TAT Accepting Nominations For 2026 Harriet Tubman Award

TAT is accepting nominations through Aug. 15 for the 2026 Harriet Tubman Award, recognizing actions that help prevent human trafficking and assist victims.

Efforts to combat human trafficking often happen because someone recognizes a warning sign and decides to act. TAT is once again highlighting those actions through its annual Harriet Tubman Award presented by WEX, with nominations now open for 2026.

The award recognizes individuals in the trucking, bus, and energy industries whose direct actions have either helped prevent human trafficking or improved the lives of those affected by exploitation. Recipients receive a $5,000 award and a trophy.

Eligible nominations must involve an incident that occurred in the United States or Canada, and nominees must live in one of those countries.

Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 15.

Industry Employees Encouraged to Share Their Experiences

TAT is asking individuals to come forward if they have been involved in situations where they took action to help someone they believed may have been a trafficking victim.

“Please share your story if you’ve taken any action to help someone you think might be a trafficking victim or a potential trafficking victim,” said Laura Cyrus, TAT senior director of Industry Training and Outreach, “Even if you’re not sure what you did is ‘award worthy.’ The stories of our Harriet Tubman Award winners are important. These stories serve to encourage others in the industry to stay vigilant around this effort.”

Those interested in nominating someone for the award can review the nomination process while submissions remain open.

Survey Available for Companies

To help identify potential nominees, TAT has made a survey available for companies to use internally.

According to the organization, the survey can be distributed to both frontline employees and drivers through company communications, driver messaging systems, and other internal channels. The goal is to help uncover stories that may qualify for award consideration.

Companies interested in obtaining the survey can contact [email protected].

Award Honors Harriet Tubman’s Legacy

TAT created the Harriet Tubman Award in 2013 and named it after the famed abolitionist whose actions helped guide enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Tubman’s personal efforts resulted in 70 enslaved people reaching freedom, while her broader role in the abolition movement contributed to the liberation of thousands more.

Born into slavery in 1820, Tubman later became the first African American woman to be buried with full military honors. She was also the first woman to have the inaugural Liberty ship named after her by the U.S. Maritime Commission.