March 10th is Harriet Tubman Day

Harriet Tubman Day is celebrated every year on March 10th, in honor of the life and legacy of one of the most prominent women in American history. Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the Union Army during the American Civil War. She is best known for her work as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North.

The life of Harriet Tubman

Born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849 and subsequently made around 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army, and in 1863, she became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the war, liberating over 700 slaves in a raid on a plantation in South Carolina.

After the Civil War, Tubman continued to fight for civil rights, women’s suffrage, and the abolition of slavery. She became involved in the suffrage movement and worked alongside Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She was also an advocate for the care of the elderly and worked to establish a home for the aged in Auburn, New York, where she lived for many years.

Celebrating Harriet Tubman Day

In recognition of her courageous efforts and contributions, Harriet Tubman was celebrated as an American hero during her lifetime and has continued to inspire generations of people to fight for freedom, justice, and equality. In 2020, it was announced that Tubman would be the new face of the $20 bill, replacing former President Andrew Jackson, making her the first woman and the first African American to appear on a U.S. banknote.

Celebrating Harriet Tubman Day is an opportunity to remember and honor the legacy of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to fighting for freedom and justice. It is a time to reflect on the progress we have made in the fight for civil rights and the work that still needs to be done. It is a reminder that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing and that each of us has a role to play in advancing the cause.

There are many ways to celebrate Harriet Tubman Day, including visiting a local museum or historical site dedicated to her life and legacy, reading books about her life, watching documentaries, or participating in community events and activities that honor her memory. Schools may also use the occasion to teach their students about her life and achievements.

In conclusion, Harriet Tubman Day is a time to celebrate the life and legacy of a true American hero. Her courage, determination, and selflessness continue to inspire us to fight for justice, equality, and freedom. By remembering her life and work, we honor the countless others who have fought for civil rights and social justice, and we renew our commitment to building a more just and equitable world.