Peters & Stabenow Introduce Bill to Name Battle Creek Post Office After Abolitionist Sojourner Truth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Debbie Stabenow (MI) introduced legislation to designate the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek, Michigan as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office.” Sojourner Truth was an inspiring advocate for abolition and women’s suffrage in the nineteenth century. Truth spent the later years of her life in what is now Battle Creek, Michigan, where she continued her life-long advocacy for equality.   

“Sojourner Truth’s dedication to fighting injustices not only changed our world for the better, but is still benefiting our nation today,” said Senator Peters. “As Black History Month comes to a close, designating this post office in Battle Creek after this American abolitionist and activist will allow Michiganders to honor and continue her inspiring legacy as a champion for equality.” 

“Sojourner Truth escaped slavery and went on to help African Americans transition into a free life after the Civil War. She dedicated her life to women’s rights, racial equality and social justice. She chose what is now Battle Creek as her home in the later years of her life. Naming the Battle Creek Post Office after her is a fitting honor for the incredible life she lived,” said Senator Stabenow.

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. She escaped slavery in 1827 and took her new name – Sojourner Truth – in 1843 before embarking on a path to preach for emancipation. After meeting Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1850, Truth began to passionately advocate for women’s rights issues. Throughout her life, Truth fought bravely against racial injustices and spoke up for women’s suffrage. In 1851, Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech to criticize race and gender discrimination at a convention in Akron, Ohio. In 1857, Truth moved to Harmonia, a former utopian community that was later incorporated into Battle Creek, Michigan. She spent the rest of her life advocating in various spheres and died in 1883 at the age of 86. 

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