"You Go On or Die" - Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman is more than a historical figure; she is the embodiment of a true warrior. Born into the brutal dehumanization of slavery, she didn't just survive—she fought back, with unyielding courage, strategic brilliance, and an absolute commitment to liberation. Her life story is a testament to the power of one person's resolve to shatter the chains of oppression.

Harriet Tubman 1820- 1913 GettysImages

Tubman's first act of war was her own escape in 1849. She ran from a Maryland plantation, leaving behind a life of forced servitude to seek freedom in Pennsylvania. But unlike others who might have settled into their newfound liberty, Tubman heard a call to battle. She knew her freedom was incomplete while her family and countless others remained enslaved.The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made her work incredibly risky, putting her at odds with slaveholders, law enforcement, and heavily armed slave catchers. The reward for her capture grew, making her one of the most wanted women in the South.

As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Tubman earned the nickname "Moses," because, like the biblical figure, she led her people out of bondage. She became the network's most famous and effective operative, known for her flawless strategy, iron will, discipline, and total dedication

Tubman was a master tactician. She worked in the winter when the nights were longer and travel was difficult, knowing this deterred pursuers. She used secret signals, clever disguises, and specific routes, earning a reputation for never losing a single "passenger."

She carried a pistol, not just for protection from slave catchers, but to enforce discipline among the terrified runaways. If a person faltered, threatened to turn back, or endanger the group, she famously declared, "You go on or die!" She understood that weakness could compromise the freedom of the entire group, and her resolve was absolute.

When the Civil War erupted, Tubman didn't hesitate to take up arms. Her knowledge of the Southern terrain, her ability to move unseen, and her network of contacts made her an invaluable asset. She became a spy and scout for the Union Army.

Her most celebrated military achievement came in 1863 when she became the first woman to lead an armed military raid during the Civil War. Acting as a guide and advisor to Colonel James Montgomery, Tubman led a force of Black Union soldiers up the Combahee River in South Carolina. This raid successfully destroyed Confederate supply lines, burned plantations, and, most importantly, freed over 750 enslaved people, many of whom then joined the Union ranks.

Harriet Tubman was a true hero. She stared down the might of the Confederacy and the cruelty of slavery, never backing down. Her life was a revolutionary act, proving that the most powerful weapons are not always metal and gunpowder, but courage, resilience, and an unwavering moral compass.