Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) abolitionist, activist for women's civil rights and alcohol temperance

Sojourner, born Isabella Baumfree, was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826.

In 1828, after going to court, was able to rescue her son. She was the first black woman to win such a case against a white man.

In 1843 she gave herself the name Sojourner Truth after she became convinced God had called her to leave the city and go into the countryside.

In 1851 she delivered her best known speech extemporaneously ( without preparation) in 1863 at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron . It became known as ‘Ain’t I a Woman’- published in 1863.

During the American civil war she recruited black troops for the Union Army.

She continued to fight on behalf of women and African Americans until her death.

In 2009 a memorial bust of Sojourner was unveiled. She was the first African American to have a statue in the Capitol building
In 2014 she was included in Smithsonian magazine list of 100 Most Significant Americans of all time.

Sources
Wikipedia
Standing on her Shoulders by Monica Clark-Robinson