Sojourner Truth

"If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, then these women together ought to turn it back and get it right side up again. And now that they are asking to do it the men better let them," Sojourner Truth once thundered.

Isabella Van Wagener was born into slavery in Hurley, New York, in 1797. She married another slave named Thomas and had five children with him. She never knew some of her children because they were sold away. In 1827 she was released due to the New York Anti-Slavery Act of 1827 at the age of 30. In 1843, she claimed that God had asked her to change her name to Sojourner Truth, and as Sojourner she became an advocate for blacks' and women's rights.

Though Sojourner couldn't read or write, she was an excellent speaker. She traveled around the country speaking for what she belived to be right, that a black was equal to a white, and that a woman could do any job as good as any man.

During the Civil War, Sojourner sang and preached in Washington D.C. to raise money for black soldiers serving their country. Afterward, she settled in Washington and continued to preach about women's and African/American's rights. Sojourner also attempted to make the goverment give land in the west to African/Americans who were slaves. She died in Battle Creek, Michigan, on November 26, 1883, at age 86.

I chose Sojourner Truth as my hero because she had the traits I think every hero should have. She fought for what was right, though it wasn't aceptable at her time. She was brave, as she continued doing what was right through threats and possible consquences of doing that. She was determined, and that kept her bravery alive, a reason and objective to make the world a better place. This wonderful woman, my hero, deserves more than just a stamp and a space shuttle named after her. She deserves everyones respect for the accomplishents she contributed to our society.