The news of Harriet Tubman replacing President Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill triggered mixed reactions across America - some celebrating the representation of black women on US currency, and others fearing the devaluation of her legacy. Regardless, Harriet Tubman's name has suddenly spiked in conversations around the world and- if you're anything like me- your history knowledge is a little bit hazy. So if you're wondering why Tubman made the cut to be put on the bill, here's a brief history of a phenomenal woman.
She fled to freedom and left her whole family behind.
Harriet Tubman was born a slave and married a free man; but when she tried to escape with her husband, he refused to go with her. She fled to freedom and followed the North Star, eventually landing up in Philadelphia. From here, she saved her money, and planned wisely, determined to set others free.
She guided over 70 slaves to freedom
What Tubman is best remembered for is her heroic feat as harbor of slaves. Even with horrific memories of her past as a slave and with a target on her back, Harriet Tubman crossed between the North and the South several times. She led over 70 slaves (a few of these being family members) to freedom through the Underground Railroad, granting her the nickname "Moses".
She led a raid during the Civil War
During the Civil War, Tubman was a nurse. She was also a formidable secret spy for the Union. In June 1863, Tubman guided Union forces through the Combahee River in South Carolina; no one knew the area better than Harriet Tubman. Over 700 slaves were guided to safety that day.
In her last days, she fought for the women’s right to vote
As if that wasn't enough, Tubman spent some of her last days touring America with suffragettes, speaking on the equality of women and women's right to vote.
She’s the first black American on US currency, and the first woman.
Tubman's face will be on the $20 bill by by 2030. Whether this is good or harmful is still being debated, but, nonetheless, it is a historic action.
We can all agree- Harriet Tubman is beyond an icon. She was a woman strong in her beliefs. She believed in the sacred life of all. She lived by giving her life for others. And the effects of her bravery will live on long after the media stops talking about her, long after these posts are obsolete, and long after our eyes have grown accustomed to seeing one strong woman, staring proudly back at us from a $20 bill.
