Harriet Tubman

Obama Presidential Center Honoree

Harriet Tubman

Space Name: Harriet Tubman Courtyard | Forum

Harriet Tubman was a courageous and iconic abolitionist who risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Tubman dedicated herself to upholding human dignity, working later as a nurse, spy, and women’s suffrage supporter. Her resilience, compassion, and leadership in the face of danger continue to inspire people from every race and background to stand up for freedom, equality, and justice.

With gratitude to Karla Jurvetson, M.D.

“ Harriet Tubman fought tirelessly for the Union cause, for the rights of enslaved people, for the rights of women, and for the rights of all.”

–President Barack Obama

Legacy on Campus

  • Campus Courtyards

    The Obama Presidential Center campus features courtyards named after those who have inspired President and Mrs. Obama, including abolitionists and freedom fighter Harriet Tubman.

  • Art on Campus

    Explore 28 commissioned art installations across the Presidential Center including Hem of Heaven . Nikesha Durrett's new installation is a vibrant reimagining of Harriet Tubman’s shawl made from thousands of handmade, ceramic tiles woven together to symbolize strength, community, and collective effort.

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Your honorary gift will help us inspire, empower, and connect leaders from around the world to take on the biggest challenges of our time.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

John Lewis

Meet More Honorees

Through the honoree naming initiative at the Obama Presidential Center, we are partnering with our donors to celebrate a part of the history in which the Obama story is so deeply rooted by associating a named space with a hero, moment, or person "on whose shoulders we stand"—an honoree who made the Obamas’ story possible.

Meet More Honorees