2013 Information Book Awards — Long-listed

Harriet Tubman encouraged enslaved Africans to make the break for freedom and reinforced the potential of black freedom and independence.

Born in the United States and enslaved as a child, Harriet Tubman (circa 1820-1913) is one of the best-known figures connected to the Underground Railroad. Through her knowledge and outdoor survival skills, honed through her unpaid labour in the fields and through the later connections she made in the abolitionist community, Tubman was well poised to command her followers. By her discipline and example, she never lost a "passenger."

Tubman’s exploits helped to empower those opposed to slavery and enrage those who supported it. Her success encouraged enslaved Africans to make the brave break for freedom and reinforced the belief held by abolitionists in the potential of black freedom and independence. Referred to as "General Tubman" due to her contributions to the Underground Railroad and to the Union Army, Tubman’s numerous rescue missions ending in Canada helped to build the interest in escape and reinforce the position of Canada as the final stop on the journey to freedom.

Rosemary Sadlier, OOnt, is a social justice advocate, researcher, writer and the former president of the Ontario Black History Society. She is a highly sought-after speaker on Black history, anti-racism and women's issues, and she has written multiple books on African Canadian history. A passionate advocate for Black history education, she was instrumental in establishing Black History Month and Emancipation Day in Canada, as well as in the creation of Lincoln Alexander Day. Rosemary was named to the Order of Ontario (OOnt) in 2008 and has received a number of other awards and accolades, including an honorary doctorate from OCAD University, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. The Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Award was created in her honor and has been presented annually since 2020. Rosemary lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Rosemary Sadlier's profile page

• Long-listed, Information Book Awards

Those interested in African Canadian history will find this chronology especially useful.

CM Magazine

Harriet Tubman becomes a fascinating read.

The Toronto Star

“Rosemary Sadlier writes quite eloquently. The book is written in a non-fiction style, but the reader will feel as though they are immersed in a captivating novel.”

Resource Links