Rita Daniels, the great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, was devastated to learn that the National Park Service had altered its webpage on Tubman and the Underground Railroad in February. The changes downplayed slavery and Tubman’s role, which caused outrage among the public. Daniels, who sees Tubman as a critical part of Black history and American history, was particularly hurt by the alterations. She draws strength from Tubman’s legacy and perseverance, especially during difficult times in her own life.
Daniels, who learned about her connection to Tubman at a young age, believes that erasing or ignoring Black history is a form of racism. The changes to the NPS website were part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to delete references to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The backlash over attempts to gloss over Tubman’s history and the Underground Railroad highlights the importance of preserving it.
Daniels, who founded the Harriet Tubman Learning Center and co-authored a book about Tubman’s life, emphasizes the impact Tubman had not just on her, but on many people. She refuses to let Tubman’s legacy be pushed aside or minimized, as her contributions are too important to American history. The restoration of the original webpage reflects the significance of Tubman’s story and the resistance to any attempts to erase or distort it.
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