Under cover of darkness on June 2, 1863, two Union ships stole up the Combahee River in a mission that would liberate over 750 slaves from South Carolina plantations. What became known as the Combahee Ferry Raid was the first major U.S. military operation lead by a woman: Harriet Tubman. The same Harriet Tubman whose image was scheduled until recently to be on the front of the new $20 bill next year. And the same Harriet Tubman whose remarkable life as a spy, abolitionist, nurse and cook included connections to Boston. Many know her name but few know her story. Now, author and historian Elizabeth Cobbs is connecting the dots in a new historical novel detailing one of Harriet Tubman’s greatest achievements.
The Tubman Command is available in stores and online now.
Guests:
Dr. Elizabeth Cobbs - Melbern G. Glasscock Professor of History at Texas A & M University. She is the author of historical fiction novels, including The Tubman Command.
L’Merchie Frazier - Director of Education and Interpretation at the Museum of African American History, Boston.
Dr. Edda Fields-Black - Associate professor of history at Carnegie Mellon University.
