By Asha Diop, Detroit High School for Fine and Performing Arts The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is located on Cadillac Square at the intersection of Monroe Street, Cadillac Square and Woodward Avenue. It was built in 1872. This monument is made up of different statues and plaques. It was created as a tribute to Michigan citizens who had fought in the Civil War and to the four departments of military service. The monument commemorates Victory, Unity, Emancipation and History. On this monument at its eastern side, there is a statue representing Sojourner Truth. Her statue stands for the concept of “Emancipation.” She was born into slavery in 1797. After obtaining her freedom in the mid 1820’s, Sojourner Truth became an Underground Railroad Conductor, an abolitionist and an advocate for woman suffrage. She later relocated to Michigan. Sojourner Truth eventually died in 1883 in Battle Creek, Michigan. An explaination of the monument and an important dramatic interpretation of her poem, “Ain’t I a Woman.” by Freedom Tour student Asha Diop is available. |
