Philadelphia, PA — “Keep going.” These powerful words from Harriet Tubman resonate deeply with Game 4 P.E.A.C.E Atlanta team member, Sister Rita Daniels, who embodies Tubman’s unshakable spirit in her fight for education, empowerment, and freedom. As the great-great-great grandniece of the legendary abolitionist, Daniels is determined to carry forward her ancestor’s mission, ensuring that no obstacle—educational, social, or economic—stops the people she serves.

Some moments in life are beyond words, and speaking with Sister Rita Daniels—a direct descendant of Harriet Tubman—is one of those moments. When I first spoke with her on the phone in 2016, I had no idea I was about to connect with someone whose very existence carries the legacy of my childhood hero. Harriet Tubman wasn’t just a name in history books to me—she was a force I could feel in my hometown of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

West Chester wasn’t just a place; it was part of the Underground Railroad. The Tent Sisters, who played a critical role in helping freed slaves, founded the organization there. The tunnels Harriet Tubman once traveled beneath our feet still exist. As a child, I remember standing in certain places and feeling something greater—like the weight of history pressing against time itself. Harriet Tubman wasn’t just a historical figure to me; she was a warrior, a leader, and a woman who carried a gun because she understood that freedom sometimes had to be fought for. Sister Rita Daniels mission and ministry proves that history isn’t just in books—it’s in people. It’s alive. And today, we get to hear from someone who carries the same fire, the same unshakable spirit, and the same mission as her legendary ancestor. She spoke about legacy, perseverance, and most importantly—how we keep going.

As the President and Founder of the Harriet Tubman Learning Center (HTLC) in Georgia, Daniels is committed to breaking cycles of inequality through literacy programs, mentorship, and job readiness training. She knows, just as Tubman did, that knowledge is power—and that freedom begins with awareness.

Her book, Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary, released today, delves into Tubman’s roots in Ghana and her transformative impact on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. More than just history, the book serves as a blueprint for perseverance—showing how Tubman’s unwavering faith and determination shattered barriers, and how those same principles apply today.

Harriet Tubman once said, “If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.” Sister Rita Daniels lives by this philosophy. Whether facing systemic challenges, personal hardships, or the resistance that comes with change, she pushes forward—never losing a passenger, never running her train off the track. Through education, advocacy, and relentless determination, Sister Rita is proving that the spirit of Harriet Tubman is alive and well. And just like Tubman, she will keep going—so others can, too.

This book is not just a historical account—it’s a bridge connecting the past with the future. For those of us who believe that history is the bedrock upon which we build our present and future, Sister Rita’s work is a vital tool for both reflection and action.

As we look to the current and future generations, this book will become a resource of knowledge and empowerment, reminding us of the resilience, leadership, and unwavering determination that Harriet Tubman embodied. It is not only a tribute to her legacy but also an invitation for all of us to take up the mantle of strength and courage in our own lives.

Gabrielle Nicole: Sister Rita, I want to thank you for joining us. Before I begin asking questions, I’d love for you to share some things that are important to know—about you, about the book, and about your great-great-great-aunt Harriet Tubman. For instance, you mentioned the similarities between Harriet Tubman publishing her book and your own journey. Could you elaborate on that and anything else you’d like us to know?

Sister Rita Daniels: Absolutely! My name is Rita Daniels. I am Harriet Tubman’s great-great-great-niece, and I am from Auburn, New York, where Harriet Tubman lived for the last 50+ years of her life. We have close family ties. However, I didn’t find out I was related to her until I was nine years old.

When I learned about Harriet Tubman in school, I was shocked. The textbook only had two paragraphs about her, along with a picture labeling her as a fugitive. It described her as a thief who stole slaves—because slaves were considered property at that time.

My grandmother never spoke about our connection to Harriet Tubman because of the era we were in. When I asked why it wasn’t talked about, my mother explained that Harriet Tubman’s legacy wasn’t as celebrated then as it is today. People in Auburn knew about her but remained silent.

Harriet Tubman was strategic. She was able to purchase property with the help of her supporters, and when slave hunters came looking for her, she would hide deep in the woods so they could never find her. She always found a way to outmaneuver her enemies.

When I wrote my school report on Harriet Tubman, I was the only Black student in the classroom. White students got to choose their historical figures, while we were simply handed ours. But I didn’t just write a basic report—I did my research. I was determined to show that Harriet Tubman was not the villain history tried to make her. She was a hero who risked everything to free enslaved people, starting with her own family.

[There was a time when] …I had to keep going. I went back to school for my bachelor’s degree. My mother reminded me that Harriet Tubman kept going despite every obstacle she faced. Education was key, and she encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree so we could start a learning center in Harriet Tubman’s honor.

We launched the Harriet Tubman Learning Center to continue her legacy. We worked with failing students, particularly Black boys and girls, ensuring they received tutoring in reading and math. We couldn’t allow our children to accept failure.

However, in 2016, circumstances forced us to shut the center down. But that didn’t stop us. We are now working to reopen and expand into multiple states—Georgia, Connecticut, New York, and Washington, D.C. Harriet Tubman’s legacy must continue.

Many people use Harriet Tubman’s name, but they are not truly connected to her mission. That’s why we are doing this. In my book, there is a QR code where people can donate to help us reopen the Harriet Tubman Learning Center. No donation is too small, and we’re seeking major contributions because we need funding to grow and reach more communities.Some stores may refuse to carry it because of its content, but that will not stop us.

Now, let’s talk about the similarities between my book and Harriet Tubman’s book. Harriet Tubman’s biography was co-written by a white woman, and interestingly, I am the first direct descendant to take on this task—and I also have a white co-writer.

Harriet Tubman’s co-author believed in her mission and helped raise funds for her cause. Similarly, my co-writer understands the importance of our work and has helped bring this book to life. Just as Harriet Tubman’s book was used to support her efforts, this book will help fund the Learning Center.

This book needs to be in every home. Harriet Tubman’s journey reminds us that if she could keep going in the face of slavery, oppression, and relentless pursuit, then we—living in the 21st century—have no excuse to stop fighting for justice and education.

Gabrielle Nicole: Most definitely. Thank you again, Sister Rita for allowing me to hear your story and share in your journey.

Before I ended the interview with Sister Rita I asked her who she wanted to challenge to a Game 4 P.E.A.C.E which is our challenge to reach out to people throughout the world in the form of an interview here on our Game 4 P.E.A.C.E podcast and she chose Queen Mother Delois Blakely. Look for that interview here at game4peace.net.

Sister Rita Daniels, Jannie Blackwell, Justin Ragsdale and Mizz Gabrielle Nicole

The Legacy Lives On: A Call to Action

Sister Rita Daniels’ story is not just an interview—it’s a testament to the unyielding power of perseverance, education, and legacy. As the great-great-great-niece of Harriet Tubman, she carries a mission deeply rooted in history but urgently relevant today. Through the Harriet Tubman Learning Center, she is ensuring that future generations receive the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to break cycles of oppression—just as her legendary ancestor did.

Her book, Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary, is more than a biography; it’s an institution, a blueprint for resilience, and a bridge between past and future. It reminds us that Tubman’s fight was never just about escaping slavery—it was about building freedom. That fight is not over.

Sister Rita’s journey teaches us that “keeping going” is not just a mantra—it’s a responsibility. Whether facing adversity, systemic barriers, or personal trials, we honor Harriet Tubman’s legacy by refusing to stop.

Now, it’s time to step up. Support the Harriet Tubman Learning Center, share the book, spread the message, and most importantly—keep going.

DON’T MISS THIS!

Sister Rita is bringing history to life!

Watch her on The Today Show with Al Roker here: Bing Videos

Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary is AVAILABLE NOW in hardcover and eBook! Get your copy today at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Simon & Schuster, or your favorite bookstore! Don’t just read history—experience it!