Sojourner TruthBy

Kissbell Preza

What was Truth’s real name?

Truth’s name was Isabella Baumfree (Belle). On June 1, 1843, it was changed to Sojourner Truth, explaining to friends,” The spirit calls me, and I must go”. Which really didn’t explain much. Only that the definition of Sojourner is a temporary resident and truth is the quality or state of being true.

Who was sexually abusing her?

In 1810, 14 year-old Truth was sold to John and Sally Dumont. While beaten by John, Sally would sexually abuse her, and beat her more savering then John. Bella wrote, ‘’ Now the war began”.

How many children did she have?

Truth had five children. Diana(1815) fathered by Robert, a slave from another farm and later beaten to death for having a romance with Truth. Thomas, who died after birth, Peter(1821), Elizabeth(1825), and Sophia(1826) fathered by Thomas. An older slave, Truth was forced to marry.

What year did she escape her handlers?

On 1826 Truth escaped with her infant daughter, Sophia (1826-1876). Truth had to leave her other children behind because they were not legally freed in the emancipation order until they had served as bound servants into their twenties, except for Peter.

When did she die?

Truth died on November 26, 1883, at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan. More than 3,000 people crowded into Battle Creek Tabernacle to pay their last respects to Bella.

Time Period

Sojourner Truth was born in( 1797- 1883) in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York. Her father, James Baumfree was a captured slave from the Gold Coast, Ghana and her mother, Elizabeth Baumfree was born into slavery from the Coast of Guinea. At the age of nine she was sold for $100. She was traded three more times after being sold to the Dumont’s. During this society The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868. Lincoln was in office March 4, 1861 – March 4, 1849.

Define the Topic

This is topic is about a strong, willed female figure. Sojourner Truth was abolitionist and women’s rights activist. She became the first African American who won a case against a white man (1826). In May 1851, she gave a speech “Ain’t I a woman” at Ohio Women’s Rights Convention Akron, Ohio. She also took part in the American Equal Rights Association in 1867. As well as helped with the injured African American during the Civil War.

Affected African American

African Americans were affected in many ways to Truth’s words. Some were inspired to became free and others questioned her in negative remarks. However, Truth’s kindness and truth made made many women open there eyes.

Truth’s Powerful Quotas“I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be right”. Truth said this when she escaped from her handlers and had to leave her three children behind. This explains what she thought was right for her and her babies.

“The spirit calls me, and I must go”. This explains how she saw herself and to help others when they are in need. She must be a humble servant.

“Ain’t I a Woman?” This is one of her most famous quatos coming from her most famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman?”. Explaining the rights of human life, that white men only talk about rights. Yet nothing has changed women’s rights or African American right.

Primary Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_Truth

http://www.pbs.org/this farbyfaith/people/sojourner_truth.html