photo courtesy of http://ed101.bu.edu/
As Black History Month comes to an end, let's not forget that black history should be celebrated all year. I was recently speaking to a coworker about some personnel issues. In the midst of that conversation, another individual entered and spouted off about what a third coworker said about the individual I was speaking to. The proverbial "cat" was let out of the bag. Now, you may be asking what all this has to do with Black History Month and the prolific Harriet Tubman featured in this picture. Allow me to explain.
Secrecy.
Harriet Tubman's success with the Underground Railroad rested on the power of secrecy. She had to have an insurmountable trust in the people who were assisting her freeing of the slaves. The slaves that were freed had to be trusted to ensure their lips were sealed tight. This "secret" was one of the most important events of this country's existence. Had it not been for this and other movements, I may not be here writing this blog post. Mrs. Tubman was said to have faked knowing how to read to slave catchers who were told by fliers posted that she was illiterate.
This secret saved her life and allowed her to continue the mission to free the slaves. She made nineteen trips successfully and helped liberate over 300 men, women and children. How does this all correlate to that conversation with my coworker? The answer lies in the ability to keep certain things close to the chest for the good of all involved. Some information when released can cause a tiny flame to ignite into an uncontrollable bonfire. There will sometimes be conspirators there to add fuel to keep it going. We must all understand the importance of keeping our mouths closed.
Loose lips sink ships. In Harriet Tubman's case it could have resulted in death. In the case of my coworkers, it fortunately (or unfortunately depending on perspective) only resulted in a bruised ego and slight misunderstanding.
It could have all been avoided if the secret was protected.
For more info on Harriet Tubman, click here.
3 comments:
Great post, Riss!
Love the two-for-one double analogy of the entire post. I cannot imagine what would have become of the Underground Railroad if it had been revealed ahead of time. Certainly more than a bruised ego, considered all the women and kids that Harriet Tubman help to freedom.
Loved this post.
Glad you liked it! I've been itching to write something about "Moses" and this situation provided the perfect canvas for it.
Lawdy, lawdy we would have been lost if the word had got out!
"We" would have been "dead." Those white people were something serious back in those days.
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