Sojourner Truth, born Isabella “Belle” Baumfree, was an American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. After gaining her freedom, Truth preached about abolitionism and equal rights for all, and she became known for a speech with the famous refrain, “Ain’t I a Woman?” delivered at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in 1851. Truth was a member of the Northampton Association of Education and Industry in Northampton, Massachusetts. The organization supported a broad reform agenda including women’s rights and pacifism. Until old age intervened, Truth continued to speak passionately on the subjects of women’s rights, universal suffrage, and prison reform. There have been many memorials erected in honor of Sojourner Truth, commemorating her life and work, in Ohio, New York, Michigan, and many more locations.

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