Monumental: Harriet Tubman and Newark's Liberation Movement

These excerpts were designed for Newark’s beloved Harriet Tubman Square, featured as immersive audio in the permanent monument installation honoring Harriet Tubman, Newark’s role in the Underground Railroad, and the Black liberation movement’s rich history in the city. Audible is deeply committed to the renaissance of Newark—our hometown—and to helping share stories that deserve to be told.

In the heat of 2020’s unrest, as anti-racism protests swept the nation, the city of Newark, New Jersey, removed the Christopher Columbus statue from Washington Park. The park was renamed Harriet Tubman Square, and a monument honoring her was erected—a monumental moment in American history.

Past and present collide again in Monumental: Harriet Tubman and Newark’s Liberation Movement, created by Newark native Pia Wilson and performed by Newark native Queen Latifah. The first story dives into the riveting life of Harriet Tubman, immersing listeners in a memorable retelling of the adversity Harriet endured as a pioneer of the Underground Railroad. The second story reflects on the individuals and organizations at the forefront of the abolitionist movement in Newark. It highlights the heroes throughout the city's history who risked life and liberty to help people reach freedom and achieve their human rights.