.jpg)
This Black History Month, the Elizabeth Heyrick Society is celebrating and honouring the courageous Black women who fought for their freedom and the abolition of slavery. Among these remarkable figures is Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), an iconic leader in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.
Born as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in New York, she endured the trauma of being sold multiple times and separated from her family. In 1826, she escaped slavery with her infant daughter and found refuge with a nearby abolitionist family, marking the beginning of her journey towards activism.
In 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth, believing she was called by God to spread a message of freedom and equality. As a travelling preacher, she advocated tirelessly for the abolition of slavery and women’s rights, becoming known for her eloquence and compelling speeches. One of her most significant contributions was the delivery of her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851, which challenged the marginalisation of Black women and highlighted the intersectionality of race and gender.
During the Civil War, Truth supported the Union cause by recruiting Black soldiers and advocating for the rights of freedmen. She met President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 to discuss conditions for emancipated people. Even after the war, she continued to work for civil rights, advocating for land ownership for newly freed Black Americans, recognising the need for economic empowerment alongside legal freedom.
Her activism went beyond rhetoric; she took decisive actions for justice. For instance, she became one of the first Black women to win a legal case against a White man, successfully suing for the return of her son who had been illegally sold into slavery. She was also instrumental in desegregating streetcars in Washington, D.C., highlighting her commitment to practical civil rights reforms.
Truth’s post-war years were marked by continued advocacy for self-reliance among African Americans. She believed that economic independence, through land ownership and self-sufficiency, was crucial for true emancipation. She used her platform to urge the government to provide land grants to newly freed Black families, promoting the idea of a “freedmen’s village” to help build sustainable communities.
Her life is a testament to resilience, faith, and unyielding courage. Truth not only spoke out against slavery and gender inequality but actively shaped the course of American history by championing civil rights and challenging systemic injustices. Her legacy continues to inspire the ongoing struggles for racial and gender equality, serving as a reminder of the power of one individual’s voice in transforming society.
In many ways, Truth’s vision and uncompromising stance paralleled that of Elizabeth Heyrick, a British Quaker reformer known for her pamphlet "Immediate, Not Gradual Abolition," which condemned the incremental approach to emancipation in the British colonies. Both women were bold in their calls for immediate freedom and reform, and they recognised the interconnected nature of abolition and women's rights.
Their work intersected with broader gender issues, as both Truth and Heyrick operated in predominantly male abolitionist circles and refused to be marginalised. Heyrick mobilised women’s anti-slavery societies in Britain, while Truth championed Black women's equality and inclusion in both abolitionist and suffrage movements. Their shared commitment to justice, along with their focus on action, helped strengthen the transatlantic abolitionist movement and inspired future generations of reformers.
The Elizabeth Heyrick Society's commemoration of Sojourner Truth this Black History Month reminds us of the enduring power of women who dared to speak truth to power and strive for an equal society.
In the same spirit, we invite you to learn more about Elizabeth Heyrick and her significant contributions to the abolitionist movement on our About Elizabeth Heyrick page. Your support can also help us build a memorial that honours her legacy; discover how you can get involved by visiting our memorial campaign page. Together, we can ensure that the voices of these remarkable women continue to inspire future generations.
.webp)
