A COURAGEOUS CRUSADER
Who is Sojourner Truth?
Sojourner Truth began her life as Isabella or Bell, a Northern slave. Born in about 1797, she was owned and sold by five different Dutch and English slaveholders in the Hudson River Valley in New York State.
“Truth is powerful and it prevails.”
In 1817, New York State passed a law freeing all enslaved adults born before 1799 on July 4, 1827. Bell’s owner at the time, John Dumont, promised her that he would free her a year early if she worked especially hard, but then refused to honor his word. In the fall of 1826, Bell began her “walk to freedom,” defiantly and openly leaving Dumont’s farm.
After she left, Dumont sold her five-year-old son Peter to a neighbor for $20 and he was taken down South. Bell waged a heroic and historic battle to rescue her boy from slavery. This true, little-known story from Sojourner’s early life and its poignant aftermath are at the heart of Dust of Egypt.
Bell went on to reinvent herself as Sojourner Truth—a name she created. A media “superstar” of her day, Sojourner became a powerful speaker and activist. Her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, delivered in 1851 at a woman’s rights convention, is legendary. She was also a fiery abolitionist who traveled the North and Midwest, boldly speaking out against slavery.
Sojourner’s Significance
A Powerful Voice for Freedom
Sojourner’s Significance
A Powerful Voice
for Freedom
“...I read men and nations.”
At a time when Black women and slaves had no power and no voice, Sojourner Truth spoke out forcefully on their behalf, making sure they weren’t forgotten. As a former New York State slave, she played a pivotal role in fueling abolitionism by bringing slavery to Northerners’ doorstep
With incredible courage and determination, a young Sojourner waged a heroic battle to rescue her little boy Peter after he was taken from New York State down South. She became the first Black woman of record to sue a white man in court. Against all odds she won—a monumental achievement.
As a tireless crusader against slavery and for women’s rights, Sojourner has long been recognized as a powerful activist and champion of social justice.
Balancing her drive to confront injustice with faith and forgiveness, she delivered a timely and timeless message that rings true today.
Freedom and Equality for All
A Warrior for Women’s Rights
“...we want as much.”
“We do as much, we eat as much, we want as much.” These stirring words have won Sojourner Truth enduring admiration as a pioneer in the fight for equal rights for women. She crusaded alongside Susan B. Anthony, Cady Stanton, and Lucretia Mott, boldly declaring, “I am a woman’s rights.”
At a time when Black women were often ignored, Sojourner made sure they weren’t forgotten. Her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech brought them center stage. With wit and skill, she fought to ensure that their contributions and rights were recognized by equal rights advocates.
As a young mother desperate to rescue her son, Sojourner spoke out on street corners. Later she would speak on stages across America. tirelessly advancing the cause of equal rights for women.
Defending the Downtrodden
Ardent Abolitionist
“Slavery must be destroyed”
As abolitionism gained momentum and urgency, its most powerful voices were those of former slaves. Enslaved in the South, Frederick Douglass crossed the country describing his harrowing life in bondage. As a Northern slave, Sojourner brought slavery close to home for Northern audiences.
Sojourner shared stages with many of the abolitionist movement’s leaders, from William Lloyd Garrison to Frederick Douglass. She spoke alongside George Thompson, a famous British abolitionist. During the Civil War, her efforts inspired President Lincoln to invite her to the White House.
Sojourner’s Life & Times
1797
Born a slave in the town of Hurley, New York.
1826
Walked away from her owner, John Dumont.
1827
Legally freed July 4, 1827 with all adult slaves in New York State.
1828
Took legal action to recover her son Peter from down South.
1843
Left New York City to become a wandering evangelist.
1850
Her Narrative first published by William Lloyd Garrison.
Bought her first house in Northampton, MA.
First appearance speaking for equal rights and against slavery.
1852 - 1857
Spoke widely in Northern states and throughout the Midwest.
1864
Invited by President Lincoln to visit him in the White House.
1870 - 1874
Campaigned for western land grants for freed slaves.
1883
Died in Battle Creek, Michigan