By Genevieve Divoky, 2025-2026 Research Collaborator at Power in Place
Isabella Baumfree, a former slave from New York, gained her freedom in 1826. In 1843, she found her calling, changed her name to Sojourner Truth, and began to travel the country preaching about abolition and women’s rights. For the remainder of her life, Truth advocated for African American rights, particularly black women.
Today, Truth’s legacy is evident as the struggle for both women’s rights and African Americans’ rights continue. Sojourner Truth would undoubtedly have been thrilled by the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, as well as the 19th amendment. However, in the present-day United States, black women’s rights are continuously under attack. Voter suppression still happens, and the Voting Rights Act faces multiple lawsuits that could render it obsolete. Other minorities also face threats, including Native Americans and other non-white groups.
During her life, Truth’s ceaselessly advocated for minorities and women’s rights, Were Sojourner Truth alive, she would certainly continue her activism, especially in today’s political climate with the threats facing all US minorities. Although Truth is not here to lead the way actively, we must remember her tireless efforts and ideals that all people are deserving of rights. We must continue the fight until equality and equity can be achieved and the world that Truth envisioned and fought for can become a reality.
Sojourner Truth’s story is incredibly inspirational and a moving reminder of the need for outspoken citizens who can carry on the fight for human rights. Even though Truth herself was born into slavery, she refused to give up on her goals or ideals. Her speeches, including the famous (though disputed) “Ain’t I A Woman?”, rebelled against the standards of her time. Truth worked to combat all areas of injustice and gain recognition for all those deemed ‘lesser’ in the United States.
Sojourner Truth remains a figure to look up to, through her perseverance, strength, and unwavering belief in herself and her goals. Today, these traits continue to be important, especially in the never-ending fight for equality among all people. Despite the struggles we face, we must remember that we are not alone in the fight; we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, including Sojourner Truth. If we remember the lessons she (and others) taught, we can continue the fight and, someday, achieve our goals.
References
Hansi Lo Wang, “60 years later, Voting Rights Act protections for minority voters face new threats,” NPR, Accessed January 4, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2025/08/06/nx-s1-5482864/scotus-voting-rights-act-8th-circuit-vra Nehemiah Frank, "Sojourner Truth: Her Legacy in Today's Struggles," The Black Wall Street Times, Accessed January 4, 2026, https://theblackwallsttimes.com/2025/03/11/sojourner-truth-her-legacy-in-todays-struggles/
Genevieve Divoky is a first-year history major at The Ohio State University. After college, she hopes to go to law school. When not studying, Genevieve enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and walking outside.