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 * Sojourner Truth**

//__Objective:__// As a former slave, my first and foremost concerning issue is that of slavery and the abolishing of it. I strongly believe that every person is equal, no matter what they look like, where they come from, how they speak, etc. Religion is a dominant part in my life, as it happened to be one of my "escapes" and passions as I struggled to be free from slavery. I was born Isabella Baumfree but quickly changed my name once I was emancipated (I chose 'Sojourner Truth' because it loosely translates as a 'traveling preacher'). I have spent many years serving as a traveling preacher across the states. Another important issue I am fighting for is woman's rights and suffrage. As I said, every person is equal- why can't a woman be equal to a man? Why are there limitations? These are the questions I proposed at my various gatherings and speeches.

//__Methods & Accomplishments:__// My last few years as a slave I lived under the ownership of a man in New York, and in a few years a law was passed that abolished slavery for good in the state. After escaping one of my homes, I had learned that my son had been sold to another slaveholder, although he was officially emancipated under the law passed in New York. I fought long and hard to not only save my son but to let others see the troubles of slavery and ended up winning the case and getting my son back. I also helped to raise food and collect clothing contributions for the various black regiments during the Civil War. I believe it to be my duty to help reach out to women who cannot necessarily speak up for themselves- which is why I took it upon myself to speak at various meetings and conventions and address these particular issues. It is also a special honor to me, and to others, I would hope, that I was invited to speak at the Ohio Woman's Rights Convention, located in Akron, on behalf of my activist peers. Here, I gave my most famous speech, commonly named as the "Ain't I A Woman?" speech. In it, I addressed the qualifications men ask of women and what is said and written in the Bible, but still, I, as a woman, am apparently not the right woman to fill that role.

//__References:__// Harriet Beecher Stowe has been a dear friend to me throughout the years. I met her just after I gave my "Ain't I A Woman?" speech. Not only did she listen to my ideas and help create new ones, but she continued to praise me, which I am forever grateful for. An article was written for me in the //Atlantic Monthly// and wrote an introduction for my autobiography titled //The Narrative of Sojourner Truth//. William Lloyd Garrison also helped me immensely with my movements. He was gracious enough to publish a book titled //The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave// dedicated not only for addressing me and the hardships I grew up with, but with the obstacles I had overcome and my motives to help others. His publication allowed me many events and gatherings to speak at, where I often spoke and preached about anti-slavery and woman's rights. Not only did William help bolster my image, he helped me achieve my goals.

//__Sources:__// Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Sojourner Truth." __Sojourner Truth.__ 2010. The New York Times Company. 24 February 2010. []

"Sojourner Truth (Isabella Baumfree)." __Women In History.__ 2010. 24 February 2010. []