This is Black History month in the USA and Canada. Years ago, when I first heard about something called the “underground railroad” I pictured a subway-like system. However, it was a series of “safe houses” for black slaves on their escape to freedom in Canada.
My book recommendations for this month are:
Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker. A wonderfully -told piece of historical fiction about a young slave named Julilly, who escapes on the “underground railroad.”
The Road to Dawn: Josiah Henson and the story that sparked the Civil War by Jared Brock. The true story of Josiah Henson, a slave for 40 years, who rescued 118 slaves and was eventually honored by England’s Queen Victoria and American President Hayes. (There is a documentary about him starring Danny Glover.)
My movie recommendation is: Ruby Bridges. It is the true story of the young African-American girl who was the first to enter an all-white school in 1961, after the desegregation laws were passed. (Amazon carries this one.)
As an antidote to celebrity trivia, good reading and viewing should increase our appreciation for true heroes and heroines.