Sojourner Truth was the best known African American woman in 19th century America. For over forty years she traveled the country fighting for the abolition of slavery, women’s rights and suffrage, the rights of freedmen, and prison reform. She is best known for her speech at the 1851 Ohio Women’s Rights Convention at the Universalist Stone Church in Akron, Ohio.

Actor, playwright, and community builder Josy Jones will perform Sojourner Truth’s speech and discuss her one woman show, “Sojourner Speaks,” which she wrote and performed for the Illusion Factory in 2018. Following her recitation, Jones will dialogue with National First Ladies’ Library staff about developing the play and how Truth’s life continues to resonate today.

Registered attendees will receive a Zoom video conference link by email as we near the program date.