The Mayfield-Graves County NAACP branch will host a special viewing of the critically-acclaimed movie Harriet at 7 p.m. Monday November 18th, in the Princess Theater, 1102 Paris Road in Mayfield.

The film is based on the life of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and became the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of anti-slavery activists who helped enslaved African Americans flee to the free state North and to Canada.

"We encourage people from throughout the area to come and watch the movie with us," said the Rev. Bruce Dobyns, Mayfield NAACP president. "Harriet Tubman is an inspiration to us all."

Released this year, the movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Tubman. Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn and Janelle Monáe appear in supporting roles.

In 1849, Tubman fled north from Maryland, a border slave state like Kentucky. Afterwards, she risked her own freedom by going south about 13 times. She rescued approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, and earned the nickname "Moses."

During the Civil War, Tubman went to South Carolina, where she aided the Union army as a nurse and scout. She is also said to be the first woman to lead troops in battle in the war.

After the war, she worked tirelessly to help impoverished ex-slaves and the elderly. In honor of her life, her portrait is scheduled to replace Andrew Jackson on the center of a new $20 bill in 2028.