Harriet Tubman

In honor of Black History Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and/or historical Black American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contributions to make society a better place.

February 7, 2024

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and social activist who was born in March 1822 in Dorchester County.

Tubman was born into slavery and was constantly beaten and whipped by her enslavers her whole life. Tubman escaped slavery in Philadelphia and decided to return to Maryland to help others escape as well. Slowly, one group at a time, she brought relatives with her out of the state, and eventually guided dozens of other enslaved people to freedom. Using a network of houses and paths, she created the Underground Railroad. Often called “Moses,” she traveled by night and in extreme secrecy, and later said she “never lost a passenger.”

Tubman began by helping free her family then, over time, she was able to move to different areas to free more enslaved people. As she moved forward, Tubman worked for the Union Army as a cook and nurse but then was able to become an armed scout and spy. She was given the credit as the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war since she led the raid at Combahee Ferry in which she helped liberate 700 enslaved people.

After the Civil War, Tubman retired to take care of her parents although she was very active in the women’s suffrage movement up until she got sick. She became an icon for courage and freedom throughout the world. Tubman died of pneumonia on March 10, 1913.

About the Contributor

Yamileth Hernandez, Staff Writer

Yamileth Hernandez is a 17 year old Mexican-American that attends Hoover High School. Yamileth is graduating this year and is very indecisive about what her future could possibly look like, Yamileth's favorite thing to do is listen to music, and she uses music as a form of relaxation. Her role models would be all three of her older sisters because they have accomplished so much and she hopes to do the same. As of right now she doesnt know exactly what her career could be but she hopes to explore the medical field. Yamileth is very true to her Mexican side, because all of her favorite foods are Mexican dishes and can not decide which one is her favorite. What she would do to try to change the world would be to bring a positive and free environment where everyone is equal and appreciated. She believes it can feel unattainable but she also believes in our community and sees it as a goal that has to be met with the help of everyone else. What she believes society needs to do is be open to new things. Society tries to shut out a lot of people and ideas. She thinks a lot would be solved and it would make the world a beautiful place.