75 Harriet Tubman Quotes That Will Touch Your Heart

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and political activist. The Underground Railroad was a lifeline for slaves escaping to freedom, and Harriet Tubman was undoubtedly one of its most famous “conductors.”

Born into slavery, Tubman escaped captivity, and returned to the South to help other slaves. She led nineteen different escapes from the south and helped around 300 slaves to escape. Profound Harriet Tubman quotes will make you rethink, brighten your soul and make you wiser.

Harriet Tubman Quotes

Lord, I’m going to hold steady on to You and You’ve got to see me through. ― Harriet Tubman

Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. ― Harriet Tubman

When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven. ― Harriet Tubman

I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was on of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive. ― Harriet Tubman

Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. ― Harriet Tubman

The Lord who told me to take care of my people meant me to do it just as long as I live, and so I did what he told me. ― Harriet Tubman

I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say — I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger. ― Harriet Tubman

I grew up like a neglected weed, – ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. Then I was not happy or contented. ― Harriet Tubman

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. ― Harriet Tubman

I started with this idea in my head, “There’s two things I’ve got a right to, death or liberty. ― Harriet Tubman

I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted, and if the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me. ― Harriet Tubman

God’s time is always near. set the North Star in the heavens; He gave me the strength in my limbs; meant I should be free. ― Harriet Tubman

Slavery is the next thing to hell. ― Harriet Tubman

I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. ― Harriet Tubman

I am at peace with God and all mankind. ― Harriet Tubman

Quakers almost as good as colored. They call themselves friends and you can trust them every time. ― Harriet Tubman

I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves. ― Harriet Tubman

I said to de Lord, ‘I’m going’ to hold steady on to you, an’ I know you’ll see me through.’― Harriet Tubman

You’ll be free or die! ― Harriet Tubman

I grew up like a neglected weed – ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. ― Harriet Tubman

Thought-Provoking Harriet Tubman Quotes

If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there’s shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. ― Harriet Tubman

I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other

I never had anything good, no sweet, no sugar; and that sugar, right by me, did look so nice, and my mistress’s back was turned to me while she was fighting with her husband, so I just put my fingers in the sugar bowl to take one lump, and maybe she heard me, for she turned and saw me. The next minute, she had the rawhide down. ― Harriet Tubman

I had crossed de line of which I had so long been dreaming. I was free; but dere was no one to welcome me to de land of freedom, I was a stranger in a strange land, and my home after all

was down in de old cabin quarter, wid de ole folks, and my brudders and sisters. But to dis solemn resolution I came; I was free, and dey should be free also; I would make a home for dem in de North, and de Lord helping me, I would bring dem all dere. ― Harriet Tubman

In my dreams and visions, I seemed to see a line, and on the other side of that line were green fields, and lovely flowers, and beautiful white ladies, who stretched out their arms to me over the line, but I couldn’t reach them no-how. I always fell before I got to the line. ― Harriet Tubman

I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now that I was free. ― Harriet Tubman

When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything. ― Harriet Tubman

There was one of two things I had a right to: liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would take the other, for no man should take me alive. I should fight for liberty as long as my strength lasted. ― Harriet Tubman

There are two things I’ve got a right to, and these are, Death or Liberty – one or the other I mean to have. No one will take me back alive; I shall fight for my liberty, and when the time has come for me to go, the Lord will let them, kill me. ― Harriet Tubman

If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there’s shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. ― Harriet Tubman

I have known Harriet long, and a nobler, higher spirit or a truer, seldom dwells in human form. ― Harriet Tubman

I grew up like a neglected weed, ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. Then I was not happy or contented: every time I saw a white man I was afraid of being carried away. ― Harriet Tubman

I never met any person of any color who had more confidence in the voice of God. ― Harriet Tubman

Quakers almost as good as colored. They call themselves friends and you can trust them every time.

I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything. The sun came up like gold through the trees, and I felt like I was in heaven. ― Harriet Tubman

Best Harriet Tubman Quotes About Freedom, Dreams and Vision

I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land; and my home after all, was down in Maryland; because my father, my mother, my brothers, and sisters, and friends were there. But I was free, and they should be free. ― Harriet Tubman

I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves. ― Harriet Tubman

I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive. of freedom, keep going. ― Harriet Tubman

I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say; I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.

We saw the lightning and that was the guns and then we heard the thunder and that was the big guns; and then we heard the rain falling and that was the blood falling; and when we came to get in the crops, it was dead men that we reaped. ― Harriet Tubman

I think slavery is the next thing to hell. If a person would send another into bondage, he would, it appears to me, be bad enough to send him into hell if he could. ― Harriet Tubman

Farewell, ole Maser, don’t think hard of me, I’m going on to Canada, where all the slaves are free. ― Harriet Tubman

I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land. ― Harriet Tubman

I have heard their groans and sighs, and seen their tears, and I would give every drop of blood in my veins to free them. ― Harriet Tubman

And I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight, and that’s what I’ve always prayed for ever since. ― Harriet Tubman

Most of those coming from the mainland are very destitute, almost naked. I am trying to find places for those able to work, and provide for them as best I can, so as to lighten the burden on the Government as much as possible, while at the same time they learn to respect themselves by earning their own living. ― Harriet Tubman

And I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight, and that’s what I’ve always prayed for ever since. ― Harriet Tubman

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.― Harriet Tubman

God’s time is always near. He gave me my strength and he set the North Star in the heavens. He meant I should be free.― Harriet Tubman

I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge. Ida B. Wells was a bridge… ― Harriet Tubman

I had crossed the line. I was free; but, there was no one there to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land. ― Harriet Tubman

I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other. ― Harriet Tubman

It wasn’t me, it was the Lord! I always told Him, ‘I trust to you. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me,’ and He always did.― Harriet Tubman

If I could have convinced more slaves that they were slaves, I could have freed thousands more.

I’ve heard ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ read, and I tell you Mrs. Stowe’s pen hasn’t begun to paint what slavery is as I have seen it at the far South. I’ve seen de real thing, and I don’t want to see it on no stage or in no theater. ― Harriet Tubman

As I lay so sick on my bed, from Christmas till March, I was always praying for poor ole master. ‘Pears like I didn’t do nothing but pray for ole master. ‘Oh, Lord, convert ole master;’ ‘Oh, dear Lord, change dat man’s heart, and make him a Christian.’― Harriet Tubman

Famous Harriet Tubman Quotes

‘Pears like my heart go flutter, flutter, and then they may say, ‘Peace, Peace,’ as much as they likes – I know it’s goin’ to be war! ― Harriet Tubman

Never wound a snake; kill it. ― Harriet Tubman

Read my letter to the old folks, and give my love to them, and tell my brothers to be always watching unto prayer, and when the good old ship of Zion comes along, to be ready to step aboard. ― Harriet Tubman

‘Pears like I prayed all the time, ’bout my work, everywhere, I prayed an’ groaned to the Lord. ― Harriet Tubman

Twasn’t me, ’twas the Lord! I always told Him, ‘I trust to you. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect You to lead me,’ an’ He always did. ― Harriet Tubman

I can’t die but once. ― Harriet Tubman

I had two sisters carried away in a chain-gang – one of them left two children. We were always uneasy. ― Harriet Tubman

I think there’s many a slaveholder that’ll get to Heaven. They don’t know better. They acts up to the light they have. ― Harriet Tubman

Now I’ve been free, I know what a dreadful condition slavery is. I have seen hundreds of escaped slaves, but I never saw one who was willing to go back and be a slave. ― Harriet Tubman

I knew of a man who was sent to the State Prison for twenty-five years. All these years he was always thinking of his home, and counting by years, months, and days, the time till he should be free, and see his family and friends once more. ― Harriet Tubman

Oh, Lord! You’ve been wid me in six troubles, don’t desert me in the seventh! ― Harriet Tubman

I had two sisters carried away in a chain-gang – one of them left two children. We were always uneasy. ― Harriet Tubman

As I lay so sick on my bed, from Christmas till March, I was always praying for poor ole master. ‘Pears like I didn’t do nothing but pray for ole master. ‘Oh, Lord, convert ole master;’ ‘Oh, dear Lord, change dat man’s heart, and make him a Christian. ― Harriet Tubman

I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.

Marcus Garvey had in their times. We just had a more vulnerable enemy. ― Harriet Tubman

I never had anything good, no sweet, no sugar; and that sugar, right by me, did look so nice, and my mistress’s back was turned to me while she was fighting with her husband, so I just put my fingers in the sugar bowl to take one lump, and maybe she heard me, for she turned and saw me. The next minute, she had the rawhide down. ― Harriet Tubman

FAQ: Harriet Tubman Quotes

Who was Harriet Tubman?

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and former enslaved person who became one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad. She led numerous enslaved people to freedom and is celebrated for her bravery, resilience, and dedication to justice.

What makes Harriet Tubman’s quotes significant?

Harriet Tubman’s quotes are significant because they reflect her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to freedom and equality. Her words continue to inspire people across generations, highlighting themes of resilience, justice, and the fight for human rights.

Why are Harriet Tubman’s quotes still relevant today?

Harriet Tubman’s quotes remain relevant because they address universal themes such as the struggle for freedom, the importance of courage, and the power of perseverance. Her insights resonate with ongoing social justice movements and remind us of the enduring fight for equality.

How can Harriet Tubman’s quotes be used for inspiration?

Harriet Tubman’s quotes can be used for inspiration by:

• Encouraging Perseverance: Her words motivate individuals to keep going, even in the face of adversity.
• Promoting Justice: They serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and just.
• Empowering Action: Her quotes can inspire people to take action in their own lives and communities, advocating for change and equality.

What themes are commonly found in Harriet Tubman’s quotes?

Common themes in Harriet Tubman’s quotes include:

• Freedom: The value of liberty and the relentless pursuit of it.
• Courage: The necessity of bravery in the face of danger and oppression.
• Resilience: The strength to persevere despite overwhelming odds.
• Justice: The fight against injustice and the importance of equality for all.

How can Harriet Tubman’s quotes be applied in modern contexts?

Harriet Tubman’s quotes can be applied in modern contexts by:

• Inspiring Activism: Using her words to fuel social and political movements focused on human rights and equality.
• Personal Reflection: Reflecting on her resilience and courage to overcome personal challenges.
• Educational Purposes: Teaching about the history of slavery, the abolitionist movement, and the importance of standing up for justice.

Why is it important to remember Harriet Tubman’s words?

It is important to remember Harriet Tubman’s words because they serve as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs in the fight for freedom and equality. Her quotes continue to inspire and empower individuals to pursue justice, making her legacy enduring and impactful.

How do Harriet Tubman’s quotes reflect her life and experiences?

Harriet Tubman’s quotes reflect her life and experiences by:

• Highlighting Her Bravery: Her words often reveal the immense courage required to lead enslaved people to freedom.
• Expressing Her Determination: They showcase her relentless determination to achieve justice and equality.
• Demonstrating Her Faith: Many of her quotes reflect the deep spiritual faith that guided her actions and sustained her through hardships.

Can Harriet Tubman’s quotes be used in leadership and motivation?

Yes, Harriet Tubman’s quotes are particularly effective in leadership and motivation contexts because they emphasize qualities such as courage, perseverance, and the importance of fighting for what is right. Leaders and motivators can use her words to inspire others to act with integrity and resilience.