#782 Harriet Tubman, Union Spy: Black History Month

Harriet Tubman's Untold War Saga: The Combahee River Raid - A Riveting Tale of Courage and Liberation

The Not Old - Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series 

Welcome to the Not Old - Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. where Black History Month 2024 comes alive through the stories that shaped our world. Today's episode takes us back to a pivotal yet often underrepresented chapter in American history, starring one of its most fearless figures – Harriet Tubman. Known for her indomitable spirit in leading slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad, Tubman's legacy extends far beyond.

In this episode, we delve deep into a crucial and audacious phase of her life – her role during the Civil War, particularly in the Combahee River Raid. This event, not just a mere footnote in history, saw Tubman not only guiding slaves to freedom but actively shaping the course of the war. We're joined by Smithsonian Associate, historian and author Edda L. Fields-Black, a descendant of one of the soldiers who fought in this raid, and a consultant for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Edda Fields-Black's insights, drawn from her book "Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War," along with previously unexamined documents, bring a new dimension to our understanding of this event. She will shed light on how Tubman commanded a network of spies and scouts, and her role in liberating over 750 individuals in a single, daring expedition. Edda Fields-Black will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out the Smithsonian Associates website for more details, but we have Edda Fields Black today, in honor of Black History Month 2024.

Let’s listen as Edda Fields Black reads a brief passage from her wonderful new book, "Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War,”  harkening back to a time of enslavement and when slaves returned to slave terriorory, a very exclusive club of Harriet Tubman’s brigage.

Through this episode, we're not just revisiting history; we're uncovering the layers of bravery, strategy, and humanity that defined Harriet Tubman's life. Her story resonates deeply, especially with our community of listeners over 60, reminding us that the pursuit of freedom and change knows no age.

Stay with us as we explore this extraordinary tale of courage, leadership, and liberation – a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. This is tthe Not Old - Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast Let's begin.

My thanks to  Smithsonian Associate, historian and author Edda L. Fields-Black,  Edda Fields-Black will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up so please check out the Smithsonian Associates website for more details in honor of Black History Month 2024.  My thanks to the Smithsonian team for their ongoing support of the show.  My thanks to you my wonderful audience on radio and podcast.  Please be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™. The Not Old - Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast.  Thanks, everybody and we’ll see you next week.