Harriet Tubman: Notorious African American Woman

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Back in the 1800’s, it wasn’t very common for an African American person to be influential. However, it was extremely uncommon for an African American woman to have a significant role in society. Nonetheless, Harriet Tubman became one of the most well known African American people in history. Harriet Tubman’s brave and spirited acts have made her such an iconic figure in history today through her works of assisting hundreds of African Americans out of slavery.
Throughout her life, her courageous acts have portrayed an image of strength and generosity to those people who were in need in the times before the Civil War. She has not only become a model for all African American men and woman but also for those who are looking to help others and make a difference in the world. According to www.biography.com, Harriet Tubman “…earned the nickname “Moses” for her leadership.
The actual date of Harriet Tubman’s birth was not recorded, however it is known that she was born sometime around 1820 and 1825. She was born in Dorchester Country, Maryland. Her parents, Harriet Green and Ben Ross, gave her the birth name of Araminta Harriet Ross. Both of her parents were owned by slave owners. Harriet Tubman was one of nine children however three of her sister’s were eventually sold to other slave owners. Harriet’s childhood years were full of many difficult obstacles and hardships. Physical and mental aggression was part of Harriet and family’s everyday life. These physical pains even carried through to her later life as well. When she was just a young girl being beaten and whipped, which would cause her permanent damage to her body and health, was part of her daily life. In one incident while she was trying to protect another slave, www.pbs.org st...

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...com. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. .
• Cayton, Andrew, et. al. America: Pathways to the Present. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.
• "Harriet Tubman Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. .
• "Harriet Tubman." History.com. Reader's Companion to American History, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2013. .
• "Harriet Tubman." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. .
• "Harriet Tubman Timeline." Harriet Tubman Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. .
• "The Life of Harriet Tubman - New York History Net." Nyhistory.com. New York History Net, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. .

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