Many people are aware of the big names when it comes to African-American history but there are many that get overlooked and today Sojourner Truth is the star of the show.

Sojourner Truth, formerly known as Isabella Baumfree up until 1843 was an abolitionist born into slavery. In 1797 Truth was born in Ulster County, New York two and a half hours north of New York City. Truth was sold to plantation owners four times in her life before running away with her infant child later having her freedom paid for by a family of abolitionists.

Truth believed in the abolition of slavery and women’s rights, believing that in a way they should go hand in hand. Truth worked hard and gave speeches to crowds across the nation; her most famous speech being “Ain’t I a Woman?” Which she gave in 1851 while in Ohio where she toured until 1853.

At forty-five years old Truth changed her name from Isabella Baumfree to Sojourner Truth because she believed God wanted her to travel and preach gospel. Breaking down the newly picked name Sojourner meaning traveler and Truth being truth her name symbolizes the mission she believed God had for her.

Truth was a part of the National Freedman’s Relief Association which helped African-Americans post civil war established in 1862. Around this time she also did what she could to provide African-American Civil War soldiers with food and clothing.

Taking a step into the political direction in 1864 Truth was able to meet Abraham Lincoln and later tried to get land grants to former slaves but Congress denied her efforts in 1865.

Truth passed in 1883 from old age at the age of eighty-six leaving behind a legacy for generations to come encouraging the perseverance and courage to stand up for what you believe in.