New York Celebrates Sojourner Truth Day
A New State Holiday Honors the Legacy of the African American Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York has a new state holiday on November 26: Sojourner Truth Day. It honors the legacy of the African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist whose voice still echoes in the Empire State.
Ulster County Unveils Historic Marker
On November 26, Ulster County unveiled a new historic marker outside the County Courthouse in Kingston during Sojourner Truth Day, celebrated countywide since 2021. The marker reads: "At This Courthouse In 1828, The Orator And Anti-Slavery Activist Successfully Sued To Free Her Son Peter From Enslavement."
Governor Signs Bill Establishing Holiday
Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S1480A/A6583A, a bill establishing the holiday for the rest of the counties in New York. However, it’s not a public holiday that will close any government offices.
Sojourner Truth’s Legacy
Born in the Hudson Valley in 1797, Truth escaped slavery in Ulster County in 1826. In a civil rights milestone in 1828, she became the first Black woman in the U.S. to win a court case against a white man: the slaveholder who legally owned her son.
Local Community Celebrates
Momentum behind the legislation began in 2020 with backing from the local YMCA Farm Hub Youth Crew in Kingston. Aleshanee Emanuel, a member of the Farm Hub Youth Crew, created the artwork depicting Truth that was used for the ceremonies.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger also issued a proclamation recognizing Truth’s pursuit of freedom and justice. Rev. Deborah Zuill reenacted Truth’s legendary "Ain’t I a Woman?" speech from the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention.
Conclusion
Sojourner Truth Day is a fitting tribute to this New York-born icon. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower people around the world. This new state holiday is a celebration of her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.
FAQs
Q: Who is Sojourner Truth?
A: Sojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist who was born in the Hudson Valley in 1797.
Q: What did Sojourner Truth do to become famous?
A: Truth became famous for her civil rights milestone in 1828, when she won a court case against a white man, the slaveholder who legally owned her son.
Q: Why was Sojourner Truth Day established in New York?
A: Sojourner Truth Day was established to honor the legacy of this New York-born icon and to recognize her contributions to the fight for freedom and justice.
Q: What is the significance of the historic marker unveiled in Ulster County?
A: The historic marker commemorates the site where Sojourner Truth successfully sued to free her son Peter from enslavement in 1828.
