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 is the president of the Ontario Black History Society. The OBHS is responsible for initiating observances of Black History Month and the celebration of August 1 as Emancipation Day. She is the author of four books on African-Canadian history and consultant/co-author of a fifth. The recipient of numerous awards, including the Order of Ontario, she lives in Toronto.

Rosemary Sadlier's profile page

• Long-listed, Information Book Awards

“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

Harriet Tubman becomes a fascinating read.

The Toronto Star

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

CM Magazine