This Day in Black History: March 31, 1888

Sojourner Truth helped to establish the National Council of Women in the United States.

At a time when women’s voices went unheard and Black women did not have civil rights, Sojourner Truth helped establish the National Council of Women of the U.S. on March 31, 1888.

The National Council of Women is the oldest private women’s organization in the nation. It was birthed on the heels of the anti-slavery movement, led by Truth and a host of other former slaves.

Truth joined forces with Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe and other women’s rights activists to represent the opinion and voice of women.

Truth’s determination and dedication to help all men and women attain freedom was the pinnacle of the Council’s foundations. Although Truth did not hold office, she represented the voice of slaves and Black women. Due to her input, today the organization maintains its diversity to influence economic, political and social decisions regarding women across America.