Death of Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth was a prominent African American abolitionist and early advocate for women's rights, born as Isabella in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. After gaining her freedom in 1827, she became a street preacher, believing she had received divine messages. In 1843, she adopted the name Sojourner Truth and began traveling the United States, passionately advocating for the abolition of slavery despite facing significant hostility. Her efforts gained her national attention, leading to appearances before Congress and interactions with U.S. presidents. Truth also joined the early feminist movement in the 1850s, using her oratory skills to support women's rights. During the Civil War, she worked to support black volunteer military units and later fought against segregation laws in Washington, D.C. Although her health declined in the mid-1870s, Truth remained committed to various progressive causes until her death on November 26, 1883, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions on civil rights and social justice.
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Death of Sojourner Truth
Death of Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth, the African American abolitionist and an early advocate of women's rights, was born as Isabella on an unknown date in 1797 in Ulster County, New York on the Hardenbergh plantation. She was born a slave, and was bought and sold by several masters during her youth. When she was about 20 years old, her life was dramatically changed-on July 4, 1827, the New York legislature emancipated slaves within the state's boundaries. After thus obtaining her freedom, in 1829 she moved to New York City and became a street preacher after receiving what she believed to be messages from God.
In 1843 she took the name Sojourner Truth and began travelling across the country, speaking out on behalf of the abolition of slavery despite the openly hostile reactions of many of her audiences. Gaining national attention, Sojourner's appearances would ultimately include speaking before Congress and meeting with two presidents of the United States. She also joined the budding feminist movement in 1850, lending her reputation and powerful oratorical skills to their cause. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, she worked to raise support and funds for military units formed by free black volunteers.
Towards the end of the war Sojourner relocated to Washington, D.C., where she fought local segregation laws and worked at the local Freedman's Hospital, which treated former slaves. She continued to make public appearances on behalf of various progressive causes, including temperance and the abolition of capital punishment, but in the mid-1870s she had to limit her schedule due to health problems. Sojourner died on November 26, 1883, in Battle Creek, Michigan.