Almost 200 Years Later: Rep Sims Celebrates Legacy of Sojourner Truth in New House Bill

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would make May 29th Sojourner Truth Day in Ohio. On this day 174 years ago, Sojourner Truth, formerly known as Isabella Baumfree, made her highly regarded oration “Ain’t I A Woman?”

“Today, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Sojourner Truth Plaza, fashioned at the very sight of her transformational speech. The 1oK square foot plaza, complete with a six-foot bronze statue of Truth at its center, is the largest art installation of a Black woman in the country,” said Rep. Sims. “I am honored to introduce bipartisan legislation on this day to make May 29th Sojourner Truth Day in Ohio.”

This historic landmark will be a destination sight in Akron, Ohio for current and future generations to come, and is a welcomed addition to the storied history of Akron/Summit County.

The bill now awaits a House committee assignment.