Philadelphia-July 5, 2003 Contact Information: Vivian Abdur-Rahim

(513) 853-0297

The week ending June 29th, the William Still Underground Railroad
Foundation was host to the first annual National Underground Railroad
Family Reunion Festival at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in downtown
Philadelphia. Hundreds attended the event. supported by the Harriet 
Tubman Historical Society. The three-day festivities were kicked off with an
unveiling of a scaled-down replica of a statue of the famous 
businessman, abolitionist, and writer, William Still. The statue is the creation of
Phillip Sumptor, a nationally renowned sculptor from Philadelphia. 
Mr. Sumptor along with Ms. Fran Aulston of the West Philadelphia Cultural
Alliance and a list of others have launched an extensive campaign to 
raise funds for the 6-foot statue. The William Still Underground Railroad
Foundation has begun the process to dedicate the statue of William 
Still at a permanent home in Independence Historical National Park.

In addition to the unveiling. the weekend event included Underground
Railroad Exhibits from all over the country, re-enactments from 
Chicago based actress Kemba Johnson-Webb. Ms. Johnson-Webb portrayed both 
Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth during performances at the Loews Hotel, and 
the African-American Historical & Cultural Museum along with the soulful
sounds of Kim and Reggie Harris who entertained participants with a 
medley of Underground Railroad freedom songs. The workshops on the 
Underground Railroad were taught by educators and historians from all across North
America. The Philadelphia based African American Genealogy Group 
conducted oral history interviews and genealogy research workshops for 
descendants. The William Still UGRR Foundation was also honored to have had 
attended, Peter Haynes and Vincent De Forest of the National Park Service, who
contributed to the festival with an exhibit and their historical perspectives as it pertains to the UGRR.

Descendants came from as far west as Seattle, Washington, as far north 
as Canada, and as far south as Miami, Florida. Many who attended brought
narratives, artifacts, and cherished photos of people who participated 
in the UGRR. The Underground Railroad Awards Reception, Saturday 
evening, honored Colleen Fegan, Ralph J. Roberts, James McGowan, Kenny Gamble, 
and Charles L. Blockson. In addition to the honorees, special recognition 
was given to the historic Shadd family of Canada and Gwen Ragsdale. One 
of the honorees, Mr. Kenny Gamble, acknowledged the event as one that he
plans to be a part of next year, and he would like to make sure the
festival remain in the City of Philadelphia. Keynote Speaker, E.J. 
"Jay" Williams Jr., President of American Urban Radio Networks spoke on the 
"New Underground Railroad" as he parlayed the conflict resolution and the
struggle of abolitionists, stationmasters and the enslaved into 
today's youth who remain mentally and spiritually shackled and chained.

"The weekend was a huge success, and we are already planning for next
year," stated Eve Elder-Mayes. Director of Marketing and Programming 
for the William Still Underground Railroad Foundation. To learn more about
William Still and The Underground Railroad go to www.undergroundrr.com

The Underground Railroad Family Reunion 2003 T-Shirts, Coloring Books, 
and Souvenir Booklets are available at a small cost for those individuals 
who did not attend. www.undergroundrr.com

Still Connected,
Eve Elder-Mayes
National Director of Marketing & Programs
The William Still Underground RailRoad Foundation Inc.

Midwest Regional Office
6105 Hamilton Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45224
(513) 853-0297 (Office Phone) www.undergroundrr.com