More Family Members Share Their Thoughts
“I never would have believed this would come, said Jasmine McLeichey.
"I had a feeling, but I never imagined me being
here meeting all these wonderful people. It’s a very exciting moment.”
“It’s exciting. It’s
a once in a life-time experience. Not just for me, but for everyone, especially in these times with a new president and First
Lady. It should encourage everybody to believe that no matter what you have to
go through, to persevere, press your way - because it could be 150 years later and you can see your vision come to pass”,
said the mother of Jasmine McLeichey.
Ten year-old, London McLiechey thought
the occasion “was nice”. “This
is my first time being in Washington, DC."
On meeting the First Lady, she said, “It was nice, because I only see her on
TV. It was beautiful.”
When we asked her if she thought the First Lady was the same in person as she is on
TV, she responded: “Yes, and she has nice outfits.”
“It was great, I liked it, said thirteen year-old Cory McLiechey. "I am happy that I’m the seventh generation of Sojourner Truth.
It inspires me a lot, makes me proud to be a McLiechey.”
While most of the family members are excited to share the news with friends, and others
that they are a descendant of one of the world’s most influential women, fifteen year-old Tory Johnson likes to keep
a low profile. While admitting he feels good about the occasion, he shared that
he doesn’t tell too many people.
“It will draw more attention to me than I like, because I’m the quiet
kid in school.”
About the Artist
A reception, given by media mogul Cathy Hughes on Monday introduced the woman responsible
for the likeness of Sojourner Truth bust, Artis Lane.
“Artis is known world-wide and internationally as the greatest portrait
painter in the world, and yet most people don’t know it. I’m really,
really excited for her. It’s such an honor.”
Ms. Lane, a well-accomplished photographer, sculptor, and painter who says she likes
to create using the elements of love, was also commissioned to create a sculpture of President Obama and the First Lady.
“I’m doing a whole new body of
work dealing with love. I was inquired to do them as a couple who are in love,
who express love to world. I’m pleased to be alive while my time is in fashion.”
The sentiment was also shared by 83 year old, Jean Robinson, member of the NCBW, and author of “How to Survive In Spite of Your Family,
as well as president of the Congressional Black Caucus, Dr. Elsie Scott.
“I’m sort of speechless, because this is such an overpowering
event today, to sit here at Emancipation Hall and honor Sojourner Truth – and with all the people who came to recognize
her: women, Black, white, and men. I’m speechless. I’m just glad that people like Dr. (Dorothy) Height lived to see this day; and sorry
to see that C. Delores Tucker didn’t live to see it, but we’ll carry it on in her spirit.”
Learn more about Isabella “Sojourner Truth” Baumfree at these sites.
The Sojourner Truth Institute
Sojourner Truth - Stamp on Black History profile
Sojourner Truth - Memorial Statue Project in Florence, Massachusetts
Sojourner Truth - Battle Creek Historical Society
"Ain't I a Woman?" - speech and history of, at www.About.com
The Narrative of Sojourner Truth - online text of her autobiography, at A Celebration of Women Writers
Sojourner Truth, the Libyan Sibyl - Article by Harriet Beecher Stowe, appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in April 1863
To see the unveiling ceremony of the Sojourner Truth bust, click here | Back to main story | Photos
