Harriet Tubman (c.1820–1913)

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The Heroic Struggle of ‘General’ Tubman
By B.G., in The People, March 1999, for International Women's Day. A little biography of one woman who truly merits honor for her great courage, the ex-slave and dedicated abolitionist, Harriet Tubman (1820-1913).
What are ‘The Dreams of Harriet Tubman’
By Mike Alewitz, Muralist, 1 May 2000. At a time when African-Americans were kept as chattel, when even the abolitionist forces were riddled with the racism and bigotry of the time, Harriet Tubman and thousands of anti-slavery activists organized an effective liberation struggle which divided and conquered the forces of reaction.
Nothing Will Stop this Historic Endeavor; Tubman mural with musket is rejected
By Jamie Stiehm, staff writer, Baltimore Sun, ca. 6 June 2000. Saying it doesn't reflect their image, the Associated Black Charities board unanimously rejected last night a contentious mural of Harriet Tubman carrying a musket, which was intended for its downtown building at Cathedral and Chase streets.
Harriet Tubman: Armed and Dangerous
USA Today, Wednesday 7 June 2000. A 25-foot-high ceramic mural of a musket-toting Harriet Tubman leading slaves to liberation on the Underground Railroad has upset the group that had planned to display it.
Abolitionist's rifle engulfs N.J. artist in fray
By John Yocca, staff writer [Baltimore Sun. 13 June 2000. Tubman—a lantern in one hand, a rifle in the other—is the centerpiece for one of five sprawling ceramic Mike Alewitz fashioned for the state of Maryland, Tubman's birthplace. Associated Black Charities says it will likely turn down the piece because the weapon in Tubman's hand sends the wrong message.
A Rare and Authentic Dialogue
By Jannette J. Witmyer, letter to the Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2000. A critique of Stiehm's account of the 5 June community meaning concerning the mural, ‘The Dreams of Harriet Tubman.’ The objections not raised by the Associated Black Charities nor by the majority present, Black or white.
Statement by Baltimore Clayworks
14 June 2000. ‘The Dreams of Harriet Tubman’ mural project, and specifically Moses, the mural sketch originally proposed for the side wall of Associated Black Charities. Alewitz' themes of equality and social justice echoed Clayworks' values. The discussion about the image of an armed Harriet Tubman is simply a discussion about a proposed piece of public art, and whether an historically accurate image of Tubman should be displayed in light of contemporary public sensitivities about gun violence.
Statement by Mike Alewitz
For Immediate Release, 14 June 2000. Mike Alewitz, muralist and creator of ‘The Dreams of Harriet Tubman,’ points out that then, as now, Harriet was feared not because she carried a gun, but because she organized a mass, militant and uncompromising struggle for social justice.
Give a Wall
By Mike Alewitz, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2000. The racist defacement of Mike Alewitz' mural has once again put a spotlight on ‘The Dreams of Harriet Tubman.’ This series of murals, a gift to the people of Maryland, has generated significant public scrutiny and debate. The artist provides some insight into his work.
Revolution is a woman's work
By Mumia Abu-Jamal, Collected Writings, 18 March 2002. Harriet Tubman was a revolutionary in every sense of the word, whose efforts led to Civil War, and a tremendous social transformation. How many tens of thousands of those scared slaves' descendants owe their very existence to her vision? In a month dedicated to women, let her example not be forgotten.
Harriet Tubman: Woman warrior
By Mumia Abu-Jamal, Collected Writings, 18 July 2002. It seemed Harriet Tubman loved few things more than the sight of her people, free. She was a soldier for freedom.