Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) was sold into slavery in Hurley, New York, as Isabella Baumfree. During her 29 years as a slave, she developed a close relationship with God which enabled her, in 1843, to rename herself Sojourner Truth and walk away from slavery. Joining other notable Abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, Sojourner took to the road to free her people. She became a powerful speaker against slavery and for the rights of women. As the end of the Civil War drew near, she was appointed counselor for the Freedman’s Relief Association. The last years of her life were spent petitioning the U.S. Government to turn over western lands to ex-slaves.

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