Sojourner Truth (born Isabella Baumfree; c. 1797 – November 26, 1883) was a prominent African-American [[abolitionist]], women's rights activist, and author in the 19th century. Born into [[slavery]] in Ulster County, New York, she gained her [[freedom]] in 1826 and went on to become an influential figure in the fight against slavery and for women's rights. Isabella Baumfree was born around 1797 on the Hardenbergh [[plantation]] in Ulster County, New York. Her parents, James and Elizabeth Baumfree, were both slaves. She was sold several times in her youth and experienced a series of cruel and abusive masters. In 1815, she fell in love with a fellow slave named Robert, but their relationship was forcibly ended by his master, fearing the potential loss of property if the couple had children together. Isabella then married an older slave named Thomas, with whom she had three children. ## Escape to freedom In 1826, Isabella escaped to freedom with her youngest child, Sophia. She was taken in by Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen, who bought her freedom for $20, allowing her to live with them. It was during this time that she became deeply religious, claiming to have direct conversations with God. ## Becoming Sojourner Truth In 1843, Isabella experienced a religious transformation, changing her name to Sojourner Truth. The name symbolized her mission as a traveling preacher, spreading the word of God, and advocating for the abolition of slavery and women's rights. She embarked on a journey, speaking to various religious groups and activist gatherings. ## Famous speeches and activism In 1851, Sojourner Truth delivered her famous "Ain't I a Woman?" speech at the Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. The speech emphasized the intersections of [gender](https://doctorparadox.net/category/psychology/sexism/) and [racial oppression](https://doctorparadox.net/category/psychology/racism/) faced by Black women, arguing for their rights as both women and African Americans. Although the speech's original text was not recorded, various versions circulated and grew in popularity. In the 1850s, Truth met and collaborated with several prominent abolitionists, including Frederick Douglas, Lloyd Garrison, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. She became increasingly involved in the abolitionist movement, using her oratory skills and personal experiences to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery. She also supported various social reform causes, such as temperance and prison reform. During the [[Civil War]], Sojourner Truth played an active role in recruiting Black soldiers for the Union Army. She also met with President [[Abraham Lincoln]] in 1864 to discuss the challenges faced by freed slaves and the need for their education, land, and rights. After the [[Emancipation Proclamation]], Truth continued her activism by working with the Freedmen's Bureau to help former slaves transition to freedom. She tirelessly advocated for land grants and education opportunities to help African Americans establish stable lives. In 1867, Truth started a campaign for women's [[suffrage]], arguing that Black men and women should be granted the right to vote. She continued to travel the country, attending conventions, and giving speeches about women's rights, racial equality, and religious reform. ## Later life and legacy Sojourner Truth's health began to decline in the 1870s, and she passed away at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, on November 26, 1883. She left behind a remarkable legacy as a champion for [[civil rights]], gender equality, and social justice. Today, Sojourner Truth is remembered for her powerful speeches, her tireless activism, and her contributions to both the [[abolitionist]] and women's rights movements. Her life serves as an enduring symbol of resilience, courage, and the power of using one's voice to enact change. In 2009, a bronze statue of Truth was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol's Emancipation Hall, making her the first African American woman to be commemorated with a statue in the Capitol building.