Sojourner Truth

born 1797, died 1883

Born a slave in New York, Sojourner Turth was orginally called Isabella
Van Wagner. She gained her freedom in 1827, after most of her thirteen 
children had been sold, however. She took the name "Sojourner Truth" in 1843 
after having a vision. Her deep religious beliefs and talent as an 
orator made her an effective and eloquent speaker on behalf on 
women and Blacks. She travelled widely, sometimes putting herself in 
great danger. In 1836, Truth became the first Black to win a slander 
action against whites. At the 1851 Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio, 
her powerful "Ain't I a Woman" speech awed even detractors.