Isabella Baumfree , “Freedom” for All

Black History Month

I would  like to present a short biography on an inspirational African American Woman by the name of Isabella Baumfree. Born in 1797, Isabella was born into a slave family of 13 kids.  Being black and a slave during this time period was very hard on her, forcing her to be sold over nine times before sold to one family.  Before the time of 30, she had bore 5 children. Against her own will was forced into marriage with a slave at twenty years old. Already in her young life, she was forced to do things she did not want to do. She was a woman in a period when they had little rights, less then the dirt on the ground.  Being a strong willed woman , she escaped slavery with her daughter Sophia and a year later found her son Peter. Some of her more famous struggles with life was with the law.  “Sojourner Truth fought and won two civil suits in court: the first time she gained the freedom of her son Peter, and the second time she won a libel suit against a couple who falsely accused her of murder.” Now after this , Isabella heard a calling. That calling was from god telling her to change her name to Sojourner Truth. She went on to be the first woman in Michigan to vote. This incredible woman did not just stop there. “She sang, preached, and debated at camp meetings, in churches, and on village streets, exhorting her listeners to accept the biblical message of God’s goodness and the brotherhood of man.” Even through the final years of her life, Sojourner dedicated it to the freedom and equality of color and gender. Into the year 1870 she still was striving for the migration of people to Kansas and Missouri. During the year of 1875 she retired from her work to live in her Battle Creek home where she died later in the following year. Sojourner is a role model for all, no matter what color you may be.

“I am glad to see that men are getting their rights

but I want women to get theirs, and while the water is

stirring I will step into the pool.”

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