Sojourner Truth was born into slavery on January 30, 1797, in Hurley, New York. She went on to become a powerful abolitionist and women’s rights activist, known for her compelling speeches and her unwavering fight for justice and equality, including her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech delivered in 1851.

On May 30, 1797, Isabella Baumfree—later known as Sojourner Truth—was born into slavery in New York. She would rise to become a fierce abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and public speaker whose legacy spans continents. Fluent in both Christian and African spiritual traditions, Truth’s speeches linked liberation with divine justice. Though primarily known for her activism in the United States, Truth’s influence extended to the transatlantic abolitionist movement, inspiring campaigns in Britain and beyond. Her 1851 speech, often titled “Ain’t I a Woman?” became iconic in Black feminist theory. May 30 is a fitting moment to reflect on Truth’s role in the global struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom. Her life exemplified resistance against intersecting systems of racial and gender oppression. Today, Truth remains a foundational figure in Black international consciousness, celebrated not only for her words but for her relentless commitment to human rights and spiritual liberation.