Sojourner Truth

Introduction

Sojourner Truth was born in 1797, in Hurley N.Y. Sojourner was born into slavery, and was given the name Isabella Baumfree. Sojourner’s parents, were also slaves, in Ulster county N.Y. Because slave trading was very prominent in those days, Sojourner was traded and sold many times throughout her life.

Sojourner ran away from slavery before the Emancipation act was published, and decided to change her name to Sojourner Truth. This name bares great meaning, because she intended on telling the truth to all people about slavery. Sojourner also wanted a religious name, and she felt that this name would best suit her purpose.

Sojourner set out on her mission, to educate all people on the subject of slavery, and became a very powerful speaker. She became an influential speaker for women’s rights, as well for the abolishment of slavery all over the country. She became famous for being the first black women to speak out against slavery.

Sojourner died at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan on November 26, 1883. She left behind a legacy of ideas and principles for other great black leader to follow. She will always be remembered for her courage, perseverance, diligence, and patience.

Her Birth And Parentage

Sojourner Truth, originally named, Isabella Baumfree, was born, between the years 1797. She was the daughter of James and Betsey, slaves of one Colonel Ardinburgh, Hurley, Ulster County, New York.

Colonel Ardinburgh belonged to that class of people called Low Dutch. Sojourner can give no account to her first master, because she was a young infant when he died. Sojourner and her parents, along with a number of other slaves, became the property of Charles Ardinburgh, son of the deceased master. She distinctly remembers hearing her father and mother say, that their lot was a fortunate one, because their new master, Charles, was the best of the family, because he was very kind to his slaves.

James and Betsey, by their faithfulness, docility, and respectful behavior, gained favoritism, and received a lot of land. This land lay on the slope of a mountain, on which they managed to raise a little tobacco, corn, or flax, which they exchanged for extras, in the articles of food or clothing for themselves and children.

Who was Sojourner Truth?

Sojourner Truth came to Northampton in 1843 to live at the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, a ut...

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... no mand could head me! And ain't I a woman.”

Conclusion

Sojourner Truth has overcome many obstacles in her life, which have made her the great historical icon that she is today. She will always be remembered for her courage and bravery that helped make a difference. Sojourner has made many sacrifices in her life that has not only benefited herself, but many others.

Sojourner fled from her life of enslavement to find a better life for her and her children. She did whatever she could do to free her children and to keep them safe. After gaining her freedom, Sojourner set out to free others who were enslaved all over the country. She realized that this would be a difficult task to accomplish on her own, but she knew that there was a higher power that governed us all. She believed and had unmovable faith in the almighty God. Sojourner knew that without God, she would have never been as fortunate as she has.

Sojourner gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, "without no struggle, there is no progress." She has truly demonstrated the validity of this phrase, because she has struggled to accomplish what she felt God wanted her to do, and for this she will always be honored.