Harriet Tubman
(c.1822-1913)
WHO SHE WAS:
Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved people using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
WHAT SHE SAID:
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
WHY SHE MATTERED:
Tubman is celebrated for her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity. She became an icon of courage and freedom, leading many to safety and fighting tirelessly for women's suffrage after the Civil War.