Sojourner Truth performance teaches students about Black History

Ms. Carolyn Evans as Sojourner Truth.

On February 4, students from the C. J. Hooker Middle School enjoyed an interactive presentation of the life of Sojourner Truth by Carolyn Evans, a poet and actress who received her theatrical training at Syracuse University and York College. The dramatic production was accompanied by dynamic African drumming by John Brady.

During her powerful portrayal of Sojourner Truth, Ms. Evans discussed the details of her life as a slave in New York. In 1806, Sojourner Truth, originally named Isabella Baumfree, was bought at auction near Kingston when she was only 9 years old. This began her life in slavery until she escaped in 1826.

Her master, John Dumont of New Paltz, had promised Isabella freedom a year before the state emancipation; however, he reneged on his promise, claiming a hand injury had made her less productive. She was infuriated and continued working until she felt she had done enough to satisfy her sense of obligation to him -- spinning 100 pounds of wool -- then escaped before dawn with her infant daughter, Sophia. She later said, “I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be all right.”

After her emancipation, Sojourner Truth won a landmark law suit to recover son, Peter, who was illegally sold into slavery in Alabama. She spoke about anti-slavery and women's rights, often giving personal testimony about her experiences as a slave. In 1854, at the Ohio Woman's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, she gave her most famous speech -- with the legendary phrase, “Ain't I a Woman?”

The performance was funded by the C. J. Hooker Middle School Parent/Teacher Organization. For more information on Sojourner Truth, visit www.sojournertruth.com.