Women’s History Month: Remembering Harriet Tubman

There was a time in the United States when the date of birth was unknown for most of the enslaved population. One such person is Harriet Tubman born a slave somewhere around 1820.

Tubman was described as fearless and strong. Her biography, Harriet Tubman, written by Earl Conrad, tells the story of how she blocked a doorway to prevent the overseer from seizing a fugitive slave. He picks up a heavyweight to hit the fugitive but misses and hit Harriet instead. This left her unconscious for a long period of time. Eventually, she awakens from the coma and develops into a strong, intuitive, and more courageous woman. Not only did she think a lot about escaping to a free country, but she also visualized it as well. After learning that she was about to be sold into slavery into the deep south, she makes her decision to move forward.

Harriet knew about safe houses (Underground Railroad) where she could stop for rest and food. Conrad says she traveled by night using the north star as her guide. Eventually, she arrives on free soil in Pennsylvania. However, she did not rest on her own laurels of success. She became a champion for others to find freedom as well. It is reported that she made nineteen trips back through the Underground Railroad to rescue enslaved relatives and anyone else she could lead out of the oppressive system.

Harriett Tubman continues to be a source of inspiration for many. In 2016, it was announced that Harriet Tubman would be the new face on the twenty-dollar bill. I hope to hold that bill in my hand one day.

“ There’s two things I’ve got a right to, and these are death or liberty. One or the other I mean to have. No one will take me back alive; for I shall fight for my liberty, and when the time has come for me to go, the Lord will let them kill me.” – Harriett Tubman

Found in my book of reflections: log onto www.amazon.com/dp/1732039615