Born Into Bondage
Born Isabella Baumfree around 1797 in Swartekill, New York, Sojourner Truth's early life was marked by hardship and separation from her family due to slavery. As a young girl, she was sold multiple times and endured severe treatment. However, Isabella's life took a transformative turn in 1826 when she escaped with her infant daughter after her master broke his promise of freedom. Seeking refuge with Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen, she found not only safety but also a profound spiritual awakening.
A Historic Legal Victory
In 1827, with newfound courage, Isabella sued for her son Peter's return after he was illegally sold to Alabama. Remarkably, she won the case, becoming one of the first black women to achieve such a legal victory. This victory was a testament to her faith and determination.
The Spirit Calls
In 1843, Isabella felt a divine call to change her name to Sojourner Truth, believing that God had commissioned her to travel and declare the truth. 'The Spirit calls me, and I must go,' she explained. Her new mission was clear: to be a beacon of truth and a voice for justice across the land.
Ain't I a Woman?
Throughout her life, Sojourner Truth relied on her relationship with God, which guided her in her advocacy for abolition and women's rights. Her famous speech at the 1851 Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, 'Ain't I a Woman?' challenged societal norms and highlighted the strength and resilience of women. She declared, 'I have borne five children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me!'
A Legacy of Justice
Sojourner's later years were dedicated to furthering equality. During the Civil War, she helped recruit black men for the Union Army and, after the war, advocated for land grants for formerly enslaved people. Her faith never wavered, and she often expressed that 'truth is all powerful and will prevail.'
Sojourner Truth passed away on November 26, 1883, in Battle Creek, Michigan, leaving a legacy of faith, courage, and advocacy for those who followed. Her life's work was a testament to the power of Jesus to transform lives and bring about justice.
