Group: 283 Name: Jiahe Zhang

Black History Month & Community Service

Black History Month is about celebrating the contribution of the people who have had a tremendous impact on the
rights and equality of black citizens in North America. From the well-known figures such as Harriet Tubman and
Frederick Douglass to the lesser-known people such as Don Haskins and the Texas Miners, each story has a powerful
lesson for us all to learn.

Who best illustrates an example of perseverance? Harriet Tubman

Explain what beneficial impact they had on their community.

After escaping from slavery during her twenties, Harriet Tubman went back to Maryland to help her family escape and
later became a conductor of the Underground Railroad for 11 years. She made around thirteen expeditions and rescued
at least 70 slaves. Even after her death, Harriet Tubman is an inspiration for generations of African Americans struggling
for equality and civil rights and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest African Americans.

What obstacle did they have to overcome to help their community?

She had to walk very long distances with the people she guided and needed to be inventive to handle difficult situations.
She was always at risk of losing her freedom during her expeditions, but neither she nor the people she guided we’re
ever captured.

What other qualities helped them to persevere?

Harriet Tubman was really courageous and strong-willed. She didn’t think twice and was brave enough to return to save
her family after escaping even if she could get caught. And thanks to her strong will to help people, she helped so much
more slaves escape to the North.

What quality of theirs would you like to possess?

Her determination.

How can you develop that quality inside of yourself in the future?

I personally don’t think someone can learn to be determined about something. It’s either you are or not. For me,
determination is like a fire inside of you that help you to overcome anything in order to achieve what you want. I never
really had something that I really wanted to achieve. So, I hope that in the future, I’ll have dreams and be determined to
make them reality.

With the inspirational examples of Black History Month, how can you serve your community with what you have
learned?

I can talk about inspirational examples of Black History with my family and friends, educate myself more on this matter
and most importantly, not forget or ignore the history behind the Black History month.