About

Sojourner Truth Comes Alive with Karen Bostic.

The Arlington Historical Society is proud to partner with the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington to present Karen Bostic interpreting Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth, formerly enslaved, was a renowned activist and abolitionist. In 1851, in Akron, Ohio, she delivered what is now recognized as one of the most famous abolitionist and women’s rights speeches in American history. She continued to speak out during the Civil War.

Sojourner Truth lived in Freedman’s Village which was established after the Civil War on what had been the Arlington plantation grounds. She helped newly free residents find employment, advised them on their rights, taught women domestic skills, and served as a spiritual mentor for many. Her lessons resonate today. Ms. Bostic will reenact or historically interpret Sojourner Truth. Afterwards, Wakefield High School educator, Antoinette Waters, will answer your questions and give us details about Sojourner Truth’s life and impact in history and today.

Antoinette Waters (photo at right) teaches advanced placement (AP) US history and AP African American studies at Wakefield High School. Originally from Bowie, Maryland, she has a Bachelors degree in education from Temple University and a Masters in Education from George Mason University. She has taught in DC and Alexandria public schools.