Erivo plays civil rights icon and abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the new film 

Tubman saved dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad after escaping her own masters 

She went on to serve the Union Army during the Civil War and became the first woman to ever lead a military advance with the Raid on Combahee Ferry 

It liberated 700 slaves from North Carolina and made Tubman a war hero 

She died in 1913 after fighting for the women's suffrage and helping newly emancipated slaves find work 

Earlier this year, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin delayed the release of a $20 bill with Tubman's face on it until after Trump leaves office 

The decision was slammed by many who had eagerly awaited the first bill that would ever feature an African American person 

Harriet, the film, also stars Janelle Monae - it will be released in November