Cultural andHistorical Context

Sojourner Truth was born a slave around 1797 near the town of Esopus, New York. Her name as a child was Isabella Baumfree, and people called her “Belle.” As a child and young woman, Belle

was sold to several masters.

Sojourner Truth:

Early Years

Research what life was like for enslaved African Americans in the early days of the United States.

Which states began to abolish slavery and when?

Sojourner Truth:

Her involvement with AbolitionismIn 1826, Isabella escaped from the farm where she had been enslaved. She later said, “I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, thinking

that was right.” She was taken in by a family named Van Wagenen. While working for the Van

Wagenens, Isabella learned that her son Peter had been sold illegally. She resolved to get him back.

How did Isabella free her son? Why were her efforts significant?

In 1843, Isabella changed her name to Sojourner Truth. She said, “the Spirit calls me and I must go.” She became a devout Christian and traveled the

country, preaching as an evangelist.

What is a “sojourner”? What is an evangelist? What do you think is the significance of Isabella’s/Sojourner’s name change?

Sojourner Truth:

A Life-Changing Experience

During her travels, Sojourner became acquainted with abolitionism. She began to speak at

abolitionist meetings and rallies.

What was abolitionism?Who were some leading abolitionist

writers and speakers?

Sojourner Truth:

Abolitionism

the 1840s, Sojourner Truth met many important abolitionist leaders. In 1844, she joined the Northampton Association of Education and

Industry, in Northampton, Massachusetts. In 1850, she published her memoirs The Narrative of

Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave.

Who helped Sojourner Truth writeand publish her memoirs?

Sojourner Truth:

Friends and Supporters

In the 1850s, Sojourner became involved with the women’s rights movement.

What were women fighting for in the 1850s? How did they make their ideas and concerns known?

Sojourner Truth:

The Fight for Women’s Rights

In 1851, Sojourner Truth spoke at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention. There, she delivered a famous speech now known by the title “Ain’t I a

Woman?” In that speech, she described her experiences as an enslaved African American.

What was special about howSojourner Truth delivered her speech?

How did her listeners respond to her remarks?

Sojourner Truth:

The Ohio Women’s Right Convention

Sojourner Truth continued to speak on behalf of women and enslaved African Americans.

In the 1850s, she met the famous writer Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Who was Harriet Beecher Stowe? Why was meeting her important for Sojourner?

Sojourner Truth:

Meeting Harriet Beecher Stowe

During the Civil War, Sojourner raised food and clothing donations for the Massachusetts 54th

Regiment, a regiment of African-American soldiers. In 1864, she met President Abraham Lincoln.

While living in Washington D.C., Sojourner continued to work for the rights of African Americans.

How did Sojourner Truth protest discrimination against African Americans living in Washington D.C. at that time? What were the results of her efforts?

Sojourner Truth:

The Civil War

After the Civil War, Sojourner Truth continued to fight for the rights of women and African

Americans. After the death of her grandson in 1875, she returned to her home in Michigan. She

died in 1883.

What were some of Sojourner Truth’s efforts after the Civil War? Why did she meet with

President Ulysses S. Grant?

Sojourner Truth:

The Final Years

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