By: Sarah Ross, Board Member
Recently I watched the film Harriet. This film told the life story of Harriet Tubman. Famously known as “Moses,” she led countless slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
After fighting for freedom for African Americans, she went on to participate in the Women’s suffrage movement. Her tragedies, victories, service to others, and accomplishments are so inspirational that I found myself going down a rabbit trail of research. After several hours of reading about her life, I know this one thing for sure:
Harriet Tubman knew all humans were created to be free, and she knew it was her responsibility to help bring about that freedom for as many as she could.
Harriet Tubman had experienced the dehumanization of slavery and I contend this spurred her on to assist others out of slavery.
As we celebrate women during Women’s History Month, we often celebrate people such as Harriet Tubman. People that have had such a profound and famous life, and celebrating these courageous people of our past is good. On the other hand, in this month we must remember that people of color are still at work transitioning others from slavery to freedom. One such person is Tika Thornton.
Tika was trafficked at a very young age and was held captive by a pimp for years. When she finally had a chance to flee, she was able to get the help she needed to become a survivor. A survivor who is now helping to rehabilitate women that are fighting for their freedom from trafficking. She is an inspiration to continue our work to make sure women are free.
Slavery, defined as using another person against her will for gain, comes in so many forms.
The pain and suffering that both Harriett Tubman and Tika Thornton endured spurred them on to help others fight for freedom. Sojourn House recognizes the horrendous statistics that put women of color at much greater risk to be trafficked than white women. We remain committed to doing our part to allow victims of trafficking to time and space to see themselves as people that can live free and productive lives.
No matter what month it is, no matter their skin color, no matter their story, we want to be that place of healing for the next Harriet Tubman or Tika Thornton.
Watch Tika Thornton’s TedTalk here.
Comentários