Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth (about 1797 – November 26, 1883) was one of the first abolitionists and activists for women's rights. She was born as a slave, but escaped from slavery in 1826. She was born Isabella Baumfree, but renamed herself to 'Sojourner Truth' when she was 46 and announced she would travel to work against injustice.^[1]The name Sojourner Truth translates as itinerant preacher. She is one of the most widely known African American women of the 19^th century. Her freedom was linked with the passage of a New-York State Law in 1799 that began the process of gradual emancipation.

She lectured widely on the cruelties she had experienced as a slave. She is best known for her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech, given at the Woman's Rights Convention of 1851. She also gave out speeches about abolishing slavery. Also, she became active in the Underground Railroad, helping blacks escape to freedom. She could only speak Dutch and at a young age soon learnt English. Sadly, she was beaten for not understanding the commands of her owners John and Sally Dumont. There is evidence that John beat her and Sally sexually abused her.

1. ↑ "Amazing Life page". Sojourner Truth Institute site. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved December 28, 2006.