LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim Friday, March 8, 2013, as Harriet Tubman Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, From time to time we take note of certain individuals whom we
wish to recognize for their valued contributions and to publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize Harriet
Ross Tubman for her resourceful efforts in bringing countless African-
American slaves out of bondage, to ensure that the rich historical lega-
cy she established will never be forgotten, and to celebrate her life
achievements throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Friday, March 8, 2013, as Harriet Tubman Day
in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Harriet Ross Tubman was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
around 1820 on a plantation in Dorchester County, and escaped from slav-
ery in 1849; and
WHEREAS, Upon gaining her freedom, Harriet Tubman initially settled in
Philadelphia where she met William Still, the Philadelphia "stationmas-
ter" of the Underground Railroad, who, along with the Philadelphia Anti-
Slavery Society, introduced Harriet Tubman to the inner workings of the
Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, In 1850, Harriet Tubman became a "conductor" on the Under-
ground Railroad and eventually became the most influential of all the
"conductors" by returning to the South 19 times through the Underground
Railroad, freeing 300 slaves; and
WHEREAS, Harriet Tubman claimed that she "never ran" her "train off
the track and never lost a passenger," thereby gaining the title of
"Black Moses of Her People"; and
WHEREAS, In 1851, Harriet Tubman relocated members of her family to
North Street in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, which became her head-
quarters for the Underground Railroad until 1857; and
WHEREAS, In the mid 1850s, Harriet Tubman made the acquaintance of
United States Senator, Secretary of State and former New York State
Governor William H. Seward and his wife, Frances, in Auburn, New York;
and
WHEREAS, The Sewards, in 1857, provided a home for Harriet Tubman in
Auburn, which she later purchased and used as her new base of operations
in the Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, When the Civil War began, Harriet Tubman worked as a cook in
the Union Army in South Carolina and served as a nurse, a scout for
raiding parties, and a spy behind Confederate lines; and
WHEREAS, After the close of the Civil War, Harriet Tubman returned to
Auburn, and made it her permanent home; she joined the African Methodist
Episcopal Zion Church and became a devoted and active member; and
WHEREAS, In 1903, Harriet Tubman transferred ownership of her property
to the A.M.E. Zion Church, and after her death, the church developed and
managed her home, and the adjacent property, to sustain the memory of
her sacrifices for her people; and
WHEREAS, The Harriet Tubman home and property are both currently
registered as National Historic Landmarks in Auburn, and the site is
part of the National Parks Service Freedom Trail in honor of her life
and struggles; and

WHEREAS, In March of 1913, Harriet Tubman died and was buried in Fort
Hill Cemetery in Auburn, where she received full military honors at her
funeral; and
WHEREAS, Harriet Ross Tubman is an inspiration to many people whose
actions and life embodied the true essence of service, spirit and
strength; because of her spirit, countless slaves were given hope and
through her strength and conviction, she was compelled to risk her own
freedom for the freedom of others; her dedication and commitment to the
numerous slaves held in bondage have proven her to be the epitome of
true leadership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Friday, March 8, 2013,
as Harriet Tubman Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and Dr. Adelaide L. Sanford, Vice Chancellor Ementa, New York
State Board of Regents.