08-R101
2008 -- H 8035
Enacted 03/11/08
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MARCH
10TH OF 2008 TO BE "HARRRIET TUBMAN DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Williams, Almeida, Fox, McNamara, and Diaz
Date Introduced: March 11,
2008
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’s memory and her lifetime of 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 2008 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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LC02469
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