Sojourner Project

Sojourner Project, often known as Sojourner, was named in honor of Sojourner Truth, a traveling philosopher and orator, a woman who spoke about justice, equality and truth and the need for change. Sojourner Truth was named Isabella Baumfree. Born a slave, she spoke passionately, advocating for the end of slavery and the recognition of women’s rights. In the 1820s, when still quite a young woman, she escaped from her New York owner after being brutally treated and sold away from her family. By the 1840s, Truth had become a powerful speaker against slavery, often moving her audiences to tears and exclamations of horror with her firsthand accounts of what slaves endured at the hands of cruel masters.  She inspired those who heard her and her voice called many to action on behalf of those who were powerless.  

In taking her name, Sojourner’s founders endeavored to honor the principles for which she stood and to continue her efforts to provide hope, safety, and support to those victimized by violence and abuse.  Our commitment has not wavered and this is evidenced in our current agency mission and goals.