REFERENCE TITLE: Harriet Tubman day

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature First Regular Session 2013

SCR 1008

Introduced by Senators Landrum Taylor, Bradley, Cajero Bedford, Lopez, McGuire: Tovar

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

proclaiming march 10, 2013 as harriet tubman day in arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, Araminta Ross was born into slavery in Dorchester Country, Maryland around 1822.  As a child she was hired out to various masters and was often severely mistreated.  In 1849, she escaped to freedom but devoted the remainder of her life to freeing enslaved families and securing justice and human dignity for all people; and

Whereas, after she escaped to Philadelphia, Harriet Tubman immediately embarked on efforts to lead other family members and slaves north to freedom. She worked as a cook, laundress and scrubwoman to support herself and her rescue missions.  In all, she made more than thirteen missions and assisted and guided freedom seekers to the north and Canada as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an informal but effective network of antislavery activists and safe houses.  Her efforts to guide slaves north to freedom were tremendously dangerous, for she and the fugitives faced not only harsh elements and great physical danger, but severe repercussions or death if they were captured; and

Whereas, during the Civil War Harriet Tubman worked for the Union Army with valor and distinction as a nurse, cook, scout and spy.  She was the first woman to guide an armed expedition in the war, leading a raid on the Combahee River in South Carolina in 1863 that resulted in the liberation of more than 700 slaves.  She was highly respected and praised by such contemporaries as Frederick Douglass and John Brown for her exceptional bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom for all people; and

Whereas, following the Civil War Harriet Tubman settled in Auburn, New York and continued to provide humanitarian care for others in need.  She worked various jobs to support her family and opened her home as a safe haven for black Americans who sought a better life.  In her later years she continued to seek equal rights for all people, working with Susan B. Anthony to promote women's suffrage; and

Whereas, in 1908 the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged opened.  She died there on March 10, 1913 and was buried in Fort Hill cemetery with full military rites; and

Whereas, in the century since her death, Harriet Tubman's name has become synonymous with the human struggle for freedom and dignity, and her story has inspired generations of people struggling for equality and civil rights.  Her courageous and selfless work as a freedom fighter, abolitionist, American patriot and dedicated humanitarian ensures that she will forever be revered as an American icon. 

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature proclaim March 10, 2013, centennial year of her memorial, as Harriet Tubman Day in Arizona and encourage all the people of Arizona to commemorate the outstanding life and work of Harriet Tubman with appropriate activities.