Harriet Tubman: Who Influenced Her Journey to Freedom

Harriet Tubman is often remembered as a fearless leader, a symbol of resistance, and the “Moses of her people.” But like all great figures, her strength and resolve were shaped by the people and experiences around her. Though born into slavery, Tubman was not born without hope — and that hope was nurtured by those who came before her, those who walked beside her, and those who believed in a future she would fight to make real.

## Ben Ross: Her Father and First Teacher

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross, the daughter of Ben and Harriet Greene Ross. Her father, Ben Ross, was an enslaved man who worked as a timber overseer and was known for his deep knowledge of the land and the woods. Though enslaved, he had access to the surrounding forests, where he taught his children how to navigate the natural world — a skill that would later prove vital in Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad.

Ben Ross also carried a quiet defiance. He was known to resist the cruel treatment of enslavers and instilled in his daughter a sense of self-worth that could not be erased by bondage. His resilience taught Tubman early on that survival required both strength and strategy — lessons that would become the foundation of her later life.

## Harriet Greene Ross: Her Mother and Source of Love

Tubman’s mother, Harriet Greene Ross, was a woman of fierce spirit and unbreakable will. She was known for her refusal to let the cruelty of slavery dictate her humanity. Separated from her children at times by the brutal whims of enslavers, she fought to keep her family together, offering what comfort she could.

From her mother, Tubman learned the importance of love as resistance. In a world designed to strip people of their dignity, the simple act of caring for one another became a radical act. This lesson would later fuel Tubman’s determination to return again and again to rescue others — not just her family, but strangers who became family through shared struggle.

## The Underground Railroad: A Network of Brave Souls

Though often portrayed as a solo hero, Tubman was deeply connected to the network of abolitionists and freedom seekers who made up the Underground Railroad. People like Thomas Garrett, a Quaker abolitionist in Delaware, and Frederick Douglass, the famed orator and writer, played pivotal roles in supporting her missions.

These allies provided shelter, funds, and safe passage. More than that, they gave Tubman a vision of what was possible — a future where freedom was not a dream, but a destination. Their courage reinforced her own, and she, in turn, inspired them with her bravery and unshakable faith.

## The Bible: Her Spiritual Compass

Tubman’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. Raised in a deeply religious environment, she found strength and guidance in the Bible, particularly in the stories of deliverance. The tale of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt resonated deeply with her — so much so that she became known as “Moses” among those she led to freedom.

Her faith was not passive; it was active, rooted in action and hope. She believed that divine providence was with her every step of the way, and this belief gave her the confidence to make over a dozen return trips into the South to rescue others.

## The Memory of Those She Could Not Save

Perhaps the most painful influence on Tubman’s life was the memory of those she could not save — siblings, loved ones, and friends who remained in bondage. She often spoke of how she wished she could have done more, how she would have gone back again and again if she could.

These memories were a source of both sorrow and strength. They reminded her that freedom was not just a personal goal, but a collective mission. Every life she saved was a step toward justice, and every failure was a reminder that the fight was not over.

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On HoloDream, you can talk to Harriet Tubman and ask her how she found the strength to keep going, or what she would say to those who feel powerless today. Her story is not just history — it’s a guide for how to live with courage and purpose.