Cicely Tyson "Ain't I a woman?"

Cicely Tyson performs Sojourner Truth's "Ain't that a woman?"
First Lady Michelle Obama joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and other lawmakers and dignitaries on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to unveil a bust of Sojourner Truth, the 19th-century slave turned abolitionist who was also a fiery advocate for womens rights.

[@terrywilliams8779]

I can’t stop crying.... she was a force to be reckoned with. Thank you God for giving us Cicely Tyson! 💕

[@Elevatedmindset8]

Powerful presentation! We were graced to have Mrs.Cicly Tyson. 🙏🙏

[@matthewadams0128]

I seen three others read this same speech, but none can do it better than Mrs. Tyson!!!

[@sherenay3109]

Yes, ma'am. I felt that.

[@kaielzabar1468]

I like Kerry Washington's delivery as well. I've listened to 10 versions and they place 1& 2, Third place went to an unknown woman with the Sojourner Truth Project. I remember her initials as ST

[@newgmodo5609]

Ms Tyson is one of a kind. She has the ability to reach right into your chest & grab your heart!!!

[@elizabethsidell8839]

It's Ms. Get it right. Ain't no "Mrs.'s" in here.

[@1ang955]

Great, masterful rendition as told by Ms. Tyson!

[@bertluvu]

Theeeee BEST I've heard of this poem by far...go Queen Sista Cicely💞💞💞✊✊✊✊

[@takyrica]

I’ve heard multiple people read this speech and not to take anything away from them but I felt this in my soul. Seeing this made my heart ache because I could literally feel the pain of my ancestors in my soul. What a long way we’ve come and yet still so far to go 💙

[@meboneme1]

SIMPLY BRILLIANT! MS. TYSON IS IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS KATE HEPBURN AND BETTE DAVIS! ONE OF THE BEST EVER!!!! I LOVE THIS WOMAN. HISTORICAL!!!!

[@monicatonga4534]

Amazing speech and I love to hear her over and over!

[@propapstar]

Ms Cicely Tyson your Power, your Talent and your Truth are the gifts that you so generous gave us , we were so lucky to have you among us on this planet, thank you for everything you ARE a legend, and legends never die

[@lindawellnesswarrior1747]

Girltrek brought me here and this is the first time I've heard and felt this speech in my spirit as Black Woman.

[@coachtouden]

Same here!

[@sha8921]

"Ain't I a Woman?" Thank you Ms. Cicely Tyson for paying such a great tribute to Ms. Sojourner Truth...🤗🙌🏾❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👑

[@serenityjohnson2523]

I am only 9 and I love this speech

[@tongy62490]

By far this is the best representation ever. My respects to this wonderful woman. I could feel the emotion all over my body.

[@dallasfarms1907]

Ikr

[@augustadams5006]

Made tears come to my eyes wow

[@kumbua]

Love this rendition best one" ive heard

[@sojournertruth2117]

Yes! Sojourner was born into a Dutch speaking upper New York State community. Dutch was her first language and she NEVER had a southern accent. This performance is not of Sojourner's speech but of Francis Gage's 1863 speech ( based on Sojourner's authentic 1851 speech) and this an inaccurate portrayal of Sojourner's words and her authentic Dutch heritage. Please visit www.thesojournertruthproject.com/the-readings to hear Sojourner's original authentic speech in an Afro Dutch accent. As well as a link to the original speech housed at the Library of Congress. Love her but unfortunately she is reciting the incorrect version. This popular version was written by Francis Gage in 1863, a privileged white woman who published it under Sojourner Truth's name. Hear the original historically correct 1851 transcription at www.thesojournertruthproject.com

[@allthatwecan]

Thank you, Queen

[@angelashannon6859]

Dutch was Sojourner Truth's first language. I wonder what melange of accents and dialects came together to give her voice. Wish we could hear her. Although Ms. Tyson does a very fine job as any.

[@direfranchement]

True, and she was over 6ft tall and had a deep, commanding voice.

[@SanaaJadeCruz]

This is why I stumbled upon this I think this version of the speech provided 12 years later is kind of dare I say a little racisty

[@lesliepodell1969]

@@SanaaJadeCruz www.thesojournertruthproject.com This IS NOT Sojourner's speech. this speech was written by Francis Gage (a white abolitionist) who published it 12 years after Sojourner Gave her original speech. The original can be found in the Library of Congress chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83035487/1851-06-21/ed-1/seq-4/ . Gage changed all Sojourner's words AND wrote the speech giving Sojourner a southern slave accent. Sojourner only spoke Dutch until she was 10 and then spoke english in a heavy low-Dutch accent. To hear Sojourner's original speech, please visit www.thesojournertruthproject.com

[@lesliepodell8001]

Angela Shannon please visit www.thesojournertruthproject.com to hear the original and correct “Ain’t I a Woman” speech. You are correct, Sojourner did not have a southern slave dialect... and this version in the video is not Sojourner’s speech, it is Gage’s made up speech.

[@lindawellnesswarrior1747]

Thank you for setting me straight

[@katyaeveryday2936]

Rest Queen. Thank you for your book. Can't wait to get them to the women I love

[@mrbilingual]

This level of actress in any race does not exist anymore. The closes we come to a Cicely Tyson is Angela Basset. Angela also has that "special something" that is not found in other actors or actresses.

[@C00lGuy27-c3w]

Viola Davis, imho, is pretty damn amazing.

[@meboneme1]

This LEGEND can stir ALL great feelings in my being.

[@myfathersprincess]

She should get an Oscar just...............because she's Cicely Tyson

[@christopherharris4552]

Cicely Tyson is such a wonderful actress. Her portrayal of Sojourner Truth is so real and unique. I love it and I love her so much.

[@eslcindy]

I have viewed both Alfre Woodard's and Cicely Tyson's performances of Sojourner Truth's Ain't I a Woman Speech. While BOTH did it well, I believed Cicely Tyson version AND she didn't just read it...she PERFORMED it. Awesome job from an AWESOME actress.

[@wandabargeman]

THE LEGENDARY BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS "CICELY TYSON" AWESOME RENDITION OF "AIN'T I A WOMAN" RIP MS. TYSON AMAZING TALENT THAT IS MISSED THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!!!

[@ljthegreat2239]

Very powerful

[@SirErvinWilliams]

RIP Ms. Tyson, the Queen of Everything.

[@Faroundandfindoutt]

u go Ms. Tyson!!!! Ms. Tyson is a class act.

[@meboneme1]

THIS LEGEND IS A POWERHOUSE! She is so tiny, BUT, DANG SHE EXUDES POWER!

[@burneece1599]

beyond inspirational

[@kiarakim2283]

Why are they laughing over a serious issue. Woman’s rights weren’t and still aren’t enough for the government. I admire every single woman and little girl who has pressed forward for the woman rights movement. God bless them!

[@ReddzVoice]

Flawless! Peace and love...

[@19loosenecka19]

This is GOLD.

[@jeb711]

YES! YES! EXCELLENT!

[@meboneme1]

BRILLIANT! LEGEND! MOSES!!!!!

[@Chantara27]

"Ain't I A Woman" you betta say it sista Tyson

[@jaroncreed]

Hilary looks nervous lol

[@testersandcreators806]

Here 2021 🤞🤞like

[@ramonpurugganan6865]

Genius ,Ms Cicely Tyson .

[@allenwood100]

GIFTED BEYOND MEASURE

[@rossanaglasgow2561]

What a beautiful lady...... Ms Tyson

[@elizabethmills1286]

She did so good!!!

[@senaitmisgina3425]

Why is the crowd laughing? What is so funny about these punch lines that hit so right with true to experience recounts?? I guess we have to find the humor in the things that are meant to make us either conform or confront. This poem is literally about the strife and struggle of the black woman in America since it’s conception. I don’t find it funny, but I do find it refreshing how captivating her performance and deliver was. She is speaking from her experience even if she did not write this poem her self. Truly timeless and speaks to the black woman’s experience

[@GreaterEmmanuel21]

she is a wonderful actress her portrayal of Sojourner Truth was awesome God is so good we have come this far by faith

[@estmihidudus6485]

I do not know why, but this presentation allways brings tears in my eyes.

[@Divinity33372]

AMAZING! Brought tears to my eyes.

[@jerryj920]

Dec.18th: Happy birthday Stage-Screen-Television Actress Miss Cicely Louise Tyson; Emmy, Drama Desk, Tony awards, NAACP Springarn Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom; "Sounder" "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" "Hoodlum." National treasure. Thank you and God bless. Thanks for the upload, Obamathon. Blessings

[@cattillman7705]

GOD BLESS YOU MY SWEET BABY. GOD GOT US MY LOVE. GOD GOT US. SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS. 🌞🌝

[@HopezAndDreamzEnt]

That was amazing.

[@UNEEKMONIQ]

INCREDIBLE

[@tangie7]

Cicely Tyson has done the best rendition of this speech

[@latashawilliams6421]

And that's how it's done ladies and gentlemen.

[@ChinkyIz716]

Speechless!!!

[@claramorris85]

I like how Cicely Tyson's representation of the speech. Takes it to the heart.

[@naeemah916]

one of a kind this Woman..My favorite role she played was the Autobiography of Jane Pitman, if you haven't seen it you are missing the best movie she ever played.

[@kizzey2917]

LOVED IT, I LISTENED TO IT TWICE...........

[@serenityjohnson2523]

Girl bye my tenth time

[@Mr247star]

#powerful 👑🕊️🌹

[@sarahbreadner1301]

AMAZINGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVED IT I CRIED!!!!!!!! ='D

[@MrFalconford]

thankyou on this day august 24th 2012 for remembering sojourner truth aint i a women

[@MauriceRivers415]

Alfre Woodard did a fine job of this speech, but Cicely Tyson's performance came from an experienced woman, with wisdom and life lessons under her belt. This, to me, is the definitive.

[@sarah-marizcruz7487]

Rest in power ❤️

[@queenolden7071]

Awesome!!!

[@jgraham8176]

It would be nice if everyone used Sojourner Truth's original words and not the way Gage made her sound Southern. She was not Southern.

[@MauriceRivers415]

Because the original words are not very discernable for modern ears and understanding. The revised version is, and still keeps the same message and essence of what Sojourner was trying to convey.

[@lesliepodell1969]

@@MauriceRivers415 www.thesojournertruthproject.com This IS NOT Sojourner's speech. this speech was written by Francis Gage (a white abolitionist) who published it 12 years after Sojourner Gave her original speech. The original can be found in the Library of Congress chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83035487/1851-06-21/ed-1/seq-4/ . Gage changed all Sojourner's words AND wrote the speech giving Sojourner a southern slave accent. Sojourner only spoke Dutch until she was 10 and then spoke english in a heavy low-Dutch accent. To hear Sojourner's original speech, please visit www.thesojournertruthproject.com

[@nanahlilbabe]

The best I've heard

[@breegtswagg6682]

I dont give a fuck what anybody say but cicely tyson read that poem better then anyone. That poem has so much meaning and you feel it as she recite it. I APPLAUD HER IN SO MANY WAYS

[@ragantate3995]

Why is Hilary making faces like she’s Martha Washington?

[@betterme2047]

🔥🤟🏾💜

[@ttv_izatrini6173]

rip

[@MissusTim1]

@PowerfulMindsofWomen Agreed re Sojourner Truth's powerful words. Just one thing: Sojourner was born 23 yrs before Harriet Tubman. She was tall and "gaunt" while Tubman was much shorter, and not-so skinny. Each of them stands as a beacon to all women, and to truth that would not - could not - be silenced. Tyson's portrayal of Sojourner is magnificent!

[@senaitmisgina3425]

“I am a Womans rights” - Sojourner Truth The real speech she approved of this published ORIGINAL version with the journalist who transcribed her speech, Marius Robinson!

[@carolward8120]

I agree Tan M.

[@alexbryanpogue3421]

She should of won a Oscar,

[@coachtouden]

Girltrek brought me here!✊🏾 #daughtersofSojournerTruth

[@gvisitor123]

Miss Tyson was made for black history.

[@taylorroberson3088]

Love you Cicely... beautiful woman may you rest in peace for now

[@murungijudith84]

wow this is serious aint i a woman?

[@humanbeing524]

She got her soul! Chills!

[@sexysue3291]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jalien305]

OMG!!! I love her......

[@Falcrist]

When it comes to introducing someone to this speech, Kerry Washington's reading is probably best. When it comes to historical accuracy, this is miles and MILES better.

[@Nanbebe7]

I Love Her!!

[@quackimaduck000]

Beautiful

[@xoxoxo420]

amazing

[@cchisolm92cc]

She made me weap

[@Deontra77]

come on in

[@Spiritree41]

She is so beautiful...

[@moonblossom6]

"Hello this is the incorrect “Ain't I a woman speech”’. This speech in this video was actually written by Frances Gage 12 years after the real “Ain’t I a woman speech” was given by Sojourner. Frances Gage, a white abolitionist published her speech and falsely attributed it to Sojourner. The original speech was transcribed 12 years earlier by a reporter, Marius Robinson, and published in the Anti-Slavery Bugle. It can be referenced in the Library of Congress archives. www.thesojournertruthproject.com If you dig just a little deeper you will see the facts are pretty irrefutable. Here is a link to a site that compares and explains why there are two speeches and why the wrong one is attributed to Sojourner. It is important for many reasons why we re-educate the public about the original and correct speech. For one Sojourner was from upper New York and spoke English with a heavy Dutch accent that is now lost. The speech that Frances Gage wrote and attributes as Sojourner give Sojourner an uneducated southern slave dialect. Why is this important? Because it is another step in the dumbing down of our nations rich and complex black history. Second it was not Sojourner’s identify. Third it helps in erasing our nations northern slave history. I could go on and on. What is important is that we rigorously provide the truth and when wrong take steps to correct them. I am asking you to please correct your mistake in using the wrong “Ain’t I a Woman” speech and at the very least make a mention and provide a video link to the correct one so your students can be aware of both. Thank you so much for your time in reading this long email. It has been very difficult to sway the general public that something held as the truth for so long is not correct and it is time to give Sojourner back her authentic speech and voice. I am very proud that the National Woman’s History Museum, National Parks Service, Googles Doodle page and Google arts and culture page, Wikipedia and many other sites now offer the correct speech. Would you please consider doing the same? Thank you so much. Leslie Podell " Website that compares and contrasts both speeches and explains why there are two speeches. www..thesojournertruthproject.com Leslie Podell 415-885-9395

[@soccersprincess]

Cicelyyyyy

[@acajudi100]

I am so glad that people think I look like her and Dionne Warwick! She is wonderful!

[@lisalewis7250]

peep Hillary Clinton 😂

[@MrMbell2]

@m1shaya Alfre Woodard is a great actress and she's portrayed black historical women very well but she cant out do Mother Tyson.

[@groovemaster8632]

I thought she was fitna say somethin that was wuffafuck

[@shivonstarre8578]

its good but Sojourner was 44 at the time she gave this speech and said to have diction influed by dutch in new york.

[@lesliepodell8001]

Shivon Starre yes! Please visit www.thesojournertruthproject.com to hear the correct speech in Sojourners more authentic Dutch accent.

[@thegaythespian]

Brilliant performance, nice cover for herself when she jumped a line. I need to look up her acting stuff.

[@andreaclark9992]

Where Michelle Obama... woman stay where they need to be not smoking weed... keep the lesser down

[@bets161]

i like her so much

[@scoolcrazy]

she wore a lacefront tho

[@lemonjuice6061]

How comes she didnt stop for hilary?

[@Fernando_Mauricio]

i like cheese

[@e1026653]

thats some woman

[@m1shaya]

Alfre woodard did this waaaaaaaaaay better! Cecily is cute, though she does look so sarcastic! She laughs and smiles so much. So much for seriousness?