Harriet Tubman’s achievements as an adult are widely known, but there is something about her childhood that has remained a mystery for hundreds of years. We know she struggled with her health, and that she was often nursed back from the brink by her parents. So what’s the mystery?
Some white historians want to know EXACTLY where Tubman’s childhood cabin was located, so they can create exhibits and draw tourists to rural Maryland. But the answer isn’t easy to find – the land is vastly different now than it was during her childhood.
There’s a much more important issue, though.
It doesn’t actually matter exactly where her cabin was! Tubman’s childhood wasn’t about a building. It was about the love and support she received as a child from her rural community – that was what made all the difference. How?
A strong and loving community prepared her for rural life by teaching her about scouting, surviving in nature, medicinal plants, and creating maps. They, along with her parents, cared for her when she was sick and encouraged her love of the outdoors when she was well.
The seed for Tubman’s legendary leadership was planted by her experiences in her community – not in one cabin. We must realize building a strong Black community isn’t the responsibility of one; it’s the responsibility of all – and benefits all!