2018

Celebrities

Harriet Tubman, often called the "Moses of her people," was born Araminta "Minty" Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Enslaved from birth, she endured harsh conditions and brutal treatment, including a traumatic head injury from an overseer.

In 1849, fearing she would be sold further south, Tubman escaped to freedom in Philadelphia. However, she didn't remain free for long. Motivated by a deep desire to liberate her family and others, she became a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Over approximately 19 trips, Tubman courageously guided around 70 enslaved people to freedom in the North and Canada. She was known for her meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and strict adherence to secrecy. She also worked as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War.

After the war, Tubman dedicated her life to advocating for women's suffrage and caring for the elderly and impoverished. She established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, where she lived until her death in 1913. Harriet Tubman remains a celebrated figure in American history for her bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom and equality.