Born Lisa Williamson in the Bronx, New York, Sister Souljah is a renowned American author, activist, rapper, and film producer. Her early life was marked by a dedication to education and activism, attending Cornell University's advanced placement summer program and the University of Salamanca's study-abroad program in Spain, before majoring in American history and African studies at Rutgers University.

Sister Souljah's travels and lectures have taken her across America, Europe, and Africa, reflecting her commitment to social justice and education. In the mid-1980s, she founded the African Youth Survival Camp in Enfield, North Carolina, for children of homeless families, demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of the youth. Her entry into the national spotlight came in 1992 with the release of her rap album, 360 Degrees of Power, and its accompanying video, "Slavery's Back in Effect," which drew significant attention.

Her prominence further escalated when Bill Clinton criticized her remarks about race in the United States during his 1992 presidential campaign, leading to the coining of the phrase "Sister Souljah moment". This term has since been used to describe a politician's public disavowal of an extreme position or person within their own party. Sister Souljah resides in New York with her husband and son.