About us.

our mission

The Harriet Tubman Liberation Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, advances freedom, empowerment, and well-being for people of all ages, with a special focus on youth and young adults in Auburn, New York, and surrounding communities. Inspired by the legacy of Harriet Tubman, we cultivate supportive and affirming environments where young people develop leadership, build meaningful relationships, and work in solidarity with others to create a more just and liberated world.

our Vision

Freedom. Leadership. Community.

A future where people of all ages—especially youth and young adults—are empowered to live in freedom, lead with courage, and work together to build just, compassionate, and liberated communities.Freedom

We believe every person deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and self-determination. Inspired by Harriet Tubman’s relentless pursuit of freedom, we work to remove barriers that prevent individuals and communities from thriving.

Courage

Transformation requires bold leadership. We encourage young people to stand with moral courage, challenge injustice, and pursue their calling with confidence and integrity.

Community

Liberation is never achieved alone. We cultivate supportive and affirming environments where people build meaningful relationships rooted in mutual care, respect, and accountability.

Justice

We are committed to advancing fairness, equity, and opportunity for all people, recognizing that true freedom requires dismantling systems that perpetuate inequality.

Faith & Hope

Grounded in the spiritual resilience that sustained Harriet Tubman and countless freedom seekers, we nurture hope and faith in the possibility of a more just and compassionate world.

Why Harriet & the Sankofa Heart?

Harriet Tubman Davis was a woman of faith and courage. She led enslaved Africans to freedom on the Underground Railroad, guided 750 people to liberation during the Civil War, and spent over 50 years fighting for the elderly and women’s rights. Her maternal grandmother, “Modesty,” was captured and enslaved from the Gold Coast (presently Ghana). Historical records indicate that Harriet recalled that Eastern Shore black folk likened her to the “Shante” people of Africa, known for their bold warrior spirit. 

Queen Mother Harriet Tubman Davis embodies the spirit of the Akan symbols of Sankofa.

Sankofa (phonetic /ˈsɑn.kɔ.fə/, pronounced SAN-kaw-fah) has two Adinkra symbols originating from the Akan people of Ghana—the bird and the heart. Its name comes from the Twi expression, “San kɔfa!” whose literal meaning is “Go back and get it!” a command to pay due regard to the lessons and practices of the past and to draw on them to inform the present and the future.

Our Logo, the Sankofa Heart, is an abstract heart shape with intricate colors and symmetrical spirals representing the continuous need of ourheart to draw on lessons from the past to inform the present and future liberation of all people. It aims to aid in the thriving of everyone in our communities through unwavering and relentless determination to “Go back and get,” bringing forth all individuals with loving commitment toward a vital and thriving existence.

Meet the BOARD

Strategic Plan

The Harriet Tubman Liberation Foundation Inc. (HTLF) has developed a strategic plan to scale up our operations and deepen our community impact. We have created a comprehensive funding plan (SFP) for donor engagement, civic leadership, and community partnerships. Operating as a community foundation with a focus on grant-making and asset growth, HTLF's goal is to adopt and adapt core components to expand our capacity and impact, particularly in youth-focused areas such as education, employment, civics, and life skills.

Our plan includes the following growth objectives to ensure the long-term mission of our organization:

  • Establish a Sustainable Financial Infrastructure

  • Define and Expand HTLF Impact Areas

  • Position HTLF as a Civic Leader

  • Build a Diversified Revenue Model

  • Grow Community Trust & Donor Base

  • Build Strategic Partnerships

  • Invest in Internal Capacity

  • Measure and Communicate Impact

  • Leverage the Harriet Tubman Legacy

Empowering Change Through Collaboration

Make an impact that transforms lives and communities. Join us in driving forward powerful initiatives with unwavering commitment and relentless determination.