As we mark Race Equality Week in the UK (February 3rd – 9th), it’s a moment to reflect on the individuals whose extraordinary contributions to the fight for justice and equality inspire us to continue building a fairer and more inclusive society.
A lifelong contribution
People like Harriet Tubman spring to mind. Born into slavery, Harriet’s determination to fight for freedom transformed her into one of history’s most celebrated abolitionists. Escaping to Philadelphia in 1849, she did not stop there — she returned to the South 19 times, risking her life to guide around 70 enslaved Black people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Her extraordinary courage earned her the nickname "Moses" and inspired her famous declaration: "I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger."
Harriet’s fight for justice extended far beyond the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as a nurse for the Union Army and later became a scout, famously leading a military mission in South Carolina in 1863 that freed 750 enslaved people. She was the first woman in American history to plan and lead a military raid — breaking barriers and redefining what was possible for women of her time.
But Harriet’s legacy didn’t end with emancipation. After the war, she continued her work of care and advocacy by founding The Home for the Aged in New York, one of the first care homes for Black Americans. This home provided sanctuary for those with conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, and blindness — demonstrating her lifelong commitment to dignity, inclusion, and respect.
A call to action for Race Equality Week
At Age UK, we are deeply inspired by Harriet Tubman’s story of resilience and compassion. Her unwavering commitment to justice mirrors our mission to ensure all older people — especially those from Black and other marginalised communities — are empowered to thrive in later life.
We know that Black older people, particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by systemic inequalities that persist into later life. They are more likely to have faced low-paid work, retire without financial security, experience health inequities, and live in unsafe or insecure housing. These challenges are the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and institutional racism, and they demand urgent action.
At Age UK, we are working to address these inequities. We recognise that older people face individual challenges, and that tailored, culturally competent support is essential. While we are at the start of this journey, we are committed to learning, adapting, and advocating for meaningful change.
Harriet Tubman’s life reminds us of the power of courage and care to create a more equitable world. As we reflect on her legacy this Race Equality Week, we recommit ourselves to ensuring that older people from all backgrounds can live with dignity, respect, and support — because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in later life.
