Harriet Tubman

This week we turn to Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross. "Minty" was an exemplary leader who risked her life many times to do what she believed God called her to do. She was born into slavery around 1820 - no records for slave births - in Maryland. Like other slaves, she endured whippings, reduced rations, and lack of medical care, but no slaver could break her spirit. Although she was illiterate, she had a genius for getting things done. She escaped slavery and dedicated her life to fighting for equality.

Tubman escaped in 1849 by traveling 90 miles to Pennsylvania.?She wanted to enjoy her newfound freedom, but she couldn’t. God was telling her to help free other slaves. She returned to the South 13 times over the next decade. She knew if she were caught, she would be punished or killed. She led at least 70 enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She knew she was more safe during darkness, so she did most of her journey’s during winter. She endured long, cold nights knowing most hunters were warming themselves inside. Tubman and others became so successful, that legislation passed Congress in 1850 - Fugitive Slave Act - to allow slavers to recapture escaped slaves. That law made Harriet Tubman’s life more dangerous, but she never shirked her role. She started leading escaped slaves up into Canada, so they couldn’t be recaptured.

During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman upped her game. She did anything she could do to help the Union cause. Nurse, cook, scout, spy, warrior, she did what the situation required. She led an armed raid that liberated 700 slaves.?After the war, Tubman stayed in the fight for equality. She participated in the women's suffrage movement. Dissatisfied with conditions, she established a home for aging African Americans.

What can we learn from Harriet Tubman?

1. Pave the Way: She did more than set the example. She created paths others could follow.

2. Take part in a Shared Vision: She worked with other abolitionists towards a greater cause.

3. Vigilance: Tubman's cunning and creativity helped her succeed. 4. Leave a Legacy: Her work inspired others and had an impact long after her lifetime.

5. Courage: Tubman's famous quote, "If you hear the dogs, keep going," exemplifies her determination in the face of danger.

6. Faith: She relied on her faith for guidance and strength.

7. Inspirational Leadership: Tubman encouraged her followers to stay focused on their goal.

8. Selflessness: She risked her own freedom to help others escape slavery. She proved effective leadership involves more than vision and courage. She demonstrated the ability to inspire, collaborate, and create lasting change. ?

Learning about Harriet Tubman made me think about Arthur Ashe’s famous quote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Harriet Tubman could have played the victim as a poor, illiterate slave, but she did not. She was a force to be reckoned with. We can all admire, respect, and learn from her. Harriet Tubman Day is March 10th.