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How did Sojourner Truth choose her name?
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Sojourner Truth
To make money, abolitionist and women's rights advocate Sojourner Truth sold cartes-de-visite of herself that bore the caption, βI sell the shadow to support the substance.β
Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, chose her name in 1843. She stated that her faith inspired her to travel the country and spread God's word. She adopted the name "Sojourner" to reflect her itinerant preaching and "Truth" to signify her mission to speak the truth. This name change marked a significant moment in her life as an abolitionist and evangelist, symbolizing her commitment to her spiritual calling and her public advocacy.1