Harriet Tubman: The Unyielding Spirit of Freedom
In the annals of history, few names shine as brightly as Harriet Tubman’s. Harriet Tubman was a woman of unbreakable will. She had boundless courage and deep compassion. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Born into the brutal system of slavery in the United States, she freed herself. She also became a guiding light for countless others seeking freedom. Her story is one of triumph, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Today, we delve into the life of this extraordinary woman, whose legacy continues to inspire generations across the globe.
Early Life: The Seeds of Resistance
Harriet Tubman was born around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, on the plantation of Anthony Thompson. Her birth name was Araminta Ross, and she was affectionately called “Minty” by her family. From a young age, Tubman was exposed to the harsh realities of slavery. Her parents, Harriet “Rit” Green and Ben Ross, were enslaved. The slave trade often tore their family apart. Tubman’s early years were marked by hardship. These challenges also planted the seeds of her fierce determination to fight for freedom.
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have the strength within you. You also have the patience and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.
At the age of 13, Tubman experienced a traumatic event that would shape her future. While defending a fellow enslaved person from an overseer, she was struck in the head with a heavy weight. The injury caused lifelong seizures, headaches, and vivid dreams, which she later interpreted as visions from God. These visions, she believed, guided her on her path to liberation and her mission to help others.
Escape to Freedom: The First Step
In 1849, Tubman made the daring decision to escape slavery. Fearful of being sold further south, she fled with her brothers, Harry and Ben. But, her brothers soon turned back, leaving Tubman to continue the journey alone. She used the Underground Railroad—a network of secret routes and safe houses. She travelled nearly 90 miles. She reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a free state.
Her escape was a monumental achievement, but Tubman’s heart remained with those she left behind. She famously declared, “I was free, but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.” This sense of isolation fuelled her resolve to return to the South and help others escape.
The Moses of Her People
Over the next decade, Tubman made approximately 13 missions to rescue around 70 enslaved people, including family and friends. Her efforts earned her the nickname “Moses,” after the biblical figure who led the Israelites to freedom. Tubman’s missions were fraught with danger. Slave owners offered large rewards for her capture. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 further increased the risk for those assisting escapees. Yet, Tubman never lost a single passenger on her journeys.
Her success was due in part to her ingenuity and deep knowledge of the land. She used disguises, coded songs, and the North Star to navigate at night. She carried a revolver for protection. It also discouraged anyone from turning back. Turning back endanger the entire group. Tubman’s bravery and resourcefulness made her a legend in her own time.
A Life of Service
Tubman’s contributions extended far beyond the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army. In 1863, she became the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war. She guided the Combahee River Raid, liberating more than 700 enslaved people in South Carolina.
After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, where she continued to fight for justice. She became an advocate for women’s suffrage, working alongside figures like Susan B. Anthony and Emily Howland. She also established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, providing care for elderly African Americans. Despite her many accomplishments, Tubman faced financial difficulties throughout her life. She was denied a government pension for her wartime service for decades.
Legacy of Love and Resilience
Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, at the age of 91. Her last words were, “I go to prepare a place for you.” These words show her deep faith. They also show her enduring hope for a better future. Today, Tubman’s legacy lives on in countless ways. She is celebrated as a symbol of freedom, courage, and selflessness.
I was free, but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced that Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. This is a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to the pursuit of liberty. Her story has been immortalised in books, films, and monuments, ensuring that her contributions to history are never forgotten.
Why Harriet Tubman Matters Today
Harriet Tubman’s life is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. In a world still grappling with issues of inequality and injustice, her story resonates deeply. She teaches us that one person’s courage can ignite change. Love and compassion can overcome hatred. The fight for freedom is never in vain.
As we reflect on Tubman’s legacy, let us draw inspiration from her unwavering commitment to justice. Let us honour her memory by continuing the work she began. Stand up for what is right. Lift others up. Strive to create a world where everyone can live in dignity and freedom.
Harriet Tubman once said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have the strength within you. You also have the patience and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.” May her words guide us as we carry her torch onward, lighting the way for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harriet Tubman
What is Harriet Tubman famous for?
Harriet Tubman is famous for escaping slavery. She led dozens of enslaved people to freedom as a conductor of the Underground Railroad.
How many slaves did Harriet Tubman free?
Harriet Tubman directly helped free approximately 70 enslaved people through her missions on the Underground Railroad.
How did Harriet Tubman escape slavery?
Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849 by using the Underground Railroad, traveling nearly 90 miles to reach Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Why was Harriet Tubman called Moses?
Harriet Tubman was called Moses. Like the biblical figure, she led her people to freedom. She did this through daring and dangerous journeys.
What happened to Harriet Tubman when she was 13?
When she was 13, Harriet Tubman was struck in the head by a heavy weight. She was defending a fellow enslaved person. This injury caused lifelong health issues but also inspired her visions of freedom.
Luyanda Nonkobongo is a historian and writer based in Eastern Cape, South Africa. She specialises in stories of resilience and liberation, with a focus on African and African American history.
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