Harriet Tubman, like most Black women of her era and many Black women today, was often dismissed, underestimated and ignored. That’s what made her such an effective spy and scout. It’s also the reason that it took our nation 160 years to honor her properly for her military service.

Harriet Tubman was posthumously commissioned as brigadier general of the Maryland National Guard at a Veteran’s Day ceremony.

Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist who helped thousands escape the bonds of enslavement, has been posthumously awarded the rank of general.  In a ceremony at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad