Sojourner Truth

Hello! My name is Sojourner Truth, but I wasn't always called that. I was born around the year 1797, and my parents named me Isabella Baumfree. I was born into slavery in a town called Swartekill, New York. It was a very difficult time, but even as a little girl, I knew in my heart that every person should be free.

When I grew up, I knew I couldn't stay enslaved. In 1826, just before slavery was going to end in New York, I bravely escaped. I carried my baby daughter, Sophia, in my arms and walked for miles and miles. It was a long journey, but I knew I had to do it. Finally, a kind family, the Van Wagenens, took us in and helped me become legally free. It was the first step on a long journey to a new life.

I felt like I had a new, important job to do. I needed to travel and tell everyone the truth about fairness and freedom. So, in 1843, I decided to change my name to one that fit my new purpose. I chose 'Sojourner' because it means 'traveler,' and I was going to travel all over to speak. I chose 'Truth' because that is what I wanted to share with the world. From that day on, I was Sojourner Truth, and I traveled all over the country speaking to people.

I couldn't read or write, but I could speak from my heart, and my voice was powerful. I gave speeches about ending slavery and about making sure women had the same rights as men. I wanted everyone to be treated fairly. In 1851, I gave a very famous speech that people still talk about today, where I asked, 'Ain't I a Woman?'. My words helped many people understand that everyone deserves respect. I even got to meet President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 to talk about helping people who had been freed from slavery.

I lived a long life and was about 86 years old when I passed away. I am so happy that my voice was used to help make the world a fairer place. People remember me today as someone who stood up for what was right, even when it was hard. My story shows that no matter who you are, your voice is powerful and can change the world.