13-R110

2013 -- H 5864

Enacted 03/06/13

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH 10TH OF 2013 TO BE "HARRIET TUBMAN DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Williams, Almeida, Diaz, Abney, and Blazejewski

Date Introduced: March 06, 2013

     WHEREAS, Harriet Tubman was born into slavery on a plantation in Bucktown,

Maryland, in or around the year 1820. She received no education, as was the plight of almost all

slaves, and was put to work as a field hand at a very early age; and

     WHEREAS, Following the death of her master and the heir to the plantation, Harriet

feared being sold to another owner and fled north in search of freedom; and

     WHEREAS, In 1849, despite overwhelming adversity and obstacles, Harriet Tubman

escaped the slavery that had defined her youth and went on to become one of the most widely

recognized and highly acclaimed leaders of the 19th century; and

     WHEREAS, Through amazing intelligence and unwavering courage, Harriet Tubman

became one of the greatest conductors of the Underground Railroad, undertaking 19 incredibly

dangerous trips that helped countless men, women, and families to escape slavery and become

free; and

     WHEREAS, During the Civil War, Ms. Tubman sustained her commitment to the cause

of freedom as a soldier, a nurse, a scout, a spy, and a cook. She also worked with newly freed

slaves; and

     WHEREAS, After the war ended, Ms. Tubman continued her fight for human dignity and

justice. She established a residence for the homeless in New York and became an eloquent

speaker on behalf of human rights; and

     WHEREAS, Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to the pursuit of the promise of American

ideals and the basic principle of humanity for all. She died at her home in New York on March

10th of 1913; and

     WHEREAS, As one of the most recognized and honored women in our country’s history,

Harriet Tubman and her lifelong achievements continue to inspire generations of all ages,

backgrounds, and cultures, and naming a day in her honor is a fitting tribute to this true American

heroine; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims March 10th of 2013 to be celebrated as “Harriet Tubman

Day” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby urges all Rhode Islanders to dedicate this day to the

universal ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity for all families in the true spirit of Harriet

Tubman; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Harriet Tubman Society and Holiday

Committee.

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LC00780

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