Born into slavery in New York State in the 1790s, Sojourner Truth never learned to read or write. Yet she became known as a passionate and intelligent advocate for the abolitionist cause as well as for women's rights.As she did not write down her speeches, we have to rely on accounts of those who heard her speak, and some of the accounts are disputed.
What is clear is that she was involved in religious and utopian movements in New York before moving on to becoming very involved in the abolition movement. She became known as a feminist and anti-slavery speaker.
Sojourner Truth, lacing her speeches with recollections of her life as a slave, radiated moral authority. And her concerns, which she expressed before many audiences, would provide inspiration for the feminist movement as well as the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century.
More about Sojourner Truth:
- Biography of Sojourner Truth
- Transcript of her Ain't I A Woman? speech
- Vintage Images: Sojourner Truth
Photograph: Sojourner Truth/Getty Images
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