A National Park Service website has officially returned the images and quotes of pioneering abolitionist Harriet Tubman following public outrage at its removal!

The “What is the Underground Railroad?” page that originally featured a photo of and quotes from Harriet as the leading feature was completely altered since February reports ABC News. The page initially provided detailed context regarding the historical significance of the Underground Railroad in American history.

The page was updated completely erasing Harriet’s image and contributions as she was replaced with a collage of Postal Service Underground Railroad commemorative stamps highlighting “Black/White Cooperation.”

The description of the Underground Railroad was changed from “the resistance to enslavement through escape and flight” to one that downplays the role of slavery, instead saying it was an expression of the “American civil rights movement” that bridged “the divides of race,” reports NBC News.

Harriet’s great-great-grandniece Rita Daniels shares that she was deeply hurt by the recent changes. “It tore me apart when I saw the news clip flash across my phone.”

She added, “I was just basically shocked and hurt at the same time,” Daniels said. “Most of my adult life, I pretty much wanted to make sure that people know that her story is a critical part of Black history, which is American history.”

According to ABC News, the web page dedicated to the Underground Railroad was restored early Tuesday morning (April 8th).

Reports read that there have been multiple changes on government websites since Donald Trump’s return to office in response to the erasure of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Iconic professional athlete Jackie Robinson, known for his legacy of breaking barriers against racism in baseball was removed from the Army website and later restored due to public outrage. The same instances occurred with historical figures Colin Powell and Doris Miller.

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