Traveling alone, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia and became involved with the Black abolitionist movement. Despite slavery being outlawed in the north, the new Fugitive Slave Law made life for African Americans even more dangerous. For Tubman, immediate action was necessary. 

Explore this documentary film clip and engage students in historical thinking using the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool. In this inquiry-based resource for Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom, students view a video clip explaining the role of African Americans as the first abolitionists, analyze primary source photographs and prints from the era, and consider discussion prompts for more dialogue and deeper reflection.