Who Is Sojourner Truth?
Slavery started in the early 17th century when hundreds and thousands of boats travelled the Trans-Atlantic Slave Route to forcefully imprison and work masses of Africans. Records are incomplete however it is estimated at 10 million and untold numbers of enslaved people died without even reaching the Americas. Some at the hands of the African traders who took them from their homes in ‘slave raids’ or died in the cramped inhumane conditions on the boats (Source 1). This was just the start of the reason why Sojourner Truth became an activist for Women and Slave rights.
Sojourner Truth, then known as Isabella Baumfree was born into Slavery in Ulster County, New York. Isabella’s date of birth was not recorded but historians estimate it was likely …show more content…
in 1797. Isabella was the youngest of twelve children born to James and Elizabeth Baumfree; James, was a slave captured in modern day Ghana and Elizabeth was a daughter of slaves from Guinea. 9-year-old Isabella was were separated in 1806 from her family, sold for $100 with a flock of sheep to a man named John Neely, Truth remember him as harsh and violent. Many slaves suffered physical and sexual abuse, along with long hours of work (Source 2).
Isabella was sold two more times, finally ending up at the residence of John Dumont, where she learnt to speak English.
Isabella meet a slave named Robert who lived on a neighbouring farm and had a daughter. Roberts’ owner forbade the relationship, as the child wasn’t under his ownership. Dumont instead arranged for Isabella to marry a Thomas, they had five children together.
The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, passed by the Pennsylvania legislature on 1st March 1780, was one of the first attempts by a government in the USA to begin abolition of slavery (source 3). All slaves born before 1799 were set free. This included Isabella and Thomas but their children were not. Isabella made a grave decision and walked away from slavery and her family. When doing this she became Sojourner Truth (a self-appointed name) she became a strong and confident traveler spreading truth.
Truth became the most famous African-American women in the 19th century. She was an advocate for women’s rights, an Abolitionist, author and human rights activist. She was even invited to meet with President Lincoln (source 4). She also delivered her famous speech Ain’t I a woman. The speech told all who listened that racism and sexism were unacceptable. She used logical cries for equality and messages from the bible. She had intellect energy and wit. Truth died 26th November 1883, in Michigan. Her journey was from slave to renowned activist, Sojourner Truth has been a source of inspiration and hope for millions. Her brave actions continue to shape views on race and democracy in the modern
day.
Sojourner Truth, then known as Isabella Baumfree was born into Slavery in Ulster County, New York. Isabella’s date of birth was not recorded but historians estimate it was likely …show more content…
in 1797. Isabella was the youngest of twelve children born to James and Elizabeth Baumfree; James, was a slave captured in modern day Ghana and Elizabeth was a daughter of slaves from Guinea. 9-year-old Isabella was were separated in 1806 from her family, sold for $100 with a flock of sheep to a man named John Neely, Truth remember him as harsh and violent. Many slaves suffered physical and sexual abuse, along with long hours of work (Source 2).
Isabella was sold two more times, finally ending up at the residence of John Dumont, where she learnt to speak English.
Isabella meet a slave named Robert who lived on a neighbouring farm and had a daughter. Roberts’ owner forbade the relationship, as the child wasn’t under his ownership. Dumont instead arranged for Isabella to marry a Thomas, they had five children together.
The Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, passed by the Pennsylvania legislature on 1st March 1780, was one of the first attempts by a government in the USA to begin abolition of slavery (source 3). All slaves born before 1799 were set free. This included Isabella and Thomas but their children were not. Isabella made a grave decision and walked away from slavery and her family. When doing this she became Sojourner Truth (a self-appointed name) she became a strong and confident traveler spreading truth.
Truth became the most famous African-American women in the 19th century. She was an advocate for women’s rights, an Abolitionist, author and human rights activist. She was even invited to meet with President Lincoln (source 4). She also delivered her famous speech Ain’t I a woman. The speech told all who listened that racism and sexism were unacceptable. She used logical cries for equality and messages from the bible. She had intellect energy and wit. Truth died 26th November 1883, in Michigan. Her journey was from slave to renowned activist, Sojourner Truth has been a source of inspiration and hope for millions. Her brave actions continue to shape views on race and democracy in the modern
day.