Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the introduction of H.R. 8405, legislation to rename the Battle Creek Post Office located at 90 McCamly Street South as the “Sojourner Truth Post Office.” The decision to rename the post office is supported by the descendants of Sojourner Truth as well as local organizations such as Kellogg Community College and Battle Creek Unlimited. This bill is the companion legislation to U.S. Senate Bill 3851 that was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). Every Michigan member of the U.S. House of Representatives has signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 8405.

“This is an important way to honor the life, legacy, and impact of Sojourner Truth,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Designating the Sojourner Truth Post Office in Battle Creek also highlights the significant role the community played in the abolition movement and our nation’s history.” 

Background: Sojourner Truth was born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. After she escaped slavery in 1827, she took her new name – Sojourner Truth. Upon gaining her freedom, Truth embarked on a truly historic path of speaking out against slavery and injustice as well as advocating for women’s suffrage. In 1857, Truth moved to Harmonia, now the site of Fort Custer Industrial Park and roughly ten years later moved to downtown Battle Creek near the current site of Battle Creek Central High School. The Greater Battle Creek Area is known for its role in the underground railroad. Truth spent the rest of her life advocating until she passed away in 1883.