The White House released a presidential message on Mar. 10 commemorating the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, marking the anniversary of her death in 1913.
The message highlights Tubman’s journey from slavery in Maryland to freedom in Pennsylvania, emphasizing her repeated efforts to return south as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. The president noted that Tubman risked capture and death each time she crossed the Mason-Dixon Line, leading nearly 70 people out of captivity over more than a dozen rescue missions. She was known as “Moses” for her leadership and bravery.
According to the statement, Tubman served as a nurse and later as a spy for Union forces during the Civil War, using her knowledge of secret routes to provide intelligence. After the war, she continued supporting those in need within her community.
The president said, “Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, after a lifetime devoted to the belief that every person is endowed by God with inherent dignity and the unalienable right to freedom. As we celebrate her life and legacy, my Administration remains committed to advancing Tubman’s vision for a Nation that is strengthened by unity, justice, and the blessings of liberty. Today, in her honor, we renew our resolve to uphold the courage, conviction, and faith that she lived by and that have defined our Nation for 250 glorious years.”
The message serves as part of America’s ongoing commemoration of its history and those who contributed significantly to its progress toward justice and equality.
