Sojourner Truth was born enslave in New York. New York abolished slavery in 1827. She was then freed. She became an abolitionist. This means she fought for the freedom of enslaved people. Her birth name was Isabella Baumfree. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth when she was freed. This was because she “sojourned,” or traveled, “up and down the land,” declaring “the truth unto people.” At this time in America, public speaking was a respected art. Sojourner Truth was well known for fighting for abolition of women’s right to vote and civil rights.
How did Sojourner Truth help her community?