Released in alignment with International Women’s Day, ‘I AM PROUD – in tribute to Sojourner Truth‘ is both a song and a statement. Led by Bristol-based songwriter Lizi Morse, the track brings together a small but powerful collective of singer-songwriters including Angeline Morrison, Leonie Evans, Priscilla Andersohn and Rhiannon Takel. The result is a folk-rooted protest song that looks backward for inspiration while firmly addressing the present.
The song draws its spirit from the life and words of Sojourner Truth, the 19th-century abolitionist and women’s rights activist whose famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” remains a cornerstone of feminist and anti-racist history. Rather than simply retelling her story, the collective reframes Truth’s legacy through a contemporary lens, transforming it into a trans-inclusive call for equality, solidarity and pride.
Musically, the track sits comfortably within the modern British folk tradition. Warm harmonies and an understated arrangement allow the message to take centre stage, while the blend of voices adds a communal energy that feels intentional and symbolic. Each singer brings a slightly different tone and texture, giving the chorus an anthemic quality that feels designed for collective singing rather than individual spotlight.
What makes ‘I AM PROUD’ particularly compelling is its sense of purpose. The project was crowdfunded and developed over 18 months, reflecting the grassroots ethos that has long characterised the folk scene. That spirit carries through in the song’s structure: it feels less like a polished pop single and more like a living folk hymn meant to be shared in rooms, festivals and gatherings.
There is also a quiet optimism running through the track. While its subject matter acknowledges ongoing struggles against racism and sexism, the music leans toward hope rather than anger. The refrain feels deliberately uplifting, encouraging listeners to see activism not only as resistance but as connection.
With a planned live debut at Fire in the Mountain Festival, the song’s true potential may well emerge in communal performance, where its layered voices and chant-like chorus can resonate with a crowd.
‘I AM PROUD – in tribute to Sojourner Truth’ stands as a thoughtful addition to the tradition of protest folk. More than a tribute, it’s an invitation—to sing, to remember, and to continue the work that Truth began nearly two centuries ago.