Honoring the Legacy of Harriet Tubman
Today, we pay tribute to Harriet Tubman, a relentless champion of freedom whose bravery and selflessness liberated countless individuals from the shackles of slavery, forever altering the course of American history.
Born into the harsh realities of slavery in Maryland in 1822, Tubman faced unimaginable cruelty and hardship before she made her daring escape at around the age of 27. Driven by an unwavering faith and a fierce resolve, she fled north to Pennsylvania in search of freedom. However, for Tubman, achieving personal freedom was merely the beginning. For nearly ten years, she courageously returned to the South as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, risking her life with each journey across the perilous Mason-Dixon Line.
Operating primarily under the cover of darkness and often during the brutal winter months, Tubman adeptly navigated treacherous landscapes, guided by the North Star. She led enslaved men, women, and children toward the promise of liberty in free states. Affectionately referred to as “Moses,” Tubman executed over a dozen rescue missions, successfully guiding around 70 individuals, including members of her own family, to safety. In her later years, she reflected with pride on her record, stating she had “never ran my train off the track” and had “never lost a passenger.”
When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Tubman once again took to the frontlines in the fight for freedom. She served as a nurse, providing care to displaced families and injured soldiers. Moreover, her intimate knowledge of clandestine routes and uncharted territories proved invaluable as she gathered critical intelligence for Union forces in her role as a spy. Even after the war concluded, Tubman continued her mission of service, dedicating herself to the welfare of her community.
Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, after a lifetime committed to the belief that every individual is endowed with inherent dignity and the unassailable right to freedom. As we celebrate her remarkable life and enduring legacy, my Administration reaffirms its dedication to advancing Tubman’s vision for a nation strengthened by unity, justice, and the blessings of liberty. Today, in her honor, we renew our commitment to uphold the courage, conviction, and faith that defined her life and have shaped our nation for 250 remarkable years.
