Harriet Tubman is a name that stands for bravery, strength, and the fight for freedom. She was born into slavery but became a hero by helping over 300 enslaved people find freedom and fighting for equal rights for African Americans and women. Let’s explore her amazing life and the legacy she left behind.
Harriet Tubman was born in the 1820s in Maryland, where slavery was allowed. Slavery was a cruel system that treated people as property instead of human beings. Harriet, originally named Araminta and nicknamed “Minty,” grew up in this harsh environment.
Her early life was filled with challenges and mistreatment. As a young girl, she had to do chores and take care of her enslavers’ children. She was often beaten, leaving her with scars. At 12, she was sent to work in the fields, where life became even harder. One day, a heavy metal weight was thrown at her head, causing her health problems like seizures and headaches for the rest of her life.
Harriet knew her situation was unfair and decided to escape. After several tries, she finally made it to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a place where slavery was not allowed. This was a big turning point in her life. In Philadelphia, she changed her name to Harriet, in honor of her mother.
But Harriet didn’t stop with her own freedom. She felt a strong duty to help others, so she became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
As a conductor, Harriet risked her life to lead others to safety. The Underground Railroad was illegal and dangerous, but Harriet was incredibly brave. She didn’t use maps; instead, she followed the North Star to guide her north.
Over time, Harriet helped more than 300 enslaved people escape, earning the nickname “Moses,” like the biblical leader who freed the Israelites. Amazingly, no one she guided was ever caught, showing her great leadership and determination.
Harriet’s fight against slavery didn’t stop with the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she worked as a nurse and a spy for the Union Army. Her efforts helped the army and contributed to ending slavery in the United States.
Harriet also fought for women’s rights. She believed everyone should be equal and spoke out for women’s right to vote. Sadly, she passed away in 1913, just seven years before women gained the right to vote in the United States.
Harriet Tubman’s legacy continues to inspire people today. She has been honored with many monuments and statues. Recently, it was announced that she would be featured on the twenty-dollar bill, recognizing her important role in American history.
Her life story reminds us of the power of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for justice and equality. Harriet Tubman showed incredible selflessness, risking her own safety so others could be free.
Harriet Tubman’s life is a story of courage, strength, and the fight for justice. Her work to end slavery and support women’s rights has left a lasting impact on history. As we think about her incredible journey, we learn the importance of standing up for what is right and how one person can make a big difference in the world.
Follow the North Star: Just like Harriet Tubman used the North Star to guide her, you can learn about navigation using the stars. On a clear night, go outside with a parent or guardian and try to find the North Star. Use a compass to see how it points north. Discuss how people in the past used stars for navigation and why it was important for Harriet and others escaping slavery.
Map Your Own Underground Railroad: Create a simple map of your home or classroom. Imagine it’s the Underground Railroad, and you need to find a safe path to freedom. Use symbols to mark safe spots and obstacles. Share your map with a friend or family member and explain why you chose certain paths. This activity helps you understand the planning and bravery needed for Harriet’s journeys.
Role Play a Day in Harriet’s Life: With friends or family, act out a scene from Harriet Tubman’s life. You could choose her escape to freedom, helping others on the Underground Railroad, or speaking out for women’s rights. Think about the challenges she faced and how she might have felt. Afterward, discuss what you learned about her courage and determination.
