The National Underground Railroad Reunion Family Festival

<Home>

STILL CONNECTED WITH READING | HARRIET TUBMAN COLORING BOOK | LEST WE FORGET | LINKS

STILL CONNECTED WITH READING
The William Still Underground Rail Road Foundation, who is recognized by the National Park Service as a Network to Freedom participant, wants to educate children and adults alike by teaching them about Local Underground Rail Road history.

The literacy program entitled STILL Connected with Reading is just one of the goals of the foundation. The program, which is a yearlong initiative, not only teaches children about the 3 cs (courage, commitment, and cooperation) but also exemplifies the historical facts that if people in the 1800s taught themselves to read, then surely people in the new millennium can accomplish those same goals. William Still, who was dubbed as the Father of the Underground Rail Road, with only one year of formal education during his life was a self-taught reader. He went on to write one of the most prominent books of all time The Underground Rail Road.

Another book entitled Dear Friend by Judith Bentley, is recommended by the foundation as an easy read for students who want to learn more about the life of Thomas Garrett and William Still both of whom are listed in history as some of the major key role players of the Underground Rail Road.

The STILL Connected with Reading literacy program is distributed throughout the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The William Still Underground Rail Road Foundation has the anticipation of taking this program National, by the year 2005.

The William Still Foundation distributes Media Resource Materials, and literature to area schools, churches, and civic organizations, as well as provides an on line reference library. For more information about the STILL Connected with Reading literacy program, please contact The William Still Underground Rail Road Foundation at (513) 853-0297.

LEST WE FORGET - THE BLACK HOLOCAUST
A PRIVATE COLLECTION of SLAVERY ARTIFACTS
& JIM CROW MEMORABILIA by J. Justin & Gwen Ragsdale
“Lest We Forget” is a compelling, private collection of slavery artifacts and Jim Crow memorabilia. The collection includes authentic slave shackles, chains, whips, branding irons and other items that were used to restrain and/or punish African Americans. It also includes numerous objects from the Jim Crow era (following Reconstruction) that negatively depict African Americans. The ability to see and touch actual items that shackled and shamed African Americans brings history alive and provides a better understanding of the pain and suffering endured by Africans brought to America. It represents how astonishingly different coming to America was for African-Americans compared to other ethnic groups who willingly immigrated to America with freedom to partake in the “American Dream”. The presentation covers every aspect of African American enslavement, from the “Middle Passage” voyage to Emancipation. The collection also contains disturbing photos of lynchings, burnings and other horrific atrocities; in addition to an array of racist signs, caricatures, figurines and objects from the Jim Crow period. These items created misconceptions of Blacks that continued to fan the fires of bigotry long after slavery ended, many of those false beliefs about Blacks continue to linger today. The ensuing years of sharecropping, which was merely a form of indentured slavery and laws that forbid Blacks from acquiring gainful employment or owning their own business greatly hindered Black achievement. We also explain how compassionate Whites, who participated as conductors in the abolitionist movement in the “Underground Railroad” greatly contributed to the abolishment of slavery. The presentation enables the audience to recognize the cause and effect of racism and the ensuing discussions about race relations further enhance the learning process. The “Lest We Forget” collection provides a glimpse into a dark and tragic period of American history, yet it provides a healthy appreciation for the enduring strength and spirit of African American people. This collection exposes the harsh realities of slavery yet it is presented in a thoughtful and sensitive manner and interspersed with little-known Black History facts. It serves as a great teaching tool for influencing tolerance and appreciating differences. The collection is suitable for mature age groups and ethnicities as well as schools, businesses, religious, civic and Greek organizations. All persuasions are able to appreciate this very moving collection.
For more information or to schedule a presentation contact:
Gwen Ragsdale (856) 427-4262 or (215) 739-8000
raggstooriches@yahoo.com
www.museumofslavery.org