Sojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist and a women's rights activist who lived a life of strength and courage. Born into slavery in 1797 as Isabella Baumfree in Ulster County, New York, she was sold away from her parents at just nine years old. After being sold twice more, she eventually escaped to freedom with her infant daughter in 1826, finding refuge with the Van Wagenens, a nearby abolitionist family.

During this time, New York law "declared that all slaves in the State born before July 4, 1799 would become free on July 4, 1827" (Source: National Park Service). Once free in 1827, Sojourner fought in court for the return of her young son after her former owner sold him illegally; she won and her son was reunited with her.

Around 1829, she and her children moved to New York City where she practiced Christianity and participated in religious revivals. By 1843, she changed her name from Isabella Baumfree to Sojourner Truth to fulfill a call from God to “testify the hope that was in her.” She then spent the rest of her life advocating for the rights of African Americans and women.

Sojourner Truth was a powerful orator who spoke out against injustice and human inequality. She traveled throughout the United States and Britain giving speeches on the need to end slavery and promote women’s rights. She was a highly influential advocate for the abolition of slavery, and her famous "Ain't I a Woman" speech of 1851 is considered to be one of the greatest speeches on behalf of women's rights. She fought for the right to education for African Americans and women, and she was also a fierce advocate for the right to vote.

In 1864, she became a member of the National Freedman's Relief Association to help counsel and support former enslaved people, she helped desegregate streetcars in Washington, D.C., and she even met with President Lincoln.

Sojourner Truth was a pioneer for civil and human rights. She was a powerful voice for the voiceless and a symbol of strength and hope for those who had been denied their rights. She is remembered for her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom.

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Read more about her: Sojourner Truth - U.S. National Park Service