Google kicked off Black History Month on Friday by honoring abolitionist Sojourner Truth with an illustration created by Philadelphia artist
"As a Black woman, illustrating Sojourner Truth was especially personal and meaningful to me," Wise said in a statement. "Her journey and persistence inspired major change in both rights for enslaved African-Americans and women. Her history is deeply rooted
She became a traveling preacher and published a renowned memoir in 1850, in which she recounted her time in slavery. One year later, Truth delivered the famous "Ain't I Woman" speech at a women's rights conference in Akron, Ohio.
The abolitionist later became one of the first Black women to successfully sue a White man, after she took action against her former slavemaster for the illegal sale of her 5-year-old son.
The scene outside of the courthouse is what is referenced in Wise's Google Doodle.
"Without her work and the
According to the U.S. Treasury, Truth will be featured alongside other suffragists on the $10 bill, which will be unveiled in 2020 to mark the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote.