'Ain't I a Woman?' The Times, Tales, and Impact of Sojourner Truth
Born Isabella Baumfree, the enslaved person from a small town north of New York City changed hands several times, sold by one brutal owner to another just as harsh. Her life included repeated beatings, rapes, and a forced marriage. In 1826, having been promised freedom but then cruelly denied emancipation, she left her current enslavers and found her way to the Van Wageners' home. There, she had an epiphany, became a devout Christian, and renamed herself Sojourner Truth, after which she began her travels as a preacher. In 1850, Sojourner began speaking on women's suffrage, believing the causes of abolition and women's rights to be intertwined and equally important. Ms. Truth's most quoted speech, "Ain't I a Woman?" was delivered at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Although there has been much dispute about the words she spoke and the rhythm of her speech, there is no debate about the power and integrity of the speaker or about the impact of the speech and the speaker's life. Truth also helped recruit Black troops during the Civil War for the Union Army, and she worked as a Union nurse.
This event is part of the JES's USA 250 series.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St. Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Monday, May 4, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Admission: $15/person; $25 w/ a guest
The Field at DICK’S Sporting Goods is where passions come to life. Designed to inspire movement and connection, The Field offers opportunities to try new experiences, demo the latest gear from top brands, and bring people together. Host your next event with us. Also, offering a wide range of community programming, including fitness and yoga classes, youth sports camps and clinics, and more. Community partnerships are at the core of everything they do, and they take pride in supporting teams, athletes, and organizations in meaningful ways.
The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.
Stop by Port Farms to check out our on-site brewery, Poverty Knob! We offer hand-crafted beers and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages!
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a full vacation, unforgettable live entertainment is waiting for you in Erie. Set along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, the Rebich Investments Amphitheater comes alive every summer with the “8 Great Tuesdays” free community concert series- taking place every Tuesday in July and August. Recently, voted Erie’s Choice for Best Local Event. Relax by the water, enjoy the view, and experience incredible live music under the open sky. Erie Events, the driving force behind downtown Erie’s vibrant entertainment scene, brings excitement year-round across five unique venues in Erie, PA. Come for the music, stay for the experience. Erie is where every show comes with a waterfront view.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia believes that “there is always…local, an alternative, and a story.” They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift.
Five Iron Golf is Erie’s premier indoor golf and entertainment destination, blending top-tier technology with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators, a full bar and kitchen, and Duckpin Bowling, it’s the perfect spot to play, practice, or just hang out. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging for fun, Five Iron Golf brings people together through golf, food, and great times.
Presenting SiriusXM host, pianist, conductor, writer, and performer Seth Rudetsky in “Divas by the Decade” on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. Blending humor and insider insight, Rudetsky celebrates Broadway’s legendary leading ladies with stories, rare audio, and video from shows like “Hamilton,” “Gypsy,” and “West Side Story.”
Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious orangutans and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagine to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn't about seeing wildlife —it's about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you'll treasure for years to come.
Blissful Meads is an award-winning winery and restaurant in Meadville, PA, specializing in the production of excellent meads, wines, and ciders in small batches. We sell by the bottle, flight, or glass. We also offer imaginative cocktails & mocktails, local beer & spirits, and unique food. We're located at 847 Market Street in downtown Meadville. We offer catering options and you can rent our tasting room for events.
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the stunning 360° veiws of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, downtown Erie, and even Long Point, Ontario on clear days – all from 138 feet up at Erie’s iconic Bayfront Tower.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood and coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
Join us at Oliver’s Rooftop, located on the eighth floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites on Erie’s scenic Bayfront. Open daily, with Sunday brunch from 10 AM–2 PM, featuring chef-inspired specialties. Enjoy inventive cuisine paired with stunning views, unforgettable sunsets, and unique nature watching. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible vantage points overlooking Presque Isle Bay. Award-winning and recently recognized as Erie’s Choice Community Choice Awards Best Fine Dining Restaurant (2025). Reservations are recommended.
From tailgating and birthday parties to travel sports and family reunions, Donatos is here to feed your whole crew! Right now, get four large 1-topping pizzas and three 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for just $74.99! Use code 262 when ordering online or mention at our Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
Discover Erie’s favorite dining destinations with the John Russell Hospitality app—bringing all six of our locations together in one place. Make reservations, order online, earn rewards, and stay up to date on events across every venue. Whether you're planning a waterfront dinner or a casual night out, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Voted Erie's Choice Best Hospital for ten years in a row.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Discover five unique venues in the heart of downtown’s entertainment district, with live music, comedy and experiences for every kind of night. Make your visit unforgettable.
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