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Sojourner Kincaid Rolle
Community Activist, Poet
10/11/02

Sojourner Kincaid Rolle has had many mentors, including William Stafford, a poet respected by his peers and also a life-long peacemaker. Her foremost mentor was her grandmother with whom she lived while she was growing up. She describes her grandmother as an active woman who raised seven children and was a leader in the community. As a child, Sojourner witnessed her grandmother being involved in school issues, PTA, her church and civic boards. As a child, Sojourner observed conflict in people's relationships and learned of the violence against Black people taking place in her own community and throughout the South and the rest of the country. She always tried to be the peacemaker and it became her life work.

Sojourner describes herself as an African-American whose heritage includes Ethiopian, Irish, and Cherokee Indian ancestors. Though her relationship with her grandmother was strong and positive, she was always sad and missed her mother who had decided to leave her with relatives due to economic realities of the time. Sojourner did not understand and she felt a sense of abandonment until much later in her adult life.

Writing was a healing form of communication for Sojourner. She believes that poetry helps us to know we are not alone. Although her skill as a writer was evident early on, she was never told or even realized herself that she could pursue writing as a profession. She often wrote because she was requested to do so or to help somebody else. After receiving affirmation and appreciation for her first published article Sojourner began to realize her abilities and was motivated to pursue her desire to write.

Sojourner knows that she is a "yes" person. She says she does not know how to say "no". She does what she wants to do in life and uses the example of choosing to study law and then choosing not to practice as an attorney. She knows what it is like to be poor and also experienced the richness of close family ties through her grandmother, her father and a large extended family. She describes her father as having been a man of tremendous talent who was generous, caring and connected to his community.

Sojourner is able to connect with others through her career choices as a poet and a peacemaker. Sometimes she doesn't do everything that she intended or often she is late. When that occurs she feels bad, apologizes and tries to move on. She feels bad about disappointing others but realizes she often has too many places to be at the same time. She recognizes her shortcomings and believes she has many issues of self-esteem but believes that she rises above these roadblocks to accomplish the goals in her life. Her overriding motivation is to use her skills to help others in need.

The SB Council for Self-Esteem will honor Sojourner's desire to lay low for a while. Yet when we need you, we want you to say "yes". Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, you are a risk taker, willing to try most everything, articulate, humorous, a poet, author and actress, who helps keep the peace, and we are honored to be connected with you!

Recap by Betty Hatch, Founder Santa Barbara Council for Self-Esteem

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