Harriet Tubman’s legacy lives on forever. On a personal note, as I reflect, who would have thought that I would have the opportunity to help the legacy of this great woman of courage. In school we were taught about many great people who served humanity. Harriet Tubman, The Moses of her people and the great conductor of the Underground Railroad, was one of them. She was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and resided in Auburn, New York, near Syracuse, where I recently relocated.
While serving as Director of The Bowie State University Gospel Choir, several students hailed from the Eastern Shore, and invited us to perform there. The choir also performed in Washington, D. C. at the Harriet Tubman Elementary School music program which was sponsored by Geraldine Jackson, former music teacher.
After relocating to the Syracuse area I was invited to narrate a fundraising concert to benef
it the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn for the Harriet Tubman Boosters Club.
The Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America recorded spirituals that related to Harriet Tubman’s journey on the Underground Railroad. Copies of this CD is available through Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc. (JHMN), jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Other great experiences were to be able to sing around the table at the Harriet Tubman Home, meet relatives and descendants of Harriet Tubman, visit the gravesite and pick apples from the tree at her home.
The year 2013 marked the 100th year of the death of Harriet Tubman. Therefore, many activities and honors were presented, such as the unveiling of the Harriet Tubman Highway, Tree planting ceremonies, workshops and symposium, and more.
We must continue to celebrate this heritage. JHMN, Inc. will launch a project for the community of Syracuse and beyond to provide opportunities for youth and adults to learn more about this great humanitarian and to move forward with the values of which she believed.
The project will be open to schools, adult programs, after-school programs, churches and individuals. This project is designed for activities suing the theme of “Harriet Tubman: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Learning”. Participants will reinforce skills in music/arts, reading, writing, math, science, and other disciplines. The project will kick-off in mid- January with an Essay Contest, and musical. For information email jhillsman@twcny.rr.com.
