Alison Saar, the sculptor of this magnificent memorial to Harriet Tubman in New York City, placed Tubman facing south, a controversial decision when it was dedicated in 2008. Critics said it should face north to symbolize Tubman’s many trips leading slaves to freedom. “What is most impressive to me,” Saar explained, “are her trips south, where she risked her own freedom. As impressive as her courage and commitment, what is amazing to me is her compassion. Harriet Tubman is calling on all of us to look at the compassion within each of us.” I devoted a chapter to Harriet Tubman in my book Spies! Women in the Civil War, now available as as eBook
