Harriet Tubman is one of history's most revered leaders, celebrated for her extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.
Her life and achievements offer profound lessons in leadership that continue to inspire individuals around the world today.
Harriet Tubman's Achievements as a Leader
1. Escaping Slavery and Pioneering the Underground Railroad
- Background: Born into slavery around 1822 in Maryland, Tubman endured the harsh realities of bondage from a young age. Her early life was marked by physical abuse and the constant threat of being sold away from her family.
- Escape: In 1849, Tubman made a daring escape to Philadelphia, utilizing the network of safe houses and abolitionists that constituted the Underground Railroad. Her successful escape was just the beginning of her journey as a leader.
- Underground Railroad Conductor: Tubman didn't stop at securing her own freedom. Over approximately a decade, she made at least 13 missions back to the South, guiding around 70 enslaved individuals to freedom. Her fearless efforts earned her the nickname "Moses," symbolizing her role as a liberator.
2. Leadership During the Civil War
- Union Army Contributions: During the American Civil War, Tubman served as a spy, nurse, and cook for the Union Army. Her deep understanding of the land and strategic thinking made her an invaluable asset.
- Combahee River Raid: In 1863, Tubman played a crucial role in the Combahee River Raid, which led to the liberation of more than 700 enslaved people in South Carolina. This mission showcased her tactical expertise and ability to lead complex operations successfully.
3. Advocacy for Women's Suffrage
- Post-War Activism: After the Civil War, Tubman continued her fight for equality by becoming an advocate for women's suffrage. She worked alongside prominent figures like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, highlighting the intersectionality of racial and gender equality.
4. Legacy and Lasting Impact
- Symbol of Freedom and Resistance: Tubman's life story has become a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression. Her unwavering dedication to freedom and equality has inspired countless movements and individuals striving for social justice.
- Modern Recognition: Tubman's legacy is honored through various means, including memorials, educational programs, and cultural representations. In 2016, she became the first woman to appear on a U.S. postage stamp in over a century, underscoring her national significance.
Why We Should Follow Harriet Tubman's Example
1. Unwavering Courage
- Facing Extreme Danger: Tubman's repeated ventures into slave-holding territories to rescue others, despite the personal risk, exemplify extraordinary bravery. Her actions teach us the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of significant danger.
2. Selflessness and Sacrifice
- Putting Others First: Tubman's missions were driven by a deep sense of responsibility towards others. She often risked her life to ensure the freedom and safety of those she led, demonstrating the true essence of selfless leadership.
3. Resilience and Determination
- Overcoming Adversity: Tubman's life was marked by numerous challenges, including physical abuse, financial hardship, and the trauma of slavery. Her ability to persevere through these hardships showcases remarkable resilience, inspiring us to overcome our own obstacles with determination.
4. Strategic Thinking and Leadership
- Planning and Execution: Tubman's successful missions required meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and effective leadership. Her ability to navigate complex situations and lead others safely to freedom highlights the importance of strategic planning in leadership roles.
5. Commitment to Justice and Equality
- Advocacy and Activism: Tubman's lifelong commitment to fighting for justice and equality serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on societal change. Her dedication encourages us to actively engage in efforts to create a more equitable world.
6. Inspiring Others
- Legacy of Inspiration: Tubman's story continues to inspire new generations to pursue justice, fight against oppression, and lead with integrity. Her life exemplifies how personal strength and moral conviction can drive meaningful change.
Harriet Tubman’s mental resilience and grit were key factors in her success as a leader and liberator.
Her extraordinary strength of character allowed her to overcome the immense challenges she faced throughout her life.
Here are some examples and actions that highlight her mental resilience and grit:
1. Overcoming the Trauma of Slavery
- Childhood Adversity: Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822. She endured severe physical and emotional abuse from a young age. At one point, she suffered a traumatic head injury when an overseer threw a heavy weight at another slave, hitting her instead. This injury caused lifelong seizures, headaches, and narcolepsy.
- Resilience: Despite these hardships, Tubman refused to be broken by the brutality of slavery. Her ability to endure and push forward, even with a debilitating injury, exemplifies her mental resilience.
2. Escaping Slavery Alone
- Solo Escape: In 1849, Tubman made the courageous decision to escape from slavery on her own. She fled Maryland, traveling nearly 90 miles on foot to reach Pennsylvania, a free state. The journey was fraught with danger, including the threat of capture and severe punishment, yet she persisted despite the risks.
- Mental Fortitude: This escape required immense mental fortitude. Tubman had to navigate unfamiliar terrain, often relying on her instincts and the help of the Underground Railroad’s network of safe houses. Her successful escape was a testament to her courage and determination.
3. Returning to Rescue Others
- Leading Others to Freedom: After gaining her own freedom, Tubman did not rest. She returned to the South multiple times over the next decade to lead approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom, including family members and strangers alike. Each trip was perilous, as slave catchers actively sought her, and the risks of betrayal and capture were high.
- Unyielding Grit: Tubman’s repeated returns to slave-holding states, despite the personal risk, demonstrate her unyielding grit. She never wavered in her commitment to liberating others, even when her own life was on the line.
4. Facing Down Challenges on the Underground Railroad
- Courage Under Pressure: Tubman faced countless dangers on her missions. On one occasion, she overheard that a group of men was planning to capture her and the people she was guiding to freedom. She changed their route and led them safely to freedom, all while maintaining her composure and resolve.
- Problem-Solving: Her quick thinking and ability to remain calm under pressure were crucial to her success. Tubman’s leadership and resilience ensured that she could navigate the most difficult situations without losing focus.
5. Decision to Carry a Revolver
- Carrying a Weapon: Tubman carried a revolver on her missions, not only for protection but also to ensure that those she was leading would not turn back. She understood the psychological toll of fear and doubt, and she used her weapon as a deterrent against anyone who might jeopardize the safety of the group.
- Mental Toughness: This decision reflects her mental toughness and willingness to make hard choices to achieve her goals. She was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure the success of her missions and the freedom of those she guided.
6. Serving as a Union Spy During the Civil War
- Role in the Civil War: During the Civil War, Tubman served as a spy, nurse, and scout for the Union Army. She led a raid on the Combahee River in South Carolina, which resulted in the liberation of more than 700 enslaved people. Her work required not only physical endurance but also strategic thinking and mental resilience.
- Endurance and Focus: Tubman’s ability to carry out such complex and dangerous operations in a war zone underscores her exceptional resilience. She remained focused on her mission, despite the intense stress and danger of the battlefield.
7. Living with Lifelong Injuries and Pain
- Chronic Health Issues: Tubman lived with the effects of her head injury for the rest of her life, experiencing seizures, headaches, and periods of unconsciousness. Despite these challenges, she continued to lead, serve, and inspire others well into her old age.
- Persistence: Her ability to persist in her efforts despite chronic pain and health issues is a powerful example of her mental and physical resilience.
Tubman’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and unwavering commitment to a cause greater than oneself.
Her life serves as a powerful inspiration for anyone facing adversity and striving to make a difference in the world.
