Harriet Tubman

A Radical Women Book Club Discussion

Harriet Tubman was unusual for many reasons, but top of the list was her escape from slavery—and her multiple returns to rescue and resettle about 70 former slaves.

When men escaped, they seldom looked back—they created new lives and families wherever they re-settled.

But women? It was almost impossible for them to escape because they had babies and children—and they weren’t going anywhere without them.

Plus, crying babies were a threat to the entire escape party and more than a few were quietly killed to protect the adults. And not every “conductor” would shelter children, so their options were limited.

And yet Harriet Tubman—married to a free man but without children—escaped her cruel circumstances and kept coming back to help her people.

What made her so determined to help others escape? Do you think she’d have escaped had she had children? Was the price she paid too dear or would she say it was exactly the right amount for her?

If you could meet her and talk about that early time in her life, what would you ask her?

What are your thoughts about her sleeping spells and her “portal to the almighty”—how critical were both to her success? Discuss!

Cheers,

Rochelle