Let’s Go on Vacation
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 Find out how Leanora Henry has made the world her retirement home as she tells of her travels to Bali, Indonesia. Are there Blacks in Boise, Idaho USA? Publisher Wayne Young finds out while floating down the pristine Boise River and learn what you can find in Bimini, The Bahamas with Richard Scott.
T. Michael Colbert, one of our most popular contributors, shares more light on his life behind bars. Why Buy a Home Now? The next print issue of Port of Harlem provides the answers. And guess who turned 40?: The Dance Theater Harlem . . . read how former dancers stay fit and actress Kim Coles' thoughts on being single.
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By Donna Smith
On April 28, 2008 at the US Capitol Visitor’s Hall, Sojourner Truth was recognized and honored as an American hero. Regaled by distinguished members of Congress including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, as well as beloved celebrities Cicely Tyson (who performed a rendition of the famous speech) and Yolanda Adams, the show was clearly stolen by the presence of First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Mrs. Obama, who instead of wearing a classic and elegant business suit in the vain of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (tangerine pant suit) and Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (cream skirt suit), or majestic and proud like most of the African American women in the audience (all styles from authentic African to designer wear), decided to sport an unassuming black dress with a simple stripe design at the bottom and patent leather belt and shoes to match.
As always with Michelle Obama, it was her moving words that pierced the hearts of the over 1000 attendees at the event. “Now many young boys and girls like my own daughters will come to Emancipation Hall and see the face of a woman that looks like them. All the children who visit the Capitol will hear the story of a woman who endured the greatest of humanity’s indignities. They will hear the story of Sojourner Truth, who didn’t allow those indignities to destroy her spirit. She fought for her own freedom then she used her power to help others.” Mrs. Obama emphasized the latter part of that statement to the children in the audience, particularly the students who performed at the program. "I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as first lady of the United States,” she stated.
The bust was sculpted by African American artist, Artis Lane. In 1851, Sojourner Truth, who changed her name from Isabella Baumfree, gave her famous speech at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. ‘Ain’t I a Woman?’ was a moving appeal to reverse the tradition of treating White men with privilege and women of all races as inferior. (Read Heterosexism and Male Privilege May -July 2007 print issue)
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