Description for SOJOURNER TRUTH by Norman L Macht: Sojourner Truth was a leader in the fight against slavery in America. Born a slave in about 1797, she labored in the fields of New York landowners until she was finally freed in 1827. Truth was guided by her religious faith, and at the age of 46, she set out on behalf of women's rights. Although she had no formal education, she became famous for her wise, spellbinding speeches. During the Civil War, Truth nursed wounded Union soldiers and helped former slaves adjust to freedom. She continued to champion the civil rights cause until her death in 1883. Respected by such influential figures as Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, Sojourner Truth was one of the most important woman activists of her time and remains an inspiration to all those who dedicate their life to furthering racial and sexual equality.
