Rita Daniels, the great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, was devastated to learn that the National Park Service had altered its webpage on Tubman and the Underground Railroad in February. Daniels, who has found strength in Tubman’s legacy throughout her life, was shocked to see the changes that downplayed Tubman’s role and the significance of the Underground Railroad. The updated webpage included a postage stamp image instead of Tubman’s picture and changed the description of the Underground Railroad to focus on “Black/white cooperation” and civil rights, rather than resistance to enslavement.
Daniels, who co-authored a book about Tubman’s life and founded the Harriet Tubman Learning Center, expressed her disappointment and frustration at the erasure of Black history. She highlighted Tubman’s importance in American history and the impact she has had on many people, including herself, as a source of strength and inspiration.
The changes to the NPS website were part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to eliminate references to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The backlash over the alterations to Tubman’s history and the Underground Railroad underlines the importance of preserving and honoring Black history. Daniels emphasized that Tubman’s legacy cannot be erased or diminished, as she played a crucial role in American history and continues to inspire people to this day.
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