Do you want to be free? Harriet Tubman and the Rise of Many Messiahs

“I see a line in my head. Above this line I see green fields, beautiful flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me above this line, but there is no way I can get there. I don’t think I can cross that line.” Viola Davis quoted this sentiment from Harriet Tubman in her riveting 2015 Emmy acceptance speech, adding, “Let me tell you something: the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.”

When we take into consideration each Harriet Tubman Day (March 10) i National Equal Pay Day (March 12) As we proceed to rejoice Women’s History Month, Tubman’s life and words remind us of the distinct experiences women of African descent have when it comes to accessing opportunities which can be often afforded to non-Black women.

One of the most recognizable symbols of liberation in U.S. history, the extraordinary contribution to our heritage of Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) continues to resonate with all of us, largely because of her intersectional identity as a black woman. Her narrative, affectionately called “Black Moses,” is a black messiah tale of a savior who continues to captivate people near and far: she was an Underground Railroad conductor, a spiritual sage, an abolitionist, a spy, a clairvoyant, a nurse and an astrologer. Tubman possessed unique qualities that liberated countless people, including over 700 kidnapped ancestors reportedly free of slavery during the Combahee River Raid. We could imagine such a messiah today – and not necessarily a person possessing these characteristics, but many of us who possess the specific characteristics needed to develop into a collective messiah.

Harriet Tubman’s courageous efforts inspired so many. What higher way to reflect on her life, words and courage than to embrace our beautiful Black power in liberating ourselves in every sphere of society; produce from amongst us not one, but many messiahs?

There is ample evidence that Tubman continues to capture our imaginations, inspiring us to rise to the challenge in our areas of influence. Tubman’s various contributions to society have been portrayed on film and television by, amongst others: Cynthia Erivo in the biopic “Harriet” and Aisha Hinds in the TV series “Underground.” Beyond the silver screen, television and literature, we also discover a soundscape Winner of Nkeiru Okoye’s Guggenheim Award an opera, “Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed That Line,” revealing not only the impact of her mind and power, but in addition a deep insight into Tubman’s messianic role in the fight for freedom and her humanity amid an otherwise harrowing legend. In the enveloping melody of the aria “I am Moses the Deliverer” we discover a musical celebration of black womanhood and resilience, difficult stereotypes and amplifying disinherited black voices.

Indeed, creating freedom requires each resistance and creativity.

So what can we deal with today when it comes to liberation? Our ancestors warned that we must look inside ourselves while being mindful of how our freedoms can displace or bypass others. They called for our liberation from oppressive systems that privilege resource extraction and loss of life, as we see in Gaza and Congo. They insist on our faith: Do we imagine we are able to free ourselves from the high rates of infant and maternal mortality amongst Black women by uplifting the justice warriors constructing the framework to address these disparities?

In this and many other cases: “Do you want to be free?” is a fundamental query brought to the fore by a life like Harriet Tubman, who also reminds us that after we do liberatory work in solidarity with marginalized communities, it must be done with the consent of those we stand for.

However, sometimes we face oppression because we prefer to stick to the way things have all the time been and stick to what is understood. We cannot assume that everybody wants change or confrontation with the agents of power and oppression. There are those that feel comfortable in the system in the event that they have a title, exemption from direct oppression, or a presumed position of privilege amongst the oppressed – but can there ever be an enduring position of privilege when the caste system is designed to exclude and marginalize anyone outside the dominant culture?

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Let’s not get distracted if we discover ourselves in the group of those that care about the established order. Rather, seek comfort in those whom it could take little effort to persuade; who understand that although the path to the promised land may not be easy, it’s price moving forward for ourselves, our ancestors and – most significantly – our youngsters.

“Truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the same works that I have done, and even greater works.” John 14:12.

We imagine that Harriet Tubman is repeating the same words of her Christ: “You will do the same works that I have done, and even greater works, because of who and what you believe in.”

As we honor Tubman’s legacy during Women’s History Month and beyond, may “I am Moses the Deliverer” be your topic. Remember the words of Dr. Delores Williams and understand that “the oppressed of the oppressed” have a voice. It is our responsibility to be certain that their voices are heard loud and clear. Even in the midst of all the challenges, these reflections – and the reflections of the many ladies who’ve called us to liberation – lead us to proceed the timeless legacy of Black Moses – the messiah – who ushers us right into a recent dimension.

To rejoice Women’s History Month and women in all places, we embark on a journey that traverses the wealthy tapestry of black faith, resilience and activism. Together, allow us to proceed on a journey of empowerment and liberation, inspired by the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman and countless other Black women who paved the way for generations to come.

The Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones is a faith leader helping people navigate a dynamic world, as a consultant to various arts and faith-based organizations, and as Professor of Music in Contemporary Societies at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. She is an award-winning creator (Oxford University Press). For more information please visit DrAlisha.com.

Rev. Calvin Taylor Skinner is committed to strengthening frontline communities in Knoxville, Tennessee and the UK. He uses faith and politics to address energy justice, criminal justice reform, voter education/mobilization, electoral politics, and global issues. He and his wife, Reverend Dr. Alisha Lola Jones, run InSight Initiative, a consulting firm focused on capability constructing and live event production.