Deanna Stanford Walz, a relative of iconic abolitionist former Auburn resident Harriet Tubman, said that although she believes the Auburn area has embraced her ancestor more in recent years, it wasn’t always that way.
Stanford Walz, a member of the Harriet Tubman Boosters, which educates people about Tubman, recalled a vehement protest from Auburn High School students over a proposal in the ’90s to name the school after Tubman. She said she was disappointed and confused by the controversy, as she attended the school at the time. Gazing at the people around for an event honoring Tubman in Auburn Saturday, however, Stanford Walz said she believes there is now increased awareness of her family member’s life.
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