Name
Class
Date
Biography
A Divided Nation
Sojourner Truth
1797–1883
WHY SHE MADE HISTORY Sojourner
Library of Congress
Truth was the first African American woman
to speak out against slavery. Though unable
to read or write, Sojourner Truth touched the
lives of many who heard her speak.
As you read the biography below, think about
how Sojourner Truth’s individualism and presence captivated her audiences.
Called the “Pilgrim of Freedom” by many,
Sojourner Truth was one of the most influential
abolitionists of her time. Her wit and humor, combined with a deep desire to help her fellow African
Americans, made her a powerfully moving orator.
Sojourner Truth was born with the name Isabella
Baumfree in 1797 in a Dutch settlement of New
York. She was born a slave, along with her 12 siblings. She was sold four times, the last time to a
man who bought her and her daughter to give them
freedom.
In 1843 Isabella Baumfree changed her name
to Sojourner Truth, which means one who travels
and tells the truth. She wanted to travel the country
speaking about the rights of African Americans and
women. Sojourner Truth had a Dutch accent, but
her voice was deep and commanding. She could not
read or write, but her intelligence and wit charmed
crowds. When beginning one speech after a long
trip, Sojourner Truth told the crowd, “Children, I
have come here like the rest of you to hear what I
have to say.”
VOCABULARY
orator public speaker
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
7
A Divided Nation
Name
Class
Sojourner Truth, continued
Date
Biography
Sojourner Truth lived up to her chosen name,
traveling many miles in the North. One of her stops
in Washington, D.C., led her to many displaced
African Americans. They had no food, shelter, or
employment. Sojourner Truth valiantly worked
toward improving their circumstances and was
eventually employed by the U.S. government’s
Freedman’s Bureau.
At another point in her life, Sojourner Truth
pushed African Americans toward the opportunities in less populated areas, especially the West.
She petitioned the government to provide African
Americans with land and transportation costs.
After a long life—she was once rumored to have
been 105 years old, but was actually 89—Sojourner
Truth died in 1883. More than 1,000 people attended her funeral.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Draw Conclusions Why did African Americans need people like Sojourner Truth
fighting for their rights following the Civil War?
2. Compare and Contrast In what ways was Sojourner Truth similar to the ora-
tors who argued for the colonies’ freedom from England? In what ways was she
different?
ACTIVITY
3. Read more about Sojourner Truth’s travels. Make a map and label the different
places where she stopped to give speeches. Include quotes and illustrations to
make your map more interesting.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
8
A Divided Nation