An Essay On Sojourner Truth

What is sojourn? Sojourn is defined as a period of time when you stay in a place as a

traveler or guest (“Sojourn”). What is truth? Truth is defined as the real facts about something,

the things that are true, the quality or state of being true, a statement or idea that is true or

accepted as true, sincerity in action, character, and utterance (“Truth”). Sojourner Truth was a

good example of sojourn and truth because God blessed her with a powerful voice, along with a

six foot frame, to speak out across the country in support of abolitionism, freedom, religion, and

women's rights. Sojourner Truth was possibly considered the most famous African-American

woman in 19th century America, but fame did not come without the many struggles and

hardships Sojourner Truth endured in her lifetime. The struggles and hardships Sojourner Truth

endured also gave her the strength and confidence to become a great humanitarian and a

powerful speaker for her beliefs.

Sojourner Truth's struggles and hardship began at birth because she was born into slavery

in 1797 in Dutch settlement of Ulster County, New York. She was the youngest of thirteen

children born to James and Betsey Baumfree. Sojourner's birth name was Isabella Baumfree.

Isabella continued to endure many hardships at an early age. At the age of nine, she was

taken from her family and sold as a slave several times at auctions. Finally, she was sold to John

and Sally Dumont in New York. Isabella lived alone and isolated from other slaves. Sadly, she

suffered from physical and sexual abuse by her slave owners for not understanding their commands because she did not speak English very well. In fact, “ Isabella spoke Dutch as a

child and neve...

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women in 21st century America. Today’s American women are more independent, have better

paying jobs, higher education, and opportunity of career choices. According to the United States

Department of Labor, “women comprise 47% of the total U.S. labor force, with the largest

percentage of employed women (40.6%) working in management, professional, and related

occupations” (“Women in the Labor Force in 2010”). The modern woman is free to make

choices because boundaries from the past have been lifted due to great humanitarians such as

Sojourner Truth. Also, Sojourner's strong religious faith through Jesus Christ resonates today.

I feel as though I have a personal connection to Sojourner Truth through Jesus Christ because I

received salvation in 2010, have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, and an a Christian by religious

faith.