Sojourner Truth

"I wanted to show people that a former slave woman could speak with authority and power."

"The chains may be broken, but the shackles remain in the minds of many."

"I believe in the perfectibility of all people, even those who have done wrong."

"I have never stopped working for the freedom of my people."

"God has given me a voice, and I will use it to cry out for the voiceless."

"I am not educated in the ways of the schoolroom, but I am educated in the ways of life."

"The education of women is essential to the progress of nations."

"I have learned more in sorrow than I could ever learn in joy."

"I cannot be kept down; the truth will always rise above oppression."

"I speak the truth as I know it, and I fear no man for speaking it."

"The power of my words comes not from my education but from my experience."

"I will continue to work until my last breath for the freedom of all people."

"I have seen the worst that humanity has to offer, yet I still believe in the best."

"I am not asking for permission to be free; I am declaring my freedom."

"The women of the world are awakening to their power and their purpose."

"I have been called many names, but I know who I am in the eyes of God."

"I want my daughters to know that they are as valuable as any man."

"I have given my life to this cause because it is right and just."

"The truth is that women can do anything that men can do, and often better."

"I am not moved by flattery nor discouraged by criticism; I know my path."

"I will not rest until every person knows the sweetness of freedom."

"I have been counted as property, but I know my own worth."

"The voice of the oppressed must be heard, and I will be that voice."

"I believe that freedom is the birthright of every soul."

"I have walked through the valley of darkness, and I have seen the light."

"I will not be silent while my people suffer under the weight of injustice."

"The strength that comes from suffering is a strength that cannot be broken."

"I am a living testimony to the power of perseverance and faith."

"I speak for those who have no voice, and I will never stop speaking."

"I have learned that the greatest freedom comes from speaking truth to power."