WHY SUPPORT THIS PROJECT?

Sojourner Truth has a message  that resonates within the hearts of Manuelita and her team which compels them to come together, freely giving of their time and expertise, to erect a monument to a woman seemingly far removed from their own life experiences.  We invite you to participate.

Sojourner Truth was an illiterate slave born in the waning years of the 18th century in New York State.  She was bought and sold several times, subjected to the harshest cruelty and deprivation.  She lost her family, her children, and her husband to forced sales to other landowners.  Yet this remarkable woman would mount a crusade for women’s rights and the abolition of slavery that would not be quenched or limited by bitterness, her illiteracy or her station in life.  

She would go on to be a nationally recognized figure and immutable force in the pressing social issues of her time.  She would in fact win a hearing with President Abraham Lincoln on October 29,1864.  The two would share a warm yet meaningful conversation.  She noted from her recollection of the meeting:  “I told him that I had never heard of him before he was talked of for president. He smilingly replied, ‘I had heard of you many times before that’.”

There is a timelessness to Sojourner’s message that transcends generations, wealth, geography, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation... a voice so powerful, an advocate so fierce, determined to give voice to the powerless, the under-served, to the ignored,  the “inconsequential”.  She speaks of the will to overcome, to empower, to realize dreams; no obstacle is too big to bar one from achieving full potential.  This is the message that resonates, that captured the minds and hearts of the “Sojourner Truth: A Journey Revisited” project team and will indeed capture yours. 

The Team believes that the completed, full life sized sculpture of Sojourner Truth must be placed in a community where monuments to civic activists, specifically transformational women, are needed. Sojourner transformed herself, her community, and her country, and continues to inspire succeeding generations. Unfortunately, this type of sculpture is generally non-existent or rarely seen. Therefore, we strongly feel it is important to give voice to a timeless message by providing tangible evidence for future generations. We are open to suggestions and solicitations for the desired location. If our goal is exceeded, we will assist with costs associated with installation of the sculpture.

WHO WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN?

Manuelita Brown, renown and award winning sculptor has carefully and meticulously captured not only Sojourner’s physical appearance but more importantly her spirit.  Looking into the eyes of the bronze figure, they seem to look back, reflecting Sojourner’s fierce determination, grace, singleness of purpose, yet tempered with love and compassion.

Manuelita is the commensurate professional. Every detail is thought out before hand and executed from original conception to completion and final installation with only the highest level of quality acceptable. She has the innate ability to gather, inspire and coordinate with a team of dedicated professionals resulting in a finished piece that is a source of accomplishment and inspiration to all.  

WILL YOU BE A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM?

On rare occasions, there are those projects that call through the centuries with a message that is still fresh, meaningful, worthy of giving voice to. "Sojourner Truth: A Journey Revisited" is such a project. Please, join our team; catch our vision.  Share the passion for the principles idealized by Sojourner Truth so many years ago that they may continue to live, to resonate in a community needful of her timeless and empowering message. 

Thank you for your generous support.

       The “Sojourner Truth: A Journey Revisited” TEAM

           Manuelita Brown (Team leader), Carolyn Buck, Lane Campbell,
           Francine Filsinger, Gerry Kirk, Justin Snow,  Corrine Steiger

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE REWARDS?

Seven of the eleven reward categories contain photographs of sculpture. All of the photographs will be the work of fine art photographer Francine Filsinger. About her work she says "photography is a deeply personal journey for me, for my subject and for you. ... my work seeks to capture a moment in time when a mood, an emotion, a spirit reveals itself and gives me permission to enter its world.  It is at that moment an image is created." The fact that she relates intimately with the sculptures is reflected in her art. The images used for the postcard, bookmark, magnet, note cards, photograph collection and the book will be quality art in its own right. Here are a couple of samples of her artistry.

The remaining four rewards are limited edition bronze sculptures. They are listed and shown below.

Namaste was sculpted especially for this campaign and is not cast yet. It is perfect for placing on your desk or a table by your bedside. Although the lotus sitting position is considered a yoga pose, the attitude is also one of meditation or prayer.

Verity 2 and Verity 1 were originally sculpture a few years ago, but seem particularly appropriate as rewards for the Sojourner Truth: A Journey Revisited project. Women are often the people cleaning up the messes in the world while as young women, they are coyly exploring beyond their allotted space.

Sojourner Truth (maquette): Five [of 35] editions have been reserved for rewards. This is the model I will be sculpting from for the life sized rendition.