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Why Is Sojourner Truth Important

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Why Is Sojourner Truth Important
A strong woman once said, “Because of them I can now live the dream. I am the seed of the free, and I know it. I intend to bear great fruit.” Sojourner Truth meant that because she is now a freed slave and she will do great things with her life. Truth was a former slave, who escaped slavery and began helping others. Truth not only became one of the most influential advocates for abolition, but also for women’s rights. Sojourner Truth became the most influential African American woman in history.
Sojourner Truth was born in 1797, and was originally named Isabella Baumfree. She was one of thirteen children of James and Elizabeth Baumfree, who were slaves. Truth was born on an estate in New York, where most people spoke Dutch. At the age of nine, Truth was sold at an auction along with a flock of sheep for one hundred dollars to a family who only spoke English. Many people today agree that the sale of human beings at an auction is inhumane. Her new owner was now John Neely. He …show more content…
She settled down and spent her last years alive with her three daughters living in Battle Creek, Michigan. Truth died in her home on November 26, 1883. Her last words before passing away were, “be a follower of the Lord Jesus.” It is said that Truth’s most important legacy was the tone and substance of her language. She was buried in Battle Creek’s Oak Hill Cemetery beside her grandson’s burial. Truth’s funeral was said to be the largest funeral the town had ever seen. The Sojourner Truth Library at the State University of New York was named in her honor in 1970. In 1997, The Sojourner Truth House was founded in Gary, Indiana. This nonprofit organization was sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ to help the homeless and women and children at-risk of becoming homeless. The Sojourner Truth House provides shelter, food pantries, and housing assistance along with other services to the homeless and
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