Harriet Tubman — Our “Black Moses”: Antislavery Activist To Replace Slave Owner On US Twenty Dollar Bill

By Rupert Johnson
PRIDE Columnist

It is indeed ironic that Harriet Tubman, an ex-black slave and an ardent anti-slavery activist, is slated to replace Andrew Jackson on the American $20.00 bill. It is to be noted that Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States and an inveterate slave owner.

This is a fitting tribute to an outstanding abolitionist who shepherded hundreds of Black American slaves to freedom in Canada.

Harriet Tubman’s nineteen trips across the border did not go unnoticed for a significant group of slave owners put a bounty on her head.

It is remarkable that the massive sum of $40,000 was put up to ensure her capture.

Although her life was always at risk she skillfully evaded capture, and finally settled in St. Catharines on the Niagara Peninsula in 1851.

Her recognition by the American federal government brought back fond memories of my visit to Salem Chapel in St. Catharines on August 24, 2002.

My wife, Avrie, and I were honoured to have been invited to the dedication of Salem Chapel as a National Historic Site.

It was indeed a deeply emotional experience to set foot inside Salem Chapel whose original structure dates back to 1855.

It is quite fitting that the Salem Chapel has become synonymous with the name Harriet Tubman, the world renowned slavery abolitionist and civil rights leader of the 19^th century.

So great was her leadership that she was fondly referred to as the “Black Moses.” And there is no question that she symbolized the best of the human spirit.

Salem Chapel was undoubtedly the most famous Underground Railroad church associated with the life and times of Harriet Tubman.

Here she catered to the social, cultural, political, and spiritual needs of the refugees fleeing the denigrating effects of slavery in the United States of America.

To be honoured with her indelible image on the American $20.00 bill is indeed a fitting tribute to Harriet Tubman our “Black Moses.”

 

Rupert Johnson can be reached at: r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca