Sojourner Truth Statue Unveiled At Walkway Over The Hudson

LLOYD, NY — A 7-foot statue of Sojourner Truth was unveiled Wednesday at the Ulster County entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The statue commemorates the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, chairwoman of the New York State Women's Suffrage Commission, said the unveiling of the statue was a fitting way to honor the abolitionist and suffragist.

"The granting of the right to vote in New York in 1917 as the first major state to do so helped lead the way three years later for the 19th Amendment," Hochul said.

"But often missing from those decades of struggle is the stories of strong African American leaders like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and others," she said. "This monument finally expands representation of all who have contributed to New York's rich history. We have made great strides in the fight for women's equality, but we still have more work to do to achieve true equality and justice for all."

Sojourner Truth, who was born Isabella "Bomefree" Baumfree, was enslaved in Ulster County among Dutch people. She freed herself from slavery one year before legal enslavement ended in the state, according to a state spokesperson, and following her deeply held religious views, she traveled as an itinerant preacher and became one of the country's leading voices for abolition and universal suffrage in the 19th century.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said the county was honored to recognize the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth.

"Place this statue at the entrance of a walking bridge is a fitting tribute to a woman who in 1826, only a few miles from where this statue is located, started her own famous walk to freedom," he said.

"During her life, Truth was quick to note that she made the conscious choice to walk away from a life of slavery," Ryan said. "She knew her action were justified, even if it violated the law, and those she refused to run."

She shared her experiences and her quest for freedom with the nation, and "her story continues to inspire many to this day," he said.

In support of the sculpture installation, New York State Parks has added educational content to its website, including information and videos on Sojourner Truth, Vinnie Bagwell's sculpture, the women's suffrage movement, and current voter registration information. To learn more, visit this parks department website.

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