MidHudson News reports that New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblyperson Kevin Cahill have introduced legislation to make November 26 Sojourner Truth Day in New York. Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, in Ulster County. After escaping slavery with her infant daughter she won a court case to recover her son in 1828, the first black woman to win such a case against a white man. The YMCA Youth Crew of Kingston have been working to honor the life and legacy of the abolitionist and suffragette, and inspired the proposed bill in Albany. “It feels so good to know that this state – her birth place and the place where she fought for freedom for so many years – could forever have a day for honoring and celebrating the one and only Sojourner Truth,” said Youth Empowerment Coordinator Jessica Alonso. “This day can serve New York State’s residents I so man ways; it should be a day for solidarity and community, a day for honoring the countless black females that have fought for freedom and justice, and made strides for generations to come, a day for lifting up and being more supportive to our neighbors and to the local activists that are currently fighting to make strides against injustice and systemic oppressions, and of course for giving thanks for all your blessings.” Hinchey said Sojourner Truth is “a hero in our community who possessed unbelievable courage and perseverance as a warrior for justice, equality, and freedom for all people.”