While working at a school, my role was to motivate special needs children who had dropped out to return to their classes. One particular day, with a stack of books in hand, I visited a family whose child was too despondent to leave their bed. Sitting beside the young boy, I began reading aloud from a book detailing the incredible life of Harriet Tubman. Despite my prior unfamiliarity with Tubman's story, I found myself deeply moved and ended up reading the book ten times over. This encounter significantly deepened my appreciation for the power of literature.
Harriet Tubman's Traumatic Childhood
At the tender age of five, Harriet was rented out as a nursemaid and endured harsh physical punishment whenever the baby she cared for cried. The relentless physical abuse inflicted lasting emotional and physical scars on Tubman and her family. She vividly remembered instances of being whipped multiple times even before breakfast, leaving her with permanent injuries that haunted her for the rest of her life.
Bravery Amidst Adversity
In her teenage years, Harriet faced further brutality when she refused to betray a runaway slave she encountered while running errands. The slave owner's violent reaction resulted in Tubman being struck on the head with a heavy object, leading to debilitating health issues such as seizures and chronic headaches. Misunderstood by those around her, Tubman was often deemed 'crazy' due to her trauma-induced conditions.
Answering the Call of Freedom
One pivotal moment changed Tubman's life forever when she heard a divine voice urging her to liberate slaves and guide them to safety. Embracing this calling with unwavering determination, Tubman embarked on daring rescue missions disguised as a man and armed with courage. Despite facing resistance from some enslaved individuals paralyzed by fear, Tubman's unwavering resolve compelled them to cross into Canada, where they found freedom and solace.
The Legacy of a Hero
Harriet Tubman's heroic endeavors in freeing slaves ignited a beacon of hope for countless individuals. Her enduring legacy is so impactful that future generations may immortalize her by naming celestial bodies in her honor for her life-saving endeavors. In a world shrouded in darkness, Harriet Tubman emerged as a guiding light, illuminating the path to freedom and justice.