Ulster County will commemorate Sojourner Truth Day on Tuesday, Nov. 26, with a pair of events honoring the life and legacy of the famed abolitionist and women’s rights advocate.

The day will begin with the unveiling of a historic marker at the Ulster County Courthouse, where Truth won her son’s freedom in a landmark legal battle. The ceremony runs from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and will feature remarks by Esi Lewis, the county’s chief diversity officer, and Barbara Allen, a sixth-generation descendant of Truth, among others.

An evening program will follow at 6 p.m. at the Ulster County Restorative Justice Center, with a reenactment of Truth’s iconic speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”, performed by Rev. Deborah Zuill, and other cultural presentations, including music, court artifacts, and reflections on Truth’s impact.
Both events are free and open to the public.

Born in 1797 in what is now Ulster County, Sojourner Truth escaped enslavement and became a leading voice for abolition and women’s rights. She is remembered as the first woman to successfully sue a man in court, setting a precedent for justice and equality.

For more details, visit the Ulster County website.