Quote of the day by American abolitionist Harriet Tubman: 'Every time I saw a white man, I was afraid of being...' - A haunting glimpse into the fear of slavery

Harriet Tubman's quote of the day: Harriet Tubman is known as one of the bravest people in American history. Born into slavery, Tubman had to suffer fear, violence, and uncertainty at a young age. However, Tubman did not allow those experiences to control her life in the future. Rather than letting those emotions control her, Tubman took action. In addition to freeing herself, Tubman would make trips to the South to free others. Harriet Tubman's life story was not just about courage. It was about determination and hope as well.

HARRIET TUBMAN: A CHILDHOOD SHAPED BY SLAVERY

Tubman was born Araminta Ross around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Later, she chose to be known as Harriet, allegedly adopting this name out of respect for her mother. Her life as a slave was difficult and uncertain; she was often separated from her relatives and was physically abused. When she was still a young girl, Tubman received a serious head wound when a man threw a heavy object that hit her. This resulted in long-term health issues, including fainting spells. Nevertheless, Tubman grew up as a very independent person; she learned from her surroundings and realized that she could not live a life of a slave anymore.



QUOTE OF THE DAY

Quote of the day - "Every time I saw a white man, I was afraid of being carried away," is widely attributed to noted American abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman.


MEANING OF THE QUOTE

Tubman's quote of the day demonstrates much more than fear. It demonstrates how slavery makes everyday activities scary. In the case of Tubman, looking at a white man was enough to evoke fear that one could get captured, separated from friends or family, and become a slave again. The quote allows insight into the psychology of slaves. The quote can also shed light on how Tubman became such a brave woman. She knew the meaning of freedom and the fear of losing it because she experienced it herself. However, Tubman still dared to risk her life in order to free other slaves. The quote touches upon the notion of fear and its influence on people's life. Nevertheless, the quote does not say that people's lives depend only on their fears. It also shows that sometimes people's actions are defined not by fear but by their courage.

HARRIET TUBMAN'S ESCAPE CHANGED EVERYTHING

Tubman gained her freedom from slavery in 1849 by escaping to Philadelphia where she could live freely. However, this did not distract her from thinking about her loved ones who remained slaves. Tubman made several trips to Maryland to assist relatives and other slaves in their efforts to gain their freedom. This made her one of the most known conductors connected with the Underground Railroad, which was a network of individuals, houses and routes used to assist slaves to gain their freedom. The trips she made were highly risky as being captured meant being imprisoned, beaten or even killed. Nevertheless, Tubman persevered in making the trips.

HARRIET TUBMAN: A FREEDOM FIGHTER DURING THE CIVIL WAR

Tubman’s struggle to abolish the institution of slavery was not confined to helping slaves escape using the Underground Railroad. She served as a nurse, cook, scout, and spy for the Union army during the Civil War period. Her involvement in the Combahee River Raid in 1863 helped free about 700 slaves. Tubman after the civil war supported movements that were linked to freedom and equality. She also supported the women's voting rights movement.

Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913, in Auburn, New York. She was in her 90s at the time. Tubman’s story still inspires due to the fact that she achieved much more than just getting out of the shackles of slavery. Tubman decided to risk her life one more time for others despite the opportunity to live away from any danger. Tubman understood that courage is not the lack of fear but rather the willingness to do what needs to be done despite fear.