Harriet Tubman Promoted to National Guard Brigadier General
In a historic tribute to courage, the Maryland Army National Guard posthumously promoted social justice icon Harriet Tubman to the rank of brigadier general.
The ceremony was held at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in her hometown of Dorchester County on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), marking 111 years since her death.
The promotion came to fruition thanks to legislation passed earlier this year by the Maryland General Assembly, granting Governor Wes Moore the authority to bestow the honor. A grassroots movement played a pivotal role in rallying support for the initiative.
Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece, Tina Wyatt, accepted the promotion on her behalf. “She would say it wasn’t me, it was the Lord,” Wyatt shared. “I’m overwhelmed, and just, I’m tearing up because she did so many great things,” she added.
During the event, Major General Janeen Birckhead formally recognized Tubman’s military service, highlighting her roles as a spy, scout, nurse, and cook.
She was the first Black woman to serve in combat for the U.S. military, providing critical intelligence to the Union Army about the location, supply lines, and missions of Confederate troops.
