Nick Tamayo

Maria Colindres is one of the most influential people that my family has had the chance to meet. She was born on August 22, 1962, in the Santa Ana department of El Salvador. Maria describes having lived a troubled life in El Salvador with very little money.  She holds a life-changing story of a twenty-two day journey from El Salvador to the United States in search of a better life. Maria describes the painful decision of having to leave her son and daughter, Gerardo and Claudia. Not knowing what to expect, Maria set off from Guatemala to San Cristobal with a group of “coyotes”, on the 27th of January, in 2005.

The “coyotes” are an organized group that had planned the journey to the United States and brought Maria. She describes having come with around twenty-seven people on this dangerous journey, all looking for a new beginning. From San Cristobal, she moved to Puebla and from there, she was crammed into a bus, hiding under its seats. She describes this part to be the most uncomfortable and miserable, breathing in tons of smoke let out by the bus. The bus carried about twenty-nine of them and numerous suitcases leaving no space to move around. Within twenty-four hours the bus had arrived at the desert in which the walking had begun. The days were hot and tiring with extreme temperatures, and the group would hide and wait until nighttime. When dark enough, they would begin their walking in order to not be spotted. Maria describes the sandy terrain being difficult to walk in and lots of slipping and falling would occur.

Once the tormenting journey had come to an end, she met with her cousin and brother who welcomed her. Her cousin Alfredo had given her a place to stay until he introduced my family to Maria. We had given her a place to stay, and she worked for us for twelve years! She has been the greatest role model I could ask for and was like a second mother to me. She showed us nothing but a nurturing and hospitable personality and I am forever grateful to have her in my life. Maria has not had the ability to vote due to not being a legal citizen, but she is grateful to be living in the United States.

Born Isabella Bomfree, in 1797, Sojourner Truth was born into slavery and separated from her family at the early age of nine. Swartekill, New York was her birthplace and where she grew up together with her parents James and Elizabeth Baumfree. She was an activist and abolitionist and her career involved speaking on African slave rights. As a teen, she met a former slave, Thomas, and together they had five children. She suffered many years as a slave and managed to escape successfully with her daughter Sophia. In 1827, with the help of a nearby family, she was declared free. The Van Wageners had purchased her freedom for just twenty dollars, beginning her career just a few years later. Shortly after, Truth discovered that her son Peter was illegally sold and went off to find him. She soon after attended court and secured her son’s freedom.

During the early 1830s, Truth began attending religious rituals in New York City, which began her career as a speaker. She then changed her name to Sojourner Truth, which had been influenced by her spirit, telling her to speak the truth. She started an autobiography in 1850, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth, which brought her recognition across the nation. Truth depended solely on the sales of her book, which brought her just enough money. But it wasn't until 1851 that she delivered her speech famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” in Akron, Ohio. Truth had met abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass who helped her to pursue her life as an activist. Garrison himself had an organization on anti-slavery and had encouraged her to speak on slaves’ rights. Truth’s name was becoming well known and her voice was being heard. The abolition movement was increasing rapidly with the help of other runaway slaves, one of which was Frederick Douglass. 

In 1864, Truth was then called to Washington, D.C., to help with the National Freedman's Relief Association. One of her many accomplishments was being recognized by Abraham Lincoln. She met and spoke to him about her past experiences. She then continued to recruit black troops for the Union Army during the Civil War. She didn't agree with streetcar policies and rode in cars designed for whites. A streetcar conductor disputed with her and blocked her from riding in the car. She eventually won her case and was left without a fine. During her final years, Truth moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where her daughters had been living. She continued to speak on her beliefs and helped those enslaved achieve freedom. As she grew older she could no longer hear or see as well as she used to, which brought an end to her career. She soon died in her home on November 26, 1883. She is remembered as one of the most influential abolitionists and impacted the world greatly with her speeches. On her grave are the words “Is God Dead?” perhaps to remind us to keep faith in God as she did during hardships.

Having researched such wonderful women I have learned many important details that have changed me for as long as I live. These women are hard-working and stand up for what they believe. As Sojourner Truth said, “I tell you I can't read a book, but I can read da people.” This quote represents how her diligent character has impacted many, even when lacking the essential ability to read and write. What she stood for is what made her stand out. Even at times when all people would do is show no respect to her because of her color and gender. And that is powerful.

Maria Colindres is similar to Truth, doing everything possible to better her life and her families as well. And when doing so, struggling deeply. As a young boy, Maria was always a role model for me, showing me nothing but love and compassion. And as a little one would act, I would often act up, fight, and argue, and she would always inspire me to act in a more respectful manner. Because of her, I try to treat each person with more respect. Her character has served not only me but my family as an example.

Unfortunately, both women have encountered many conflicts in their lives, and have handled these times with courage. Both have found voting to be very difficult due to not applying to the nation’s laws. And I find this heartbreaking because women like these are hardworking and change many through their words. Yet the law restricts them from voting. And this is not right.