Sojourner Truth Portrayed by
Born Isabella Baumfree, the slave from a small town north of New York City changed hands several times, sold by one brutal owner to another just as harsh. In 1826, having been promised freedom, but then cruelly denied emancipation, she walked away and emancipated herself. She had an epiphany, became a devout Christian, and renamed herself Sojourner Truth, after which she began her travels as a preacher. In 1850, Sojourner began speaking on women’s suffrage, believing the causes of abolition and women’s rights to be intertwined and equally important. Ms. Truth’s most quoted speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” was delivered at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Truth also helped recruit black troops during the Civil War for the Union Army, and she worked as a Union nurse.
Dr. Century gives a commanding performance of Ms. Truth, bringing to life a woman who overcame incredible obstacles to take her rightful place among the leading figures of her day, including Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln, and Ulysses S. Grant. Dr. Century’s performance encourages her audiences to consider the equal importance of the twin goals of racial and gender parity.
“Your passion and dedication brought Sojourner to life. The audience enjoyed your performance very much and they made sure to tell us what a wonderful program it was.”N.D., Ocean County Library, Point Pleasant Branch
“Yours was a brilliant depiction of the life of those living in slavery. You made it so real to us. I want to pass along to you…some of the words of praise…extraordinary, flawless, a born actress, so very lovely, a riveting performance.” -- C.B., Heath Village Women’s Association
Daisy Century: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator
Dr. Daisy Century performing part of Sojourner Truth’s most quoted speech, "Ain't I a Woman?”
Dr. Daisy Century performs, “The Life & Times of Sojourner Truth”