Book description
Born in the United States and enslaved as a child, Harriet Tubman
(circa 18201913) is one of the best-known figures connected to the
Underground Railroad. Through her knowledge and outdoor survival
skills, honed through her unpaid labour in the fields and through the
later connections she made in the abolitionist community, Tubman was
well poised to command her followers. By her discipline and example,
she never lost a "passenger."
Tubman's exploits helped to empower those opposed to slavery and
enrage those who supported it. Her success encouraged enslaved
Africans to make the brave break for freedom and reinforced the belief
held by abolitionists in the potential of black freedom and
independence. Referred to as "General Tubman" due to her
contributions to the Underground Railroad and to the Union Army,
Tubman's numerous rescue missions ending in Canada helped to build the
interest in escape and reinforce the position of Canada as the final
stop on the journey to freedom.
Those interested in African Canadian history will find this
chronology especially useful. Rosemary Sadlier is the president of the
Ontario Black History Society. The OBHS is responsible for initiating
observances of Black History Month and the celebration of August 1 as
Emancipation Day. She is the author of four books on African-Canadian
history and consultant/co-author of a fifth. The recipient of numerous
awards, including the Order of Ontario, she lives in Toronto.
