KINGSTON, N.Y. (Nov. 22, 2025) — Ulster County celebrated its first-ever Sojourner Truth Awards on Saturday, recognizing 22 high school students for their courage, resilience, leadership, and community advocacy.
The ceremony, held at St. James United Methodist Church in Kingston, featured music by Ubaka Hill and the Drumsong Orchestra, an original poem by Ulster County Poet Laureate Mike Jurkovic, a storytelling performance by Evelyn Clarke, and reflections on Truth’s enduring legacy.
County Executive Jen Metzger and Chief Diversity Officer Dina Suggs led the event, joined by community leaders, educators, and families. Students were nominated by local youth-serving organizations based on their leadership in service, advocacy, and personal character.
“It was incredibly meaningful to gather in the very church where Sojourner herself once worshiped to celebrate her extraordinary legacy and the young people in Ulster County who embody Sojourner’s spirit in their own lives,” Metzger said. “I’m very proud of these 22 young leaders, and want to thank the youth-serving organizations who nominated them as well as the work of the Ulster County Sojourner Truth Awards Committee. This is the first of what will become an annual tradition to honor the young leaders who carry the legacy of Sojourner Truth forward in courage, resilience, advocacy, and leadership in service to the greater good.”
“Each awardee has shown great character through their actions, leadership, and care for others,” said Suggs. “It has truly been a privilege to learn about each one of them as a member of the awards committee. These high school students enrich our community in meaningful ways and make us all deeply proud.”
Ulster County Clerk-elect Taylor Bruck also reflected on the significance of the awards. “It was deeply moving to celebrate Ulster County’s inaugural Sojourner Truth Awards in the very church where Sojourner worshiped before forging her path to freedom and justice,” Bruck said. “Watching young people step up to serve their communities — quietly, consistently, and with heart — felt like a living continuation of her legacy. Their commitment honors the history we inherit and the future we’re responsible for building.”
The 2025 Ulster County Sojourner Truth Awardees are: Nisean Abney, Nino Belheleurl, Johnell Brannon, Kyra Campbell, Bryan Correa Jr., Sam Constable, Diego Estrada Perez, Marlene Hernandez, Alanny Jimenez Peralta, Henry Jones, Isabela Lewis-Rivera, Zackary Mahoney, Ella Maxwell, Juelz Mayers, Wyatt McNeil, Timothy Michaud, Dalianis Ortega, Kurtis Owens, Raisa Rehuma, Janaye Riley, Isabella Rivera, and Jarell Seabrook.
Students were nominated by organizations including My Brother’s Keeper, Center for Photography at Woodstock, Boys and Girls Club of Ulster County, Center for Creative Education, YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County, Fly the Coop, Ulster County 4-H, Wild Earth, My Sister’s Keeper, and The Children’s Home of Kingston.
Visitors at the event also viewed a special Sojourner Truth display prepared by the Ulster County Clerk’s Office. Coffee and pastries were provided by Di Sweet Spot.
About Sojourner Truth Day
Born enslaved in Esopus in 1797, Sojourner Truth freed herself in 1826 and made history in Kingston by successfully suing to regain her son, becoming the first woman in the U.S. to win a court case against a man. She later became a leading abolitionist and women’s rights advocate. In 2022, youth from the Kingston YMCA successfully lobbied for Ulster County to permanently designate November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day, a recognition later adopted statewide in 2024.