Celebrating Black History Month – Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was an escaped enslaved woman who became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, leading enslaved people to freedom before the Civil War, all while carrying a bounty on her head.

She was also a nurse, a Union spy, and a women’s suffrage supporter.

Tubman is one of the most recognizable icons in American history and her legacy has inspired many people from every race and background.

Harriet’s desire for justice became apparent at age 12 when she spotted an overseer about to throw a weight at a fugitive.

Harriet stepped between the enslaved person and the overseer and the weight struck her head, fracturing her skull.

This resulted in severe headaches and narcolepsy for the rest of her life, causing her to fall asleep at random.

With the help of the Underground Railroad, Harriet persevered and traveled north to Pennsylvania and freedom.

Tubman found work as a housekeeper in Philadelphia, but she wasn’t satisfied living free on her own—she wanted freedom for her loved ones and friends, too.

It’s believed Harriet personally led at least 70 enslaved people to freedom, including her elderly parents, and instructed dozens of others on how to escape on their own.