Harriet Tubman Day: Honoring a Legacy of Bravery and Freedom

Mar 6

March 10 marks Harriet Tubman Day, a celebration of one of the most fearless and influential women in history. Born into slavery around 1822, Harriet Tubman defied every obstacle placed before her, escaping bondage and dedicating her life to freeing others through the Underground Railroad. Her courage, intelligence, and unwavering faith made her more than a conductor—she was a liberator, a strategist, and a symbol of resistance.

Tubman’s escape in 1849 was only the beginning of her journey. Despite the danger of capture and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which made it legal to pursue escaped enslaved people in free states, she returned to the South repeatedly, rescuing approximately 70 enslaved individuals over the years. With each journey, she proved that freedom was worth the risk, guiding those who trusted her through backwoods, rivers, and swamps under the cover of darkness.

Tubman’s impact extended beyond the Underground Railroad. When the Civil War erupted, she served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army. Her most daring military operation was the Combahee River Raid in 1863, where she led Union forces in freeing more than 700 enslaved people—an act of war that solidified her as one of the greatest tacticians of her time.

After the war, Tubman settled in Auburn, New York, dedicating herself to humanitarian efforts, including women’s suffrage. She worked alongside pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth, advocating for the right of Black women to vote. Even in her later years, she remained committed to uplifting her people, founding the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged to care for formerly enslaved individuals and the elderly.

Harriet Tubman’s life was an act of defiance, a testament to the power of a single woman to change the course of history. Recognizing her contributions, the U.S. Congress designated March 10 as Harriet Tubman Day in 1990, ensuring that her legacy remains alive.

Her name is now etched in history books, statues, and landmarks, from the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park to the ongoing efforts to place her likeness on the twenty-dollar bill. But more than anything, her spirit lives in every act of resistance, in every fight for justice, and in every Black woman who dares to dream, lead, and break chains—whether literal or societal.

Harriet Tubman Day isn’t just about remembrance; it’s about celebration. It’s about honoring her indomitable spirit by embracing our own power. It’s a reminder that courage is not about the absence of fear but the determination to act in spite of it. Whether through community service, supporting Black-owned businesses, or simply taking a moment to reflect on her legacy, we celebrate Harriet Tubman by living boldly, leading fearlessly, and never backing down in the face of injustice.

Harriet Tubman’s life is proof that one person can change the world. Today, we carry her torch forward, ensuring that the road she paved remains well-lit for generations to come.