Imagine escaping from the bonds of slavery only to return, again and again, to rescue others caught in its grip. That’s exactly what Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in American history, did. Born Araminta Ross in 1822, in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman became a symbol of bravery and resilience. As a conductor of the Underground Railroad, she risked her life to lead dozens of slaves to freedom. Tubman's legacy didn't stop there; she was also a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and an advocate for women's suffrage, making her story a multifaceted tale of courage and activism that resonates today.
Harriet's early life was full of hardship. She endured the brutality of slavery from a young age, experiencing severe physical abuse and witnessing the violent separation of her family. Despite these challenges, she cultivated an unyielding spirit. When she found freedom for herself in Pennsylvania in 1849, she couldn't ignore the cries of those left behind. She could have chosen comfort and safety but instead returned to the danger she had escaped. Tubman led thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved individuals, guided by the North Star and her unshakable faith.
The Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses, owes much of its success to Tubman's cunning and leadership. Her extraordinary ability to evade capture earned her the nickname "Moses" among those she helped liberate. Traveling mostly at night and with the support of fellow abolitionists, Tubman utilized clever disguises and strategies to slip past slave hunters. Her efforts were reportedly never once thwarted, a testament to her skills and determination. Harriet Tubman's story is one of miraculous moral courage.
While Tubman is most associated with her Underground Railroad efforts, her contributions during the Civil War were equally significant. She served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army. Her intelligence work was crucial; she collected valuable information that guided Union attacks in South Carolina. In 1863, she became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Combahee River Raid, which liberated over 700 slaves. These acts highlighted her tactical brilliance and commitment to freedom.
After the Civil War, Tubman continued her advocacy for social justice. She joined the fight for women’s rights, speaking at suffrage conventions alongside leading feminists like Susan B. Anthony. Tubman's presence in the suffrage movement highlighted the intersectionality of her activism. She pushed for a broader understanding of equality at a critical time when women's rights were narrowly conceived.
Tubman's later years were spent in Auburn, New York, where she lived on a plot of land she purchased from fellow abolitionist William H. Seward. There, she established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, demonstrating her continuous commitment to helping others even in her senior years. Her life came full circle—having lived through the harshest deprivations of humanity, she spent her later days ensuring the elderly had care and dignity.
Tubman's legacy is significant and complex. She is celebrated as a national hero, but the official acknowledgment of her contributions was long overdue. For years, her stories were relegated to the background of American history, discussed but not revered. This is changing, partly thanks to movements that aim to broaden the spectrum of who is remembered and respected. Tubman, as a Black woman operating in predominantly white and male spaces, defied societal expectations and shattered countless glass ceilings. Her legacy questions and challenges traditional narratives and hierarchy.
Her story speaks to the enduring impact of grassroots movements and how a single individual's actions can resonate throughout history. Harriet Tubman has become a symbol of strength and justice in a variety of movements. From the Black Lives Matter campaigns to contemporary women’s rights initiatives, Tubman’s name is invoked as a rallying cry, reminding us of the power of standing up to oppression.
These days, debates over how Tubman should be remembered continue. Some historians note that her religious beliefs and relationships with other key figures were integral to her work, while others highlight her tactical excellence and leadership skills. While those discussions seem important, they all lead to the conclusion that Tubman was a force to be reckoned with.
The debates about her inclusion on the $20 bill reflect a broader societal reckoning with what symbols of our nation should represent. Some argue Tubman deserves this honor to shift the spotlight towards those who fought for freedom and equality rather than those who perpetuated oppression. Others claim that while symbolic, it also underscores how much further society must go in terms of substantial racial and gender equity.
Whatever one's perspective, Harriet Tubman's legacy is undeniable. The courage and sacrifice she displayed are timeless reminders of humanity’s better potential. She didn't just free people; she gave them hope and agency. Her life story is a call to action against inequality in all its forms. Her struggles and achievements should inspire ongoing dialogue and learning, encouraging us all to build the world Tubman envisioned.