Sojourner Truth Month Programs Announced

 The Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek announces a series of programs to celebrate Truth Month in November 2005.  The Institute was founded in 1999, and November was designated as “Truth Month” to honor the legacy of Sojourner Truth, the famous anti-slavery activist, during this time frame, which encompasses the anniversary of her death on November 26, 1883.  

The first program will be held on Monday, November 14 at Kimball House Museum, as part of the Heritage Monday Night series.  The program, which begins at 6:00 p.m., features several local descendants of Sojourner Truth. They have displays of memorabilia they have collected about their famous ancestor and will talk about living with the legacy of a national figure.  The new Sojourner Truth Exhibit Room at Kimball House will also be dedicated during the program.  There will be the official presentation of the legislation recently signed by Governor Grandholm, designating November 26 – the anniversary of the death date of Truth – as Sojourner Truth Day in Michigan.  Admission to the Heritage Monday Night program is free for members of the Historical Society of Battle Creek and $5.00 for non-members.  Memberships will be available at the door.

            The speeches and songs of Sojourner Truth will be performed on Sunday, November 20.  The “Words of Truth” Reader’s Theater program will be presented at the Woman’s League Building, 286 Capital Avenue NE, beginning at 2:00 p.m.  This second program features a variety of Truth’s speeches, ranging from the bitingly satirical comments about women’s dress to passionate pleas for racial tolerance.  The powerful personality – and the wit --of the social reformer comes through in her words, which are as relevant today as when they were first written over a century ago. Truth Ambassadors and various community leaders will read Truth’s speeches.  Admission to this program is free for members of the Historical Society and $5.00 for non-members.  Memberships are available at the door.

On Tuesday, November 22 a reception and art exhibit will be held at the CIR Etcetera Studio, 157 Capital Avenue NE, from 5 to 7 p.m.  Students and friends of the Studio have created a collection of art works featuring Sojourner Truth which will be on display and for sale.  Entertainment and light refreshments will be provided. There is no charge for this event.

The final Truth Month program is a noontime service at Truth’s gravesite in Oak Hill Cemetery on Saturday, November 26, commemorating the actual anniversary of her death in 1883.  The brief memorial program includes lying of a wreath and remarks by Truth’s descendants.  There is no charge for this event.

For more information about any of the Truth Month activities, or about the Sojourner Truth Institute, contact Mary Butler at the Heritage Battle Creek Research Center, 269 966-4157.