March 10th is Harriet Tubman Day, a day to honor the legacy of an American hero who fought tirelessly to free enslaved people and bring them to safety. 

Harriet Tubman was not just an abolitionist and an activist, but also a trailblazer who set an example for African American entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers to success. Her life and legacy serve as an inspiration for black business owners and leaders who strive to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, but she escaped in 1849 and soon became one of the most prominent conductors of the Underground Railroad. 

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to freedom in the North or Canada. Tubman personally made 13 trips to rescue around 70 enslaved people, risking her life to lead them to safety.

Tubman’s bravery and dedication to the abolitionist cause made her a legend among the enslaved people she helped and the white abolitionists who supported her. 

She became known as “Moses,” a biblical reference to the prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. But Tubman’s legacy goes beyond her work on the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she worked as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union army, and was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the war, leading the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina and freeing over 700 enslaved people.

After the war, Tubman continued to fight for civil rights and women’s suffrage. 

She founded the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York, where she lived until her death in 1913. Today, Tubman is recognized as a national icon and her face is being considered for the $20 bill.

Tubman’s life and legacy serve as an inspiration for African American entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers to success. 

As a woman and a person of color, Tubman faced discrimination and oppression throughout her life, but she refused to let these obstacles hold her back. She used her skills and resources to help others and fight for a better future, and in doing so, she paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.

Here are some of the lessons that African American entrepreneurs can learn from Harriet Tubman:

Be fearless

Tubman was known for her bravery and determination in the face of danger. She risked her own life to lead enslaved people to freedom and to fight for the Union army during the Civil War. African American entrepreneurs can learn from her example and be fearless in pursuing their goals, even when faced with opposition or uncertainty. Tubman’s legacy reminds us that we can achieve great things by being bold and resolute in our pursuit of success.

Use your skills to help others

Tubman was a skilled navigator, nurse, and spy, and she used these skills to help others. African American entrepreneurs can learn from her example and use their skills and resources to uplift their communities and create positive change. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or starting a business that provides jobs and economic opportunities, we can all make a difference by using our skills to help others.

Persist in the face of adversity

Tubman faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her life, including illness, injury, and discrimination. But she persisted in her mission to help enslaved people and fight for civil rights. African American entrepreneurs can learn from her example and persist in the face of adversity. 

Tubman’s legacy has also been recognized by the US government through the establishment of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, New York. 

The park includes Tubman’s home, the Tubman Home for the Aged, and the Harriet Tubman Residence. The park offers visitors a chance to learn more about Tubman’s life, legacy, and impact on American history. The park was established by President Barack Obama in 2017, making it the first national park to be named after a woman of color.

Tubman’s life and legacy have inspired countless individuals over the years, including many African American entrepreneurs. Tubman is often cited as a role model for entrepreneurs who face difficult challenges and obstacles on their journey to success. Her story of resilience, courage, and perseverance has resonated with many entrepreneurs who are striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

One of the most important lessons that Tubman’s life teaches us is the importance of perseverance. 

Tubman faced incredible challenges throughout her life, from being born into slavery to suffering from seizures as a result of a head injury sustained when she was a teenager. Despite these challenges, she never gave up on her dream of achieving freedom and helping others to do the same.

Tubman’s story is also a powerful reminder of the importance of community and collaboration. 

Throughout her life, Tubman worked closely with other abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, to help bring an end to slavery in the United States. She also relied on the support and assistance of many individuals who helped her along her journey to freedom, including members of the Underground Railroad.

As African American entrepreneurs continue to face significant obstacles and challenges, Tubman’s story provides a powerful reminder of the importance of community and collaboration in achieving success. By working together and supporting one another, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

In addition to her legacy as an abolitionist and freedom fighter, Tubman is also remembered for her many other accomplishments. She was a skilled nurse, a suffragette, and a philanthropist who dedicated her life to helping others.

Today, Tubman’s life and legacy continue to inspire individuals all over the world. 

From her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad to her tireless efforts to fight for freedom and justice, she is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history.

As we celebrate Harriet Tubman Day, it is important to remember the incredible legacy of this remarkable woman. Her story of resilience, perseverance, and community serves as an inspiration to us all, and her impact on American history will continue to be felt for generations to come.