News - Bennett College to Auction Iconic Harriet Tubman Painting for $3.5M

A historic painting of Harriet Tubman, crafted by Aaron Douglas for Bennett College in 1931, is about to find a new owner. With an anticipated value of $2.5 to $3.5 million, the college is auctioning the artwork to safeguard its future and support its centennial commitments. This sale is not just about letting go of a masterpiece but intertwining legacy with financial necessity. The college in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of two all-women historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs). The painting was originally commissioned by philanthropist Alfred K. Stern to empower young Black women. For many years, it served as a motivational beacon on Bennett's campus. Yet, due to the lack of facilities to care for such artwork, it has been housed at the North Carolina Museum of Art since the early 2000s. Depicting Harriet Tubman breaking chains and guiding others to freedom, Douglas's creation does more than capture history — it depicts a journey toward empowerment and self-realization. Surrounding scenes in the artwork denote a transition from servitude to autonomy: a farmer cultivating his land and a young woman engrossed in reading symbolize progress and self-sufficiency. Cassandra Jones Havard, chair of Bennett College's Board of Trustees, articulated the complex emotions tied to the sale. “Selling Aaron Douglas’s Harriet Tubman means ensuring our future while preserving the spirit of empowerment and strength,” she expressed. Although absent from campus view for two decades, the painting is an indelible part of Bennett's heritage. Come November 18, the painting will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York. The proceeds will significantly contribute to Bennett College’s centennial plans and initiatives such as its Women’s Health Initiative, targeting healthcare equity and addressing disparities. The sale underscores the broader financial struggles HBCUs face in maintaining their cultural artifacts while pursuing financial resilience. The decision to part with such a monumental piece underlines a reality that many similar institutions confront: balancing historical preservation with the practical needs of modern education. By leveraging its heritage, Bennett aims to honor its past while paving paths for future generations.