giants like Sojourner Truth. (Applause.)
And just as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott would be pleased to know that we have a woman serving as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as the First Lady of the United States of America. (Applause.) So I am proud to be here. I am proud to be able to stand here on this day with this dedication.
And just as many young boys and girls have walked through this Capitol -- I see them now, and they see the bust of suffragists and hear the stories of the struggles of women, what they had to endure to gain the right to vote -- now many young boys and girls, like my own daughters, will come to Emancipation Hall and see the face of a woman who looks like them. (Applause.)
And all the visitors in the U.S. Capitol will hear the story of brave women who endured the greatest of humanities -- indignities. They'll hear the story of Sojourner Truth who didn't allow those indignities to destroy her spirit, who fought for her own freedom, and then used her powers, young people -- then she used her power to help others; who fought for the right to vote and for the rights of all women.
The power of this bust will not just be in the metal that delineates Sojourner Truth's face; it will also be in the message that defines her legacy.
Forever more, in the halls of one of our country's greatest monuments of liberty and equality, justice and freedom, Sojourner's Truth story will be told again and again and again and again. So now let's get on with unveiling this statue. Thank you so much.
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Yeah lets bring slavery into the mix again.
Next thing Michelle Obama will want to paint the whitehouse black and order reperations to be paid by all whites to the neighborhood crack dealer.
STOP HATING!
The memorial ceremony was a memorable occasion with dynamic tributes from Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and our first lady Michelle Obama. I was proud to be at the event and among the thousands of people who contributed funds for this statue and helped bring all the peoples' history to our capitol.
I response to the absolutely racist and ignorant comment from Thozz, please think before you speak and get your facts straight !!
As per the Associated Press today:
"In 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law a requirement that a bust of Truth be placed in a "suitable, permanent location in the Capitol." Clinton co-sponsored the measure when she served in the Senate.
Artist Artis Lane created the bronze bust of Truth, which was paid for with private money."
Michelle Obama had nothing to do with the placement of this bust, she just attended the ceremony since it was placed today and she is the First Lady.
If it blogs like a hater... its a hater. That 's you commentator 1.
It was a wonderful experience to see all the important and unimportant people gathered to witness this wonderful occasion and I know my friend, Dr. C. Deloris Tucker is smiling down on this day..It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait!
What a marvelous moment for all of us. Here is an African American woman finally being recognized for what she did and said. It is not to long ago that a ceremony of this type would have been headed up only by men rather then the 2 extraordinary women who were there today. This is a great victory for all women and I salute Mrs Obama and Sec Clinton for giving this moment their visible support. Barbara Burgess
Today's unveiling of the Truth Bust is eye opening because I didn't know Sojourners story and now I'm inclined to read more about the women's suffrage movement. I'm sure I will find it much like that of the civil rights advancement in this country, a fight just for equality. Wow what a concept to think that because of skin color or gender that someone feels superior to others.
Dr. Faye Williams and NCBW should be proud and take a bow for a job well done.
I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes -- I am so proud of our First Lady, and so glad that the brilliant feminist heroine Sojourner Truth is finally being honored in public as she deserves. (I must say, I'm also very proud as a woman, to see Ms. Truth honored by not only a First Lady of tremendous personal accomplishment not connected to her marriage to the POTUS, but also by a woman Secretary of State whose extraordinary talents, wisdom, passion and courage would make Ms. Truth proud as well.)
What a proud moment to witness the coming of Truth into the halls of the Capitol! I was raised in DC as a child and never felt that the White House and the Capitol were part of my world. Now I bask in pride and humility to think what intelligence, hard work and perseverance has brought. We are a mighty people rising like the phoenix from the ashes, healing the wounds of the nation with our tears and our cheers. Thank you majority America for the gift of the Obama's leadership. Thank you, Michelle and Barack Obama for the gift of your service. 100 days in and already honoring your commitments. Well done. We are listening to your truth. We are witnessing your good works. God's peace and joy are yours. asii
Michelle you are and you will be!
I remind my daughters so frequently to look around the globe and remember their duty to hold open this very precious space we have in the United States, where women's voices, women's work, and accomplishments are valued, are expected and honored. Never take this forgranted, never give up your vigilance in protecting this.
Is there a picture of it somewhere? It is an artwork. Can we see it?
It always amaze me that people who dislike the Obamas are always reading something about them, then making their racists, hateful stupid comments. If these people don't like them, why would they read anything about them? Leave that to the people who think we have a outstanding First Lady and President. Like me!!!!!
Wonderful! What an absolutely wonderful counry that we live in that the sons and daughters of slaves can rise and truly impact this country in a positive way. Go Michelle! Go!
AND RIGHT NEXT TO HER SHOULD BE A SIMLIAR TRIBUTE TO HARRIET TUBMAN !