This week has been an interesting week in race relations to say the least. First a video surfaces of a white woman trying to call the police on a black man. He was an avid birder and was telling her that she needed to have her dog on a leash. Of course, as she made the call, she had to turn her threatening voice on. Fortunately, the police did not come because it could have turned ugly. People found out who she was and got her fired. I'm not sure I agree with that part but I guess actions like that should have consequences, although I think they should have legal consequences.
The next day, a video emerges of a man named George Floyd getting choked by a Minneapolis police man. The policeman had George on the ground and was kneeling over his throat and was choking him. He had him down for close to nine minutes. Riots ensued and then the policemen involved in this were arrested and are now charged.
Events like this make you think about events from the past.
The Sojourner Truth Monument is in Battle Creek. She was born into slavery but escaped with her daughter in 1826. She sued and won the freedom of her son in 1828. She of course became a voice in the abolitionist movement.
During the Civil War, she helped recruit black troops to the Union Army. Her grandson fought in the famed 54th Massachusetts Regiment. She was employed by the National Freedmen's Association.
In 1870, she tried to secure land grands for the now freed slaves.
She was also an early advocate for the women's right to vote.
Apparently there was a demonstration in Battle Creek yesterday. People left candles at the foot of the statue.
She is also buried in Battle Creek but I didn't want to go seek out her grave again.
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