Harriet Tubman Day is March 10th, and to memorialize her legacy, I will be blogging about her legacy and how her freedoms are carried on today.
When you think of Harriet Tubman, the word “freedom” might be the first that comes to mind. We enjoy many freedoms, thanks to powerful figures like her. She helped enslaved individuals escape through a covert network called the Underground Railroad and provided vital resources for their survival, including food, shelter, and guidance to find secure routes to liberty.
I am thankful for the sacrifices made by those who lived centuries before my time, enabling me to live the life I have today. Some freedoms are clear in our everyday existence, such as the ability to leave my house whenever I wish, the right to participate in elections, financial independence, and the freedom of expression.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman
Other freedoms seem absent, particularly for women. As women, we must always remain cautious in public and will never have the same freedom men do to walk outside without worrying about our safety. This feeling intensifies when we are under the influence, in large crowds, or in poorly lit areas.
I was recently reminded of this when a man began harassing several women at a bar, a few whom I was sitting with. The management did nothing besides having a “talk” with the harasser, allowing him to stay in the bar while keeping his distance from us.
At no point did anyone come to check on us. My friends and I checked in to make sure we were all alright and repeatedly reminded each other to “be safe.”
We left the bar immediately after the scene unfolded because we did not feel safe. I honestly felt suffocated by the air in the air and knew I would not feel better until I left.
This just reminded me that as a woman, I am never truly safe. This realization saddens me because Harriet fought for our freedoms, and I’m certain she would feel the same sadness.
We are still bound by the chains of patriarchy, and our only support network is the women beside us, who share the same shackles of male-dominated oppression.
Our safety phrases are “be safe” and “I’m a girls’ girl,” the only source of comfort we have.
Men tend to look out for one another, leaving us to fend for ourselves to ensure our safety.
I’m sorry, Harriet; I wish we were truly free.
The Safe Helpline is available 24 hours a day: Click here.
