Harriet Tubman (1822–1913)

Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was an African American abolitionist and humanitarian. Born into slavery in Maryland's Eastern Shore, she escaped slavery in 1849. Subsequently, she made 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

Tubman was subjected to physical violence and harsh working conditions throughout her childhood. Despite these hardships, she became a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, risking her own freedom to lead others to freedom. She also worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, and was an active participant in the movement to secure women's right to vote.

Tubman's bravery and tenacity made her a legendary figure in American history. She's celebrated for her unwavering commitment to freeing enslaved people, her leadership in the Underground Railroad, and her selfless service during the Civil War. In 2020, it was announced that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill, making her the first African American and woman to be featured on U.S. paper currency in over 100 years.

Throughout her life, Tubman remained committed to advocating for the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of race or gender. She devoted herself to the causes of abolition and women's suffrage, and her legacy continues to inspire individuals to work toward a more just and equitable society. In her own words, "I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger."