Harriet Tubman, born on March 10, 1913, is celebrated as an American abolitionist and social activist. Her remarkable legacy encompasses the liberation of approximately 70 enslaved individuals through 13 daring missions. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army. Beyond her wartime heroics, she established a haven for the elderly and those in need. Tubman’s unwavering dedication extended to her resolute opposition to racism and slavery, as well as her passionate support for women’s rights. Harriet Tubman’s quotes continue to inspire people of all ages, serving as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that fought for justice.
- “Slavery is the next thing to hell.”
Meaning: The quote is a powerful statement that speaks to the dehumanizing and oppressive nature of slavery. It is a reminder that slavery is an evil institution that should never be tolerated.
- “I have heard their groans and sighs, and seen their tears, and I would give every drop of blood in my veins to free them.”
Meaning: The quote expresses deep empathy for those who are suffering and their willingness to sacrifice everything to help them.
- “Every time I saw a white man I was afraid of being carried away.”
Meaning: The quote refers to the fear of being enslaved.
- “For no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted, and when the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me.”
Meaning: Tubman vowed to fight for her liberty as long as she could, and only when God willed it would she be taken back into slavery.
- “We was the fools, and the was the wise men; but we wasn’t fools enough to go down the high road in the broad daylight.”
Meaning: It is wiser to be cautious and take risks than to be reckless and follow the crowd.
- “I had crossed the line. I was free; but, there was no one there to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”
Meaning: Tubman’s quote captures the joy and sorrow of escaping slavery: freedom at last, but also the challenges of starting a new life in an unfamiliar place.
- “I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”
Meaning: This quote speaks to the power of self-awareness and empowerment in overcoming oppression. When people realize their own potential, they can break free from the chains that bind them.
- “I grew up like a neglected weed – ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it.”
Meaning: Tubman grew up without freedom and did not know what it was like to be free.
- “God’s time is always near. He gave me my strength and he set the North Star in the heavens. He meant I should be free.”
Meaning: God is always with us, giving us the strength we need to overcome challenges and live a free life.
- “If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going… Don’t ever stop!”
Meaning: Even when things are difficult and dangerous, don’t give up on your goals. Keep moving forward, no matter what.
- “Quakers almost as good as colored. They call themselves friends and you can trust them every time.”
Meaning: Harriet Tubman was a part of a group called Quaker, and in this quote, she is expressing her deep respect and admiration for the Quakers.
- “Pears like my heart go flutter, flutter, and then they may say, ’Peace, Peace,’ as much as they likes – I know it’s goin’ to be war!”
Meaning: Harriet Tubman’s quote reflects her inner turmoil and determination in the face of slavery and oppression. She knows that war is coming, even if others try to deny it. She is resolved to fight for freedom, no matter the cost.
- “Never wound a snake; kill it.”
Meaning: Once you start something, finish it, else it may bite you back in the future.
- “Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the starts to change the world.”
Meaning: We have the inner strength, patience, and passion to overcome challenges and achieve our dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem.
- “If a person would send another into bondage, he would, it appears to me, be bad enough to send him into hell if he could.”
Meaning: According to this statement made by Harriet Tubman, a person who would voluntarily subject another person to servitude is morally reprehensible and cruel to the point where, given the opportunity, they would even send the victim to hell.
We can find insight, courage, and an enduring commitment to justice through Harriet Tubman quotes. Her words, etched in history, serve as a constant reminder of the challenges she conquered and the battles she fought for equality and freedom. They serve as a call to action, urging us to stand up against injustice and prejudice. These quotes exemplify the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination. We continue to draw courage and inspiration from this remarkable trailblazer by embracing her words and preserving her legacy.
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