Harriet Ann Jacobs

There was a woman who lived many years ago with the most incredible story. Her name was Harriet Ann Jacobs (1813- March, 7, 1897). Harriet Jacobs was a slave in North Carolina who escaped to freedom in 1842 after living under the most unbearable of circumstances. After escaping from slavery she wrote an autobiography of her life called Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl under the pen name Linda Brent. Her story is one of sadness, sexual harassment, and triumph.

Harriet had to endure years of sexual advancements from her master. She refused him and instead took a young, well-off, white man as her lover. She had two children with this man. This vexed her master greatly. Eventually in order to escape her masters’ tyranny she ran away and hid in her grandmother’s attic for seven years before escaping by boat to Philadelphia.

I first read about her in a book on African American woman a couple of years ago and I found her story very intriguing. Recently I came across a website with her whole book published on it. To get to the website just click on this link: Harriet Jacobs. When you get to the site, scroll down to the bottom and click on “Site Index” and this will take you to her book.

I believe Ms. Jacobs’ story should be more widely known. She was and is a role model to African Americans and woman everywhere. Strength like hers was rare in slaves.

To listen to the NPR interview with Professor Jean Fagan Yellin of Pace University, the woman who confirmed the authenticity of Harriet’s story, click on the link below:

Professor Sheds Light on Harriet Jacobs\’ Path to Freedom

♥ Wiggy Wack