Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, was an iconic figure in the abolitionist movement and is best known for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, leading enslaved people to freedom. Tubman’s bravery, strength, and leadership have made her a symbol of resistance and freedom. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
- “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”
- This quote speaks to Tubman’s exceptional leadership and dedication to ensuring that all those she led to freedom were safe. It reflects her unwavering commitment to the success of the Underground Railroad.
- “I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”
- This quote illustrates Tubman’s profound understanding of the psychological and emotional chains of slavery. While she led many to freedom, she recognized that the greatest obstacle for some was the belief that they were not capable of escaping or deserving of freedom.
- “If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”
- Tubman’s words reflect her determination and resilience, urging those she helped—and herself—to persevere despite the dangers they faced in their quest for freedom.
- “I guide them to the promised land, and I’ll bring them to freedom.”
- This quote demonstrates Tubman’s role as a leader and guide to freedom. She often described her work in spiritual terms, portraying herself as a guide leading others to safety, just as Moses led the Israelites to freedom.
- “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”
- This quote highlights Tubman’s extraordinary courage and meticulous planning, suggesting that despite the constant risks, she was successful in her missions to lead others to freedom without failure.
- “It was not the cries of the wounded that were hard to bear, it was the cries of the slaves who were too scared to run.”
- Tubman often spoke of the fear that enslaved people experienced, and this quote reflects the emotional toll of seeing people too frightened to take action for their freedom.
- “I should have freed thousands more if they had known they were slaves.”
- This is another version of her famous quote, emphasizing that one of the greatest challenges she faced was convincing people that they had the right to be free.
- “When I found myself in the position of a conductor, I felt that it was my duty to carry out my work and not stop for rest until I had done all I could to help others escape to freedom.”
- Tubman’s words reflect the immense sense of duty she felt in her work on the Underground Railroad, showing that her commitment to her mission was fueled by a deep moral responsibility.
- “I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted. When the time came for me to go, I would go.”
- This quote speaks to Tubman’s unyielding courage in the face of the oppression she experienced as an enslaved person. It also shows her indomitable will and willingness to fight for her own freedom and the freedom of others.
- “I started to go to the north, but when I got there, I had to turn back to help someone else. I never had a feeling of being lost.”
- Tubman’s selfless nature is evident in this quote. Even after gaining her own freedom, she repeatedly returned to the South to guide others to safety, driven by her deep sense of duty to her fellow enslaved people.
These quotes embody Harriet Tubman’s unwavering courage, faith, and commitment to justice. Her life’s work, not only as a conductor on the Underground Railroad but also as a nurse and spy during the Civil War, marks her as one of the most extraordinary figures in American history.