Discovering Sojourner Truth: Top 10 Surprising and Inspiring Fun Facts You Never Knew

1. First Black Woman Courtroom Win

In a real-life "mother of all battles" that would even make George Foreman proud, Sojourner Truth knocked out some serious injustice back in the day: In 1828, she became the first black woman to win a court case against a white man, successfully fighting for the return of her son who had been illegally sold to an owner in Alabama, marking an early victory in her quest for African-American civil rights and women's rights.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Breaking Courtroom Fashion

Breaking "court" fashion barriers long before Serena Williams: Sojourner Truth aced legal history in 1828 as the first Black woman to triumph in a legal battle against a white man for her son's freedom, which simultaneously defied race and gender norms!
Source => nypl.org

Did you know the real-life "Moses" was a fearless woman named Harriet Tubman? She led 19 daring trips to free around 300 slaves through the Underground Railroad! Discover her astonishing story 🚂💪🔗

=> Fun Facts about Harriet-Tubman

3. The Beyoncé of 19th Century Feminism

Now, gather around folks, for the riveting tale of a wonder woman who couldn't read or write, yet became the Beyoncé of 19th century feminists with a voice that would put Elle Woods' speeches to shame: Sojourner Truth used her powerful oration skills to advocate against slavery and for women's rights, and even had her autobiography, Narrative of Sojourner Truth, dictated to white women who transcribed her words, with her legacy inspiring generations as an icon of intersectional feminism.
Source => nypl.org

4. Selfie Pioneer Fundraiser

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round and behold the magical selfie pioneer of the 19th century: Sojourner Truth ingeniously sold photographic portraits of herself, captioned, “I sell the shadow to support the substance,” procuring funds to buy a house in Northampton, Massachusetts, all while continuing to passionately advocate for African American and women's rights, including the right to vote.
Source => nps.gov

5. Musical Sojourner

Before she could speak Truth to power, she gave melodies a whirl: Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, was not just a fierce advocate for human rights, but also a skilled songstress who earned her keep by belting out religious hymns during her journeys as an itinerant preacher.
Source => nps.gov

6. Plowing Down Stereotypes

Who knew that the "plow-er" lies within the believer: Sojourner Truth, a fervent advocate for women's rights, thrashed a male opponent in a plowing contest to shatter societal norms and emphasize the might of female prowess.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Lyrical Whodunit: "The Valiant Soldiers"

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but who would've thought Sojourner Truth would be caught up in a lyrical whodunit? Here's the plot twist: Sojourner Truth was not the original author of the song "The Valiant Soldiers," as was previously believed. The actual maestro behind the tune is Captain Lindley Miller, a white officer of the First Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment (African Descent). Although Truth's singing career may have been brief and uneventful, her role as a civil rights powerhouse had a chart-topping impact on history.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. The Real-Life Giantess

Move over, Paul Bunyan: there was a real-life giantess amongst us whose powerful voice and stature made her a force to be reckoned with. Meet Sojourner Truth: a 5-feet-11-inch tall woman with immense intelligence, who used her strong voice and presence to inspire change during her time as an abolitionist and feminist in the 19th century.
Source => washingtonpost.com

9. "Ain't I a Woman?" Speech Boss

Say it loud and proud, like Sojourner in a bonnet: Sojourner Truth, a 19th-century powerhouse for abolition, women's rights, and spiritualism, not only had a way with words but was a master at weaving them into a fabric of social justice. Her iconic "Ain't I a Woman?" speech, delivered like a boss in 1851 at the Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, shook the foundations of racial and gender inequality, inspiring activists and leaving an indelible mark on American history.
Source => pbs.org

10. Broken Telephone with Truth's Speech

Talk about a game of broken telephone: Sojourner Truth's iconic "Ain't I a Woman" moment is actually the product of creative liberties taken by a fellow activist! In truth, the famous phrase was neither in the original title nor her spoken words, but rather injected into the speech by a white woman, Frances Gage, who published it in a collection of women's rights speeches in 1863.
Source => loc.gov