BILL NUMBER:  S4027

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the general construction law, in relation to the
designation of Harriet Tubman day

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

The primary purpose of this legislation is to establish a public
holiday that commemorates Harriet Tubman, her life achievements and
her pivotal role in the "Underground Railroad". The legislation will
designate the tenth of March of each year, to be known as Harriet
Tubman Day.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

This legislation will make the tenth of March of each year a public
holiday, to be known as Harriet Tubman Day.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Harriet Ross Tubman was an American heroine and patriot, who
faithfully served her country and liberated her people. Her tireless
efforts to attain freedom for those enslaved, and her dedication to
stop the inhumane practice of slavery should be recognized and
              

celebrated. It is only fitting to pay tribute to an American heroine,
who sacrificed everything for the well being of her people and
country. The creation of a state holiday, that recognizes the lifetime
achievements and the historical legacy established by Harriet Tubman,
throughout New York State is befitting.

Harriet Ross Tubman, the great American abolitionist, was born on the
Eastern Shore of Maryland around 1820, on a plantation in Dorchester
County, Maryland. As in the case of many slaves, Harriet Tubman was
put to work as a field hand at an early age. Because of her color and
her status as a slave, she was denied the opportunity to learn to read
or write. Nevertheless, Harriet Tubman was able to rise above the
limitations that were placed on her as a slave and as a black woman.

In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped to the North and settled in
Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, Harriet Tubman met William Still,
the Philadelphia Stationmaster of the "Underground Railroad". It was
William Still along with the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society that
introduced Harriet Tubman to the inner workings of the "Underground
Railroad". The "Underground Railroad" was a network of families and
people that offered their assistance, food or shelter to slaves,
during their escape to the north.

One year after her escape, Harriet Tubman became a conductor (guide
who led escaped slaves to freedom) on the "Underground Railroad". In
1851, Harriet Tubman relocated members of her family to North Street
in St.  Catherines Ontario, Canada. This eventually became her
headquarters for the "Underground Railroad". In the ensuing years,
Harriet Tubman became one of the most influential conductors. In the
mid 1850s Harriet Tubman made the acquaintance of United States
Senator, Secretary of State and former New York State Governor William
H. Seward and his wife Frances in Auburn, New York. The Sewards in
1857, provided a home for Harriet Tubman in Auburn, New York, which
was later sold to her. This new home was to become her new base of
operations for the Underground Railroad.

When the Civil War began, Harriet Tubman was able to liberate several
hundreds of her people to freedom, via the "Underground Railroad". As
the most influential conductor in the "Underground Railroad", Harriet
Tubman helped free approximately 300 slaves. Harriet Tubman was proud
to claim that, "she never ran her train off the track and never lost a
passenger." When the Civil War began, Harriet Tubman served as a cook
in the Union Army in South Carolina, a nurse, a scout for raiding
parties, and a spy behind confederate lines. After her service to the
Union army, Harriet Tubman returned to Auburn, New York where she
lived the remaining years of her life.

In 1903, Harriet Tubman transferred ownership of her property to the
A.M.E. Zion Church. After her death in March 1913, the church
developed and managed her home and adjacent property in order to
sustain her memory. Harriet Tubman was buried in Fort Hill Cemetery in
Auburn, New York with full military honors. Currently, the Harriet
Tubman home and property are registered as National Historic Landmarks
in Auburn, New York. The site is also part of the National Parks
Service Freedom Trail.

Harriet Tubman was many things to many people, but to the black slave
she was considered to be the "Black Moses" who delivered to them the
"buried promise of freedom". Harriet Tubman through her actions and
life embodied the true essence of service, spirit and strength. It is
estimated that through her service about 300 slaves were able to
attain their freedom. Because of her spirit, countless slaves were
given hope and through her strength and conviction, she was compelled
to risk her own freedom so that other slaves could experience freedom.
Through the establishment of a state holiday, this legislation aims to
ensure that the rich historical legacy and life achievements of
Harriet Tubman are recognized and celebrated throughout New York
State.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2000:  A.9200/S.6218 Passed Assembly

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT :

Undetermined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This legislation will take effect on the first of January, next
succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.