Senate Resolution No. 1718

BY: Senator MAY

RECOGNIZING Tuesday, March 10, 2026, as Harriet
Tubman Day

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor the extraordinary life, courage, and enduring legacy of Harriet
Tubman, an abolitionist, humanitarian, and leader in the struggle for
freedom who, through her fearless work on the Underground Railroad and
her lifelong commitment to justice and equality, helped guide countless
enslaved individuals to liberty and later made her home in the State of
New York, where her legacy continues to inspire generations; and

WHEREAS, The City of Auburn, Harriet Tubman's chosen hometown, will
celebrate Harriet Tubman Day on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with a full day
of free public programming at the Harriet Tubman National Historical
Park, plus an evening program at the New York State Equal Rights
Heritage Center; and

WHEREAS, In June of 2003, legislation was signed into law
establishing March 10th as a Day of Commemoration in recognition of the
lifetime achievements and enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and her many
accomplishments throughout the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, On November 11, 2024, the State of Maryland posthumously
commissioned Harriet Tubman as a Brigadier General in recognition of her
courageous service during the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Ross Tubman was born into slavery in Dorchester
County, Maryland circa 1820 and, like many enslaved individuals, was
forced to work as a field hand from an early age; and

WHEREAS, Denied the opportunity to learn to read or write because of
her race and status as an enslaved person, Harriet Tubman nevertheless
rose above the severe limitations imposed upon her as both a slave and a
Black woman; and

WHEREAS, In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery and traveled
north to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she came into contact with
William Still, a leading organizer of the Underground Railroad; and

WHEREAS, Through the efforts of William Still and the Philadelphia
Anti-Slavery Society, Harriet Tubman became closely involved in the
operations of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of individuals
who provided aid, shelter, and guidance to enslaved people seeking
freedom in the North; and

WHEREAS, Within a year of securing her own freedom, Harriet Tubman
became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, courageously returning
to the South numerous times to guide enslaved men, women, and children
to liberty; and

WHEREAS, In 1851, Harriet Tubman relocated members of her family to
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, which served as an important base for

her Underground Railroad activities and from which she continued her
efforts to secure freedom for others; and

WHEREAS, In the mid-1850s, Harriet Tubman became acquainted with
William H. Seward, United States Senator, Secretary of State, and former
Governor of New York, and his wife, Frances Seward, in Auburn, New York;
in 1857, the Seward family provided her with a home in Auburn, which
later became her permanent residence; and

WHEREAS, From this home, Harriet Tubman continued her humanitarian
work and, through the Underground Railroad, helped guide numerous
enslaved individuals to freedom, proudly declaring that she "never ran
her train off the track and never lost a passenger"; and

WHEREAS, During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman served with the Union
Army in South Carolina as a nurse, cook, scout, and spy, providing
critical intelligence and assistance to Union forces; and

WHEREAS, Following the war, Harriet Tubman returned to Auburn, New
York, where she dedicated the remainder of her life to humanitarian
causes and community service, including the establishment of a home for
elderly and indigent African Americans; and

WHEREAS, In 1903, Harriet Tubman conveyed ownership of her property
to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church so that her charitable
work might continue; and

WHEREAS, After her death on March 10, 1913, Harriet Tubman was laid
to rest with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The properties associated with her life and work in Auburn
are today preserved as part of the Harriet Tubman National Historical
Park, administered by the National Park Service, ensuring that her
remarkable story will continue to educate and inspire future
generations; and

WHEREAS, Revered by many as the "Black Moses," Harriet Tubman
embodied the highest ideals of courage, perseverance, and selfless
service, risking her own freedom and safety so that others might
experience liberty; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Tuesday, March 10, 2026, as Harriet Tubman Day in the State of
New York, and to honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of
Harriet Tubman.