A former Civil War slave turned abolitionist and women’s rights advocate came alive in Batavia Tuesday, Feb 4.
With words, period costume, and acapella gospel music, North Aurora resident Pam Welcome portrayed Sojourner Truth at the Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association membership luncheon at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. Welcome is a special education teacher.
Her presentation was a nod to Black History Month, underway in February.
Truth (1797 – 1883) was a prominent figure in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. Born Isabella Baumfree, she took on the name Sojourner Truth in 1843.
Her accomplishments include:
- Escaping slavery: Truth escaped slavery in New York, one year before it was legally abolished.
- Helping others escape: Truth helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
- Recruiting for the Union Army: Truth helped recruit African American men to fight in the Civil War.
- Supporting Black soldiers: Truth helped raise funds and obtain supplies for Black soldiers.
- Working with the Freedman’s Bureau: Truth helped newly freed people find jobs and adjust to their new lives.
- Lobbying against segregation: Truth lobbied against segregation in Washington, D.C.
- Using her powerful rhetoric: Truth’s powerful rhetoric won her audiences with other women’s rights activists.
AARTA holds membership luncheon meetings at 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, October, and December at Lincoln Inn Banquets in Batavia. Prospective members are invited.
For more information, call (630) 921-1307 or visit aurorartdtchrs@outlook.com.
—Al Benson