For Black History Month, I wanted to learn more about some of the people who worked for freedom and civil rights. Harriet Tubman is a name I know, but I didn’t know the details of her life. So I decided to read this book and pair it with the film, Harriet.
This book is a pictorial biography of Tubman’s life, following her from her early years in slavery through her daring escape, subsequent trips back to free her family and her later involvement in the civil war and continued work for civil rights in many different arenas.
I’ll say this right off the bat – Harriet is one of my heroes. She may not have had the benefit of an education, but she was crazy smart, had unmatched instincts, worked tirelessly, was unwilling to accept unfair treatment and was incredibly brave. I cannot imagine the strength of will it took for her to accomplish all that she did. She singlehandedly led thirteen groups of slaves to freedom, and never lost a single one. She was constantly undervalued and misjudged and proved everyone wrong, time and again.
This book isn’t perfect – it slips between tenses, the flow is broken in places and there’s a hesitance to assert facts that, while it may be more truthful, pulls the reader out of the flow of the narrative. But, as far as I can tell, it is as factually accurate as possible and is written with obvious respect and admiration. It’s a short book and accented by beautiful images throughout, so it’s a great place to start if you want an introduction to Tubman that won’t require too much commitment.
I’m so glad that I finally picked up this book, and that I finally know more about this extraordinary woman’s life and accomplishments. Her fortitude is something I will think of whenever I’m feeling unequal to my circumstances, and her determination is something that will always inspire me. She is such an important figure in history – not only for Black history, but for the history of women. Hell, for history – period. I encourage you all to learn more about her, either by reading this book, picking up another one or watching the film. She’s definitely worth getting to know!
Harriet Tubman is best known as one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad. As a leading abolitionist, her bravery and selflessness has inspired generations in the continuing struggle for civil rights. Now, National Book Award nominee Erica Armstrong Dunbar presents a fresh take on this American icon blending traditional biography, illustrations, photos, and engaging sidebars that illuminate the life of Tubman as never before.
Not only did Tubman help liberate hundreds of slaves, she was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War, worked as a spy for the Union Army, was a fierce suffragist, and was an advocate for the aged. She Came to Slay reveals the many complexities and varied accomplishments of one of our nation’s true heroes and offers an accessible and modern interpretation of Tubman’s life that is both informative and engaging.
Filled with rare outtakes of commentary, an expansive timeline of Tubman’s life, photos (both new and those in public domain), commissioned illustrations, and sections including “Harriet By the Numbers” (number of times she went back down south, approximately how many people she rescued, the bounty on her head) and “Harriet’s Homies” (those who supported her over the years), She Came to Slay is a stunning and powerful mix of pop culture and scholarship and proves that Harriet Tubman is well deserving of her permanent place in our nation’s history. – Goodreads
Book Title:Â She Came to Slay
Author:Â Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Series:Â No
Edition:Â Hardback
Published By:Â 37 Ink
Released:Â November 5, 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Activism, African American History
Pages:Â 176
Date Read:Â February 13-22, 2021
Rating: 7/10
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.16/5 (1,840 ratings)