Harriet Tubman didn’t take no stuff
Wasn’t scared of nothing neither
Didn’t come in this world to be no slave
And didn’t stay one either
And didn’t stay one either
-by Eloise Greenfield
The Black Women’s Leadership Caucus commemorated the life and legacy of Harriet Ross Tubman, by laying a wreath at the feet of her statue in Harlem on a chilly, pre-spring morning in March. Tubman died on March 11, 1913 in Auburn, New York of pneumonia.
The program, which celebrated both Tubman and Women’s History Month, opened with an invocation by Reverend Julia Chaney-Moss, followed by a libation ceremony by Ndigo Washington. Young people from the Manna House played a composition titled “Generations” immediately followed by a riveting original poem written and performed by Dfaye Anderson. Keisha St. Joan sang a medley of spirituals before Adrianne Jones-Roderick spoke about her great-great Aunt Harriet. Jones-Roderick’s mother created 300 handmade Harriet Tubman dolls that are now considered collectors items.
Also in attendance was Inge Ruth Hardison, a 98-year-old sculptor and photographer who created a series of busts of African American heroes titled, “Negro Giants in History.”
The program closed with the laying of the wreath to commemorate the 99th anniversary of Tubman’s death.
Photo credit: D. Bell/Uptownflavor
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- Harriet Tubman wreath laying ceremony (uptownflavor.com)
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What a truly profound way to acknowledge Women’s History Month in honoring our collective shero Harriet Tubman! Kudos to the sponsoring organization, the attendees and all who have greatly benefitted from the proud legacy of uncomprimising Black womanhood which is embodied by Tubman.
Wow! Late to the post, but this has made my Women’s History Month!