Sojourner Truth was one of the most powerful voices for abolition and women’s rights in 19th-century America. While born into slavery, she rose to become a renowned orator and advocate for justice. Her courage and faith made her a central figure in one of the most important reform movements in American history. 

Around 1797, Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree in Ulster County, NY. She spent her early life as a slave of several owners in harsh conditions, separated from her family. In 1826, she made a courageous decision to escape slavery with her infant daughter, leaving behind the rest of her children who remained in servitude. A year later, she successfully sued a white man in court to recover her son, becoming one of the first Black women to win a case against a white defendant. This early victory showed the determination that would define her life. 

After gaining her freedom, Isabella experienced a life-changing awakening. She accepted Christ and became a devout Christian, believing that God had called her to speak out against injustice. In 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth, signifying her mission to spread the message of truth and righteousness. She became known for her powerful speeches with strong biblical references and her sharp wit that challenged the hypocrisy of slavery and gender inequality. 

Sojourner’s activism reached national prominence in the 1850s when she began speaking at abolitionist and women’s rights conventions across the country. One of her most celebrated moments came in 1851 at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, where she delivered a speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” In that address, Sojourner confronted both racism and sexism, arguing that women, regardless of race, deserved equal rights. Her words exposed the contradictions of a society that denied both freedom and equality to marginalized groups. 

During the Civil War, Sojourner recruited Black men to fight for the Union and worked to improve conditions for freed slaves. After the war, she helped former slaves in transitioning to a life of freedom, advocating land ownership and education. She also campaigned for women’s suffrage, arguing that true democracy could not exist until everyone had the right to vote.

Sojourner Truth’s legacy continues to inspire generations. She never learned to read or write, yet her speeches and actions profoundly affected American history. Her life embodied the struggles for racial justice, gender equality, and human dignity. Through faith and perseverance, Sojourner Truth transformed her personal suffering into a force for nationwide change.

So What?

In what ways is your life contributing positively to social justice issues, such as racial justice, gender equality, and human dignity? How does your faith contribute to your involvement in these areas? 

Illustration by Paul Ryding. This article was originally titled “Sojourner Truth” in the February 2026 issue of Peer.