Sojourner Truth – The Voice of Truth

Born: c. 1797 (exact date unknown)
Died: November 26, 1883

“If women want any rights more than they’ve got, why don’t they just take them, and not be talking about it?” — Sojourner Truth

Born into slavery in Swartekill, New York, Isabella Baumfree, who eventually changed her name to Sojourner Truth, freed herself and her infant daughter from captivity, and then bravely spent the rest of her life freeing others—both physically and mentally.

As an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, she delivered her famous Ain’t I a Woman? speech in 1851, challenging the world to recognize the strength, intelligence, and resilience of women, especially Black women.

Why She Inspires Us Today

Sojourner Truth reminds us that our voices are our most powerful weapons. She teaches us to stand up, speak out, and refuse to be silenced in the face of injustice. This lesson seems most important in today’s climate.

Our voice is sometimes all we have with which to create change. Often, as women, using our voice is risky, even dangerous, but I do know for sure that when we have the tools to communicate assertively, rather than aggressively, we are most effective communicators. Those communication tools are a part of—if not at the core of the empowerment tools I provide. Learning how to communicate in order to get our needs met, how to effectively get our point across without causing the receiver of the comunication to become defensive or angry, to express ourselves as needed, to require respect, and to call for change is a talent that can be perfected.

Throughout Women’s History Month, we’ve spotlighted many inspirational and courageous women. Each has stepped to the front pages of history by owning their voice and power to create change. Each is a role model for courage, conviction, compassion, and humanity. Sojourner Truth however, didn’t just perform one courageous act. She gave her entire life to a cause of freedom and equality for all. Personally,I can’t think of a braver woman. Can you?

As a woman, has there ever been a time when you didn’t own your voice, or speak up and be heard? Tell me about it in the comments.