Community Collectively Celebrates Sojourner Truth

By Jennifer L. Warren

KINGSTON – The lofty bronze, intricately detailed sculpture bearing the image of one of the most important figures in Ulster County history, tightly holding her daughter, enraptured the attention of a steady flow of guests Saturday evening.

Situated on the second floor of Kingston’s City Hall, The Sojouner Truth sculpture, dubbed “The First Step of Freedom 2021 Bronze,” resonated with potent symbolism, laden with unity, freedom, hope and a “journey not yet finished.” Constructed by New Paltz-based artist, Trina Greene, the riveting sculpture of the anti-slavery activist-orator and publicist-self-named Truth (born with namesake Isabella), who self-published the transformative autobiography on her tribulations, filled with inspiring strength, includes remnants of her story-“journey.” Adorned in a shawl and barefoot, a pipe and broken mug lay on the ground behind Truth as she clasps the sling containing her baby girl in one arm, a purse-bag in the other. All the while, one can detect Truth’s undeniable courage and strength apparent in her penetrating eyes and six foot proud stance.

“Sojourner, creating unity from controversy, is it; she is always moving,” said Dr. Darrell Wheeler, President of SUNY New Paltz, the permanent home of the Truth statue on loan to Kingston’s City Hall, who provided a detailed explanation of the evolution of the art piece as well as it’s timeless, symbolic meaning at the campus. “This piece tells us we can be the example of what this country could have been from its inception; thank you for bringing this statue to rest at SUNY New Paltz, but know the journey is not over, and we still have a lot to do.”

That mission Truth encapsulates was on full display Saturday night as a large crowd gathered not only to view the awe-riddled, mesmerizing art piece of the iconic figure, but to celebrate all it symbolized. Born and residing in nearby Espopus for almost 30 years as relayed by former Ulster County Historian, Anne Gordon, Truth’s imprint continues to be profoundly felt in the Kingston community.

“This energy here tonight is amazing,” said City of Kingston Mayor, Steve Noble in his Welcome remarks. “To be able to have a moment with the statue and being able to talk about what happened right here in this building is really incredible.”

Those landmark events alluded to by Noble were yet another priceless piece of the two hour program assembled by Kitt Potter, Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. In a glass showcase, nearby to the statue, six documents were housed and carefully overseen by local police. These priceless, “serendipitously found” documents provided tangible confirmation for one of the most revered feats in Truth’s “journey,” her historic, victorious suing of a white man, ensuring the official freedom of her son, Peter. Detailing the case of the People vs. Solomon Gedney, the owner of Peter, the documents further include a “People’s Writ of Habeas Corpus” as well as a “Court Order” officially granting that elusive freedom.

“These documents on display and that were actually found while something else was being looked for but the name Isabella was recognized, confirm Sojourner’s narrative; she was an excellent observer of people but didn’t know the law,” explained Jim Folts, Head of Research Services at the State Archives. “We see her story through the lawyers’ letter, and we see the perspective of Peter’s Master, Solomon Gedney, who did not see himself as owning him, truly giving a full picture of the events.”

Heightening the intensity of the significance of those artifacts was the setting of the night’s event: The City Hall, where those very proceedings transpired. Attracting such dignitaries as Jen Metzger, Ulster County Executive as well as Reverend Dr. Weldon McWilliams, Chair of the Black Studies Department at SUNY New Paltz, both of whom lent moving remarks on the night’s occasion, the entertaining program included; a Drum Prelude by the Center for Creative Education Drummers and Women’s Drum Song Orchestra, Babi Maxwell Kofi Donker, drumming, music and stories segments as well as Truth portrayal by Aixa Kendrick, clad in a black robe, white shawl and head scarf as well as wire rimmed glasses, providing insightful snapshots of the legend’s journey, concluding with looking skyward, emphatically repeating perhaps the most treasured words: “freedom, freedom, freedom.”

The Statue Viewing continues during regular operating hours, 8:30am-4:30pm; group tours by appointment. Contact Potter at: (845) 334-3929 to make arrangements.

To learn more about upcoming Kingston Sojourner Truth events, log onto: https://engagekingston.com/sojourner-truth-first-step-to-freedom.

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