Sojourner Truth Statue Dedicated at SUNY New Paltz

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEW PALTZ – It is said that “Art imitates life.”

Perhaps nowhere does that truism more profoundly resonate than with the newly, permanently installed, life-size bronze sculpture of Sojourner Truth that now resides in front of the SUNY New Paltz Library bearing the name of the iconic trailblazer-abolitionist and suffragette- who courageously stood up to question institutional injustices that permeated her time. In the same vain that Truth (formerly named Isabella Baumfree Vanwagenen, born into slavery, arduously pursued all that her self-proclaimed new name stood for-relentlessly seeking her and her children’s freedom, walking her way to liberation in 1826, while enduring incessant obstacles of hatred, prejudice, cruelty along the way, the life-size bronze sculpture, created by sculptor, Trina Greene, went through its own symbolic and meaningful two year journey.

Beginning its exodus at Kingston’s City Hall, the awe-inspiring piece then moved on to the Ulster County Office Building, proceeding to the Newburgh Free Library before finally finding its final home: The SUNY New Paltz Campus, in front of a Library named after her as well as nearby to a street carrying her profoundly meaningful namesake. It’s a celebrated, forward-moving trek which in so many ways mimics the perseverance as well as extraordinary connections Truth shares with the Hudson Valley. Friday morning, those undeniable geographical bonds, Truth’s revered qualities, along with the timeless lessons we can continue to mine from her legacy combined to make her Statue Dedication far more than a simple unveiling.

“Sojourner Truth is such an important tool to have those conversations about slavery; she ensured that her story would be told,” said Eddie Moran, Ulster County Historian, who further related to the large crowd in attendance how most all enslaved people in Ulster County- unlike Truth who incredulously hand scripted her life’s happenings- had absolutely no existing records despite their hands building the communities we now call home. “Sojourner helped us understand the causes of so many issues that still exist today.”

Further signs of the “Art imitating life” adage are inherent in the statue itself. Truth, lovingly grasping her infant daughter, Sophia, as she takes that infamous walk on the now 200th anniversary, is intently looking into the distance, challenging the viewer to all the possibilities inhabiting her internal workings. Meanwhile, behind her impressive image are a broken cup and clay pipe, both symbolic of the male dominance she is leaving behind, along with the adjacent mouse, one likely to have called home to the tavern she once worked in, another phase of her life she is fleeing. In front of her, a butterfly sits, carrying profound meanings of that “first step to freedom” and all the promise her new life affords.

“This is a moment in history,” said SUNY New Paltz President, Dr. Darrell P. Wheeler in his Remarks which also included the rain setting being “nourishing,” and “the clouds coming to earth,” further symbolizing the expansive impact of the statue’s installation and all it means to the SUNY New Paltz community. “I want to thank SUNY New Paltz to be bold to name the statue after such a figure.” Further reflecting upon that historic moment, Dr. Wheeler added, “This statue is not just about the hands of the artist or all of the people we are thanking here today, but it goes back 200 years to people not willing to accept boundaries, but a calling to explore limitations; this statue is so important to the intellectual gateway- the heart of New Paltz College.”

The hour-long, emotionally-charged Dedication further included original Sojourner Truth poems crafted by former Ulster County First Poet Laureate, Kate Hymes. Relating how she initially thought one poem was on her reading agenda, three actually ensued on the icon who “just kept on showing up.” Through Hymes’ beautiful, imagery-laden words, we experience Truth’s journey, one where she purchased her freedom one year earlier than the law allowed, “exhausted,” yet “kept her word” insisting, “a promise is a promise.” A second poem invites us into her testimony to a preacher. While another riveting piece details the brutal body beating marks enveloping her son Peter’s body and the prayers she continues to make for his well-being.

The artwork capturing Truth’s legendary status not only in the Hudson Valley-but the country- has finally come home to its final resting spot, secured to a place whose roots are inextricably tied to her remarkable journey and presence is hoped to be a beacon of light and hope to present and future generations.

As Moran reminded guests, there is so much to learn from Truth, her journey and persistence in never stopping from securing that elusive, precious “truth” in life.

“She was a warrior against historical erasure,” said Moran about Truth’s legacy. “It was her activism and ability to leave the world a better place than she found it that really mattered.”