"I can imagine his feelings, for I have drank deeply from the same cup. When I think of my past life, and the bitter trials I have endured, I can scarcely believe I live, and yet I do; and, with the help of Him who notes the sparrows fall, I mean to fight for my down-trodden race while life lasts." (503)
Sarah Winnemucca was a controversial woman who actively fought for attention for the Paiute's suffering. Lecturing on the Paiute cause, and even speaking on their behalf to president Rutherford B. Hayes, Winnemucca proved that she was an eloquent representation, and earned her place of respect as the first Native American woman to become a published writer. She worked tirelessly for the cause, and until her final days continued to make her powerful voice heard.
Sarah Winnemucca is immensely inspiring to me, her spirit and her determination held me a captive audience as I read her excerpt from "Life Among the Piutes." Although the authenticity of this piece of work has been questioned- I feel like it is undoubtedly her voice that rings through- strong and courageous- and full of passion. She seems to me like she was one of the first feminists- and even her "punishment" for having several white husbands reflects the oppsosition she had to face, not only as a female, but as a Native American. Her book had to include testimonials to her "character," but it did not stop Winnemucca from letting her opinions be out there. Her work and efforts for the Piutes is inspiring considering the massive opposition she faced. Like Washington and Du Bois, Winnemucca had to fight against the prejudices and hatred that threatened to hold her down, and fighting against them valiantly- she won the ultimate fight.
At the end of her life, Winnemucca continued to serve by opening a school for Native American children, (another parallel to Du Bois and Washington's fights for education.) Sadly, the school fell through, and she died not too long after it's closing. Winnemucca's legacy continues to prevail and inspire- and her likeness, cast in a bronze statue in Nevada- bares this inscription:
"Sarah Winnemucca[facsimile of her signature, “Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins”]1844–1891 Nevada Defender of Human rights Educator Author of first book by a Native woman" (biography.com)
Her statue represents all of the things that she was- and all of the things she continues to inspire.
20/20 She has greatly inspired me also...I have a whole chapter in my Tahoe book about her.
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