SUNY Ulster is set to showcase a significant exhibit titled “Sojourner Truth: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures” from March 9 to March 13, 2024. This event celebrates Women’s History Month and highlights the profound impact of Sojourner Truth in the pursuit of justice and equality. The exhibit will be hosted at the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery and will be free and open to the public.
An opening reception is scheduled for March 9, from 12:30 to 14:00. Alison Buckley, President of SUNY Ulster, along with Candice Van Dyke, Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of English, will provide welcoming remarks. The keynote address will be delivered by Esi Lewis, executive director of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for History and Culture in New Paltz. Following the opening remarks, a panel discussion will feature Dr. Hans Vought, Professor of History and Chair of the Social Sciences, Education and History Department, and Dr. Nichola Harris, Professor of European History.
The exhibit includes historical banners that are on loan from the project “Sojourner Truth: A New Yorker’s Path from Slavery to Freedom.” This initiative is made possible by the Unified Court System, which underscores the collaborative efforts to honor Truth’s legacy.
The event seeks to educate the community about Sojourner Truth’s relentless advocacy for civil rights and women’s rights during the 19th century. Her speeches and writings challenged societal norms and inspired generations to fight for justice. The exhibit aims not only to commemorate her achievements but also to encourage discussions on contemporary issues related to equality and justice.
As part of the celebration of Women’s History Month, the exhibit at SUNY Ulster serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equity and the importance of historical figures like Sojourner Truth in shaping a more just society. The collaboration between the college and various organizations highlights a commitment to education and community engagement, ensuring that Truth’s contributions are recognized and remembered.
For more information about the exhibit and related events, interested individuals can visit SUNY Ulster’s official website.
