It was the dead of night and Harriet Tubman was on the move. Liberating slaves from captivity was her mission, but she first had to set their minds free.
Born to enslaved parents in Maryland during the 1820’s , Araminta ‘Harriet’ Ross would become a game-changing force in the abolitionist movement. Her childhood was far from easy, as she endured daily physical violence which left her with permanent injuries. One particular incident was quite severe.
Harriet was in town and encountered a slave who had left the field without permission. When the slave’s overseer arrived, he commanded Harriet to help stop him. But she refused, and in anger the overseer threw a two-pound weight that struck her in the head. As a result, for the rest of her life Harriet endured seizures, severe headaches, and would sometimes go into dream-like states which Harriet later described as spiritual experiences.
By the time she reached adulthood, about half of the African-Americans on the eastern coast were free. Many families, including Harriet’s, were a mixture of free and enslaved blacks. Even though Harriet remained a slave she married a free black man, John Tubman. 5 years after they were married Harriet suffered a terrible illness, and remained in poor health for some time. After her owner died, she decided to escape to Philadelphia. She initially left with her two brothers, but after a $300 reward was offered for their return her brothers had a change of heart. Harriet saw them safely back, and continued the journey on her own.
Harriet used the network of the Underground Railroad to travel the 90 miles to Philadelphia. When Harriet crossed over the line she was filled with awe and relief, but that wasn’t enough for her. Rather than stay in the relative safety of the north, Harriet made many trips back south to bring family members and friends to freedom.
There were many who chose not to travel with her, including her husband. Whether from fear or lack of belief in what could be, we’ll never really know. But Harriet’s insightful quote gives us a clue: “I freed thousands of slaves, and could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves.”
Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad, earning her the nickname “Moses”. She was also a Union Army cook, nurse, scout, spy and the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war.
For her determination, bravery, independence, and never give up spirit we salute Harriet Tubman as a Woman Who Dared. Her tireless efforts to see all men free drove her to do what others deemed impossible. For she understood that if you can dream it, you can do it!
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Be inspired by Harriet Tubman’s courage, and dare to pursue your dreams. Even the impossible becomes possible when dreamers become doers. Be Courageous. Be Free. Dare to Be You!
Hugs and Blessings ❤
#Dare2BMe
[…] proven to be a formidable force in the global fight against oppression of nearly every kind. From Harriet Tubman to Benazir Bhutto, we have raised our voices while risking life and limb so that others could be […]