Read the excerpt from "Harriet Tubman: A Life of Toil and Triumph.”When her work in the South was finished, Harriet finally returned to her home in New York. There she helped former enslaved persons adjust to their new lives. It would seem like her life’s work was over, now that freedom and education for former enslaved persons was assured. However, a life of ease was not part of Harriet’s plan, and it was no surprise to those who knew her that she took up yet another cause. Before long she was off on a tour with Susan B. Anthony to rally support for women’s right to vote.Finally, at the age of 83, Harriet Tubman was ready to return home for good. She did so, and then immediately had a house built nearby to serve homeless seniors. She then worked at the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged until 1911, when she became too frail to do so and was made an honorary resident. She died in 1913 at the age of 93 and was buried with full military honors. It was a fitting celebration for a woman who was born enslaved, yet chose to use her free life in ways that served us all.
Harriet Tubman most likely did not attend school because
Read the excerpt from “Drummer Man.”That first year was crammed full of battles, sickness, and sleepless nights spent scratching at lice and ticks. My desire for adventure was long gone by the end of it. Even so, when my time came up to reenlist, I did. After all, slavery was still a fact, and I couldn’t let my friends, neighbors, and uncle do the fighting for me while I sat home milking cows.
Read the excerpt from “The Morning Dream.”'TWAS in the glad season of spring,Asleep at the dawn of the day,I dream'd what I cannot but sing,So pleasant it seem'd as I lay.I dream'd that on ocean afloat,Far hence to the westward I sail'd,While the billows high lifted the boat,And the fresh-blowing breeze never fail'd.
Read the excerpt from “The Morning Dream.”Awaking, how could I but museAt what such a dream should betide?But soon my ear caught the glad newsWhich serv'd my weak thought for a guide—That Britannia, renown'd o'er the wavesFor the hatred she ever has shownTo the black-sceptred rulers of slaves,Resolves to have none of her own.
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