Greg Jenner is joined in 19th-Century America by Dr Michell Chresfield and comedian Desiree Burch to learn all about abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery in a Dutch-speaking area of New England, Sojourner Truth fought to free herself and then others, becoming one of the best-known abolitionist activists in America. She even succeeded in freeing her son, making her the first Black American woman to win a court case. A devoutly religious woman, Truth felt that God had called her to travel the country, preaching and advocating for the end of slavery, women’s rights and universal suffrage. Along the way, she rubbed shoulders with abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, and politicians including Abraham Lincoln himself. This episode tells the story of her incredible life, beliefs and fight for justice, and even examines the true story behind her famous “ain’t I a woman?” speech.If you’re a fan of inspirational activists, courtroom drama and questionable cults, you’ll love our episode on Sojourner Truth.If you want more from Desiree and Michell, check out our episodes on Harriet Tubman and Josephine Baker. And for more abolitionist history, listen to our episode on Frederick Douglass.You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Madeleine Bracey Written by: Madeleine Bracey, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: James Cook
Chapter 1: Who was Sojourner Truth and what is this episode about?
Hello and welcome to You're Dead to Me, the Radio 4 comedy podcast that takes history seriously. My name is Greg Jenner and I'm a public historian, author and broadcaster. And today we are strapping on our sturdiest walking boots and hiking across America to learn about renowned 19th century abolitionist, orator and civil rights activist Sojourner Truth.
And to help us, we have two very special guests. in History Corner. She's an assistant professor in African-American history at Cornell University. Her research focuses on black and indigenous histories, including the history of racial formation and identity in America. And you might remember her from our previous episodes of this show about Harriet Tubman and Josephine Baker.
Chapter 2: What were the early life and circumstances of Sojourner Truth?
It's Dr. Michelle Crestfield. Welcome back, Michelle.
Thank you for having me. I'm so happy to be back. The gang is back together.
It is. We're sort of series one reunion in some ways. It's lovely. And in Comedy Corner, she needs no introduction. She's a comedian, actor, and writer. You'll have seen her all over the TV on Taskmaster, Frankie Boyle's New World Order, The Horn Section TV show, and Too Hot to Handle.
And you'll know her from this very podcast from many, many episodes, including recent highlights, Pythagoras, What a Dude, and the history of Broadway musicals. It's your Dead to Me superstar, Desiree Burch. Welcome back, Desiree.
Thank you so much. But this is like a series one reunion. I feel like they should do a behind the music on us. You know, none of you young listeners know what that is. But you know what I mean? The inside documentary on podcasts, although I guess podcasts are already kind of an insider. Anyway, you know what I mean?
Desiree, you and Michelle have previously covered Harriet Tubman and Josephine Baker. Now, Harriet Tubman, obviously an abolitionist, a very famous woman in American history. Are you excited to be back for more abolitionist history? What are your emotions when you hear the word Sojourner Truth?
She's one of the big ones. Do you know what I mean? And it's also she's one of the big ones that you learn about so early on. And then when everyone's like, what do you know about Sojourner Truth? You're like...
she's dope dude uh you know and then you have to separate all the you know because you're like okay you know harry tubman did more of the gun wielding sojourner tooth did a lot of like the speaking and stuff like there's stuff that she did that i vaguely remember but like i'm excited to find out the cool biopic you know biopic biopic i don't know how we say that word biopic for me but yeah absolutely yeah i think it's biopic but some people say biopic and it sounds like a
It sounds bionic.
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