Dawn of Day: Stories from the Underground Railroad

Dawn of Day is a historical documentary about the Underground Railroad in Kansas that brings to light Wabaunsee County’s unsung heroes who traversed one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history. Faith, family, and politics united a community of neighbors who lived and died to ensure Kansas was a free state. Richard Pitts, director of the Wonder Workshop in Manhattan, Kansas, narrates the film and interviews educators, historians and descendants of abolitionists whose shared heritage lives on in the freedom we enjoy today.
May 11, 2020- It is with a sad note that we announce the passing of Richard Pitts, the narrator of this film. Richard's life was spent working with youth, teaching and inspiring them to make a difference in the world around them. We will miss you good friend :)
Produced by: Debbie K. Mercer
College of Education, Kansas State University
Directed by: Rusty Earl
Music Licensed from Firstcom.com
Cooper Reflected Motion
Elias_Trevino Coastal Divide
Pollard_Salkeld Brittle Bones
Bohn_Worsey Spiral Galaxy
Bohn_Worsey Sapphire Sky
Hill_Burrows Standing Strong
Elias_Trevino Wandering Revelation
Hoo Redemption and Grace
Cooper Aurora Skies
Elias_Trevino Return of Light
Bohn_Worsey Wild Flower
Elias_Trevino Tight Embrace
Bohn_Worsey Shallow Waters
Salisbury_Taylor Where Life Begins
Elias_Trevino Hearts Content
Pollard_Salkeld Awaken a Thought
Pollard_Salkeld Rain in my Heart
Sheppard Enchanted Moment
Elias_Hoo Hometown Magic
Hoo Redemption and Grace
Elias_Trevino American Rivers

[@KStateCollegeofEducation]

May 11, 2020- It is with a sad note that we announce the passing of Richard Pitts, the narrator of this film. Richard's life was spent working with youth, teaching and inspiring them to make a difference in the world around them. We will miss you good friend :)

[@empresscphillips4082]

Deepest condolences to Richard Pitts. His work is unbelievably interesting and knowledgeable.

[@jimhouser2556]

sounds like he wast a great teacher and storyteller.

[@darrenterry2457]

RIP Sir bless you .❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jensylvestre3364]

Blessings to him and his journey.

[@TheSassiassi]

May his soul rest in perfect peace 🙏🙏

[@terrikitiona4611]

I was born in Russell Kansas to a white mother and a black father. So, I know what rasicm looks like. This documentary has me in tears partly because I feel that this is what should be taught in our schools but for some reason never are. Im grateful for the people who who risked everything to help those people seeking a way out of bondage. These good people chose to be on the right side of history and for all they did I'm am truly grateful.

[@KStateCollegeofEducation]

Thank you for sharing part of your story with us. This film is currently being used in hundreds of schools across Kansas, throughout the midwest and Canada. We hope the powerful messages contained here will find their way into many more schools in the years to come. More good things to come :)

[@wosenaolivier-smith7730]

For some reason? You know why

[@leoobooboo2296]

Me to

[@lanzaddios24]

Out of respect i am Mexican and it is sad that our government hide our history . i say hide my history because i am An American. .This country good or bad it belongs to all who understands man are created EQUAL. . . .... But it is up to us to achieve. Our goal and Dream. In the pursuit Of HAPPINESS..... We as Adults parents need to speak out to our leaders from the education Department. To teach our true history. And to stop hiding it .

[@macpduff2119]

Terri. please read my comment above.

[@marianfernwood6945]

I am 75 years and these stories have moved me deeply since a child. We need this history told and cherished.

[@MegaGullystar]

My black people you have gone through so much at the hands of evil people.i love you with all my heart

[@NoName-gh5mq]

🇺🇲🖤🇺🇲🖤

[@storiking650]

✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾WE LOVE U TOO

[@deloieskilgore2715]

Well Well Stated. Love You More. God' Blessings To You"

[@tabithahampton4496]

I wish we all felt like this towards one another

[@lucythotho5475]

And still they are going through a lot but the best thing is God will never leave nor forsake us if we continue believing in him

[@aimeekova]

I remember learning about slavery in school in England and sitting with my mouth wide open: I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, seeing… it sparked a fascination with history which has been long standing. I needed to know how and why humans could act in such a way. Unfortunately in many countries, slavery still exists today… but the stories from the Underground Railroad give me hope. People willing to risk it all to do what is right. Never let this history be forgotten. We must learn, and never repeat these atrocities.

[@rvegas81]

They do not properly teach slavery until college-for a reason but it needs to be taught in some way at lower levels.

[@daublex2388]

"The best way to fight ignorance is with education" plain and simple

[@9175rock]

🤦🏾‍♀️

[@deannakinsman6790]

I agree in part BUT...y'all CANNOT FIX STUPID!! We are NOT BORN racist IT'S TAUGHT...so again y'all CANNOT FIX IGNORANCE. JMO.

[@kimboslice9445]

🥰

[@stephanierogers3480]

And what you say behind closed doors travels through the generations. "Your" children will be racist if you are. Haven't you heard the tongue is a source of life and death! Bridle your tongue!!!! Be kind! This life is only a test for what is to come.

[@danielgood5471]

Correct but real education no indoctrination

[@stephanierogers3480]

I'm very pleased there finally telling the truth about these things. My God just imagine. Like he said the damage was so much more than physical. To this day it still leaves a disgusting taste in our mouths!!

[@chromeoiran951]

How timely is this. "If they could do it one-hundred and six years ago, why not do it today?" United we are invincible, divided we will surely fail. Let this documentary serve as your guide, and do the right thing.

[@jenniFer468]

Tell that to Candace Owens 😒

[@NinjaIntheMatrix188]

There is hope, we are all brothers and sisters. We are learning now of your struggles and those of your ancestors--on a gigantic scale! I am proud of the white people that saw the atrocity of enslaving people. I am proud to see us coming together and finally showing empathy on a grand scale. We the people will make things right and try to bring to light our true history. 🙏

[@tangelahenderson2198]

AWESOMELY SAID AND BELIEVED!!!!

[@TheWoodland12]

As mlk jr said we have two options. We can learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

[@anthonydavenport7131]

Yes Oiran. Love your name btw. Oiran is also Japanese.

[@cathy-ud5ed]

I'm 63 and only learnt about The Underground Railway a few years back..I don't live in America but knew a little about slavery..How brave these people were in risking their lives and social standing in helping these people. Thank God there are decent people amongst the bad... With Internet we now can learn the the bigger picture rather than what was chosen in history lessons ..hear the truths not the sanitised versions..

[@uniquehill8400]

Wow...

[@ginawhiteley9595]

You will find many underground railroad Quakers in Eliza starbuck barney genealogical record and Nantucket island history. William worth manumisstion of Ishmael (hewes) in 1716 and gave him 2 acres of land and the right to keep his horse on the commons. Many stories.

[@charlotteclark2207]

It's up to parents, grandparents, and family members to teach this history to our youth. This isn't taught in schools. It's our duty to do so. Thank you.

[@grandmanancy4719]

What schools do not teach about slavery? Some schools want to teach our kids to hate America today but Black and Brown people are flooding our southern border and risking their lives to enter our country illegally. Despite slavery, we have a past to be proud of.

[@user-ti3vy4mf6p]

In order to tell the history you have to know the history. With a record number of Elders already gone in 2 years, who will past the History on? If they can teach about Paul Revere they can teach about Crispus Attacks and Elijah McCoy. Yes the school have a responsibility to tell these children the truth of their existence 😂❤❤

[@nsuethompson1415]

I totally agree… we know in present day there are those intent on erasing our history. We must learn our history and pass it down to younger generations.

[@understandingthescripture2907]

The penmanship back then was beautiful.

[@chantellchampange652]

My mom have the same penmanship, it's beautiful

[@kellygreen6339]

No computers!!

[@j.parrish385]

Oh yeah I noticed the penmanship also. I pride myself in my handwriting and just know they took cursive writing out of school😡. One day I wrote something I forgot and my grandchild could not read the cursive writing. But I think now they've put it back in school. 🙂

[@el.blanco8961]

That was their one and only way the couch send messages across, they wrote. A lot

[@flashlight5695]

I can only add...Billie Holiday has song called "Strange Fruit" ...the people hanging were fruit no doubt but wicked people that hug them were "Strange".

[@ramblingrose1013]

POWER TO THE PEOPLE ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

[@gomojo1024]

RIP Richard Pitts a great leader and this work leaves part of his legacy.

[@jonellewallace931]

I took some school children on my bus to take his tour one day, he was an amazing, intelligent, warm and funny man! Loved his tour and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

[@cc1k435]

So glad he was able to make this video in the time he was here. Wondered all my life about this very subject in eastern KS.

[@donnaking7439]

There are always good people to be found in the midst of massive evil.

[@mrhymer95]

Mr. Pitts, thank you for this wonderful research on the Underground Railroad. As an African American, I will always appreciate learning more about my history which is part of American history.

[@alexanderb.jordanjr.1265]

That was very inspiring as a black man at 58 years old born in the 60s in North Minneapolis now living in Lubbock Texas. This coming summer I would like to find that robe bring my guitar and walk those roads it's not too far from Texas thank you so much

[@lorrainemagarian7697]

I lived in Newton, MA where the Jackson Homestead is on Washington Street. I still can picture the well in the house that was used in the underground railroad to transport slaves to safety. What brave individuals. Goes to show us that all human beings long for freedom and will do just about anything to obtain it when it's threatened.

[@doloreslynch8342]

Beautiful picture lovely people

[@beverlyjones3320]

I

[@donnettahenderson2382]

RIP 🪦 to the narrator for this dynamic documentary! I clicked right on this, because Black 👩🏽History, especially slavery is always appealing to me, not by the sufferings of slavery, but simply to learn more & more about what African-Americans had to go through our ancestors back then! Love ❤️ this! This definitely was not taught in the schools! This should be a requirement for all people to take!

[@donnettahenderson2382]

Thank u 🙏 Gratitude 🙏

[@lillieholmes1376]

This History was never taught in school, Thank you so much for this great history lesson, The same HATE still exist,,

[@itstheru274]

"That Ain't no secret!"😳

[@nichloasprzano8964]

Down with hate✊✊✊✊

[@kellygreen6339]

Down with reasons to hate!

[@YahkiYah_Yisrael]

Lillie Holmes Very true!!!!

[@pamelawherey4583]

Lillie Holmes each of should share this on our Facebook pages.

[@PumpkinJack31]

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Richard Pitts' passing. He leaves a void in the place where he stood.

[@llchase326]

I married a man who had grown up in Harveyville. The house they lived in was once used on the underground railroad. I was shown the tunnel entrance, now filled with foundation stone. I imagined the terror and real dangers in helping the slaves through Kansas. It's makes me so proud to know the History. I also traced my own family roots to Abolitionists from Ohio.

[@daydream324]

Thank you for sharing the story of your family! You can be justly proud of your ancestors. They had the courage to act, when so many did not.

[@dontcopymystyle4469]

Damn I wish I cloud hv seen a tht site.

[@sheilamitchell7525]

Thank you for sharing this!!

[@jodiutley7292]

LL Chase: try to gather as much info as you possibly can from your relatives and write it down before it is too late and their story lost.

[@karentucker2161]

I just learned last night that one of my family members donated land to build a Baptist Church in the 1700's and allowed black people to become members of the church (this was in South Carolina too). I'm glad that they didn't have slaves.

[@jadegarner1731]

Thank god people fought to do the right thing!

[@terrismith9662]

Today,more than ever, we must remember,respect and cherish our true history,lest we forget the suffering, the oppression,the journeys, the bravery,the violence, the endurance and the courage of our ancestors.

[@jacquelyndavis6493]

A lot of black people don't want to know. They have the mindset that it happened back then. That don't have nothing to do with me, but then be using racism as an excuse for not picking themselves up

[@j.parrish385]

If we don't learn or teach our history we're doomed to repeat it. 😥

[@christineruss6362]

I was norm and raised in Pleasantville New Jersey. I am sure that I knew Richards family. My father was a police officer in the town and worked to treat all with dignity and respect. I am so saddened to hear of his passing and wish him peace and joy in our Lord’s loving arms. Thank you for this wonderful film. I will be sharing it today with my students as I am a 4th grade teacher and we are studying the Civil War and Reconstruction now. Blessings to all.

[@stacyjpoliticscommunityfai359]

This was such a wonderful documentary and so inspiring to see both White and Black Americans working together towards true Democracy. Just awesome!

[@mariongrant801]

Thanks to God for the many righteous and strong people who took the risk to help the slaves.

[@multifariousgemini]

God Bless everyone that participated in this docu. I can never get enough of learning from history.

[@Virus-wc5vt]

I truly appreciated this documentary for the simple reason that these people were god-hearted folks that just wanted to do the right thing, and they have not gone to their graves in vain because the God of the heavens and earth has promised them a reward for their good work, they have truly produced good fruitage ( meaning good spiritual qualities) towards their fellow man and women And being Our Father said He will repay to each one according to their deeds, they’re truly in line for a blessing of Life in a better world to come.

[@claraguliford-robinso7778]

I grew up in Wabaunsee, Kansas. My grand parents had a farm their. Their name was Curtis and Verde Gardenhire. I went to the two room school their in Wabaunsee and graduated in Wamego, Kansas from the high school. I remember Mrs. Morgan, at the time we had party phone lines and the Morgans were on the party line with us. I remember going to church in the old church their. My grandfather's picture is in the January 1980 copy of National Geographic. He was 80 years old at the time. He spoke of his father being a slave in the magazine. He never talked about his father and would not tell me anything when I asked him about what he said in the magazine. My grandparents my mother and great-grandparents are burred in the Wabaunsee Cemetery. As well as cousins and aunts and uncles. We are also related to McCutchen's. I visit the cemetery once or twice a year. This clip was great very informative.

[@s.rosesmith-hayes8740]

This touches my heart. There were and are some good folk in this country, thank God through Jesus Christ. I thoroughly appreciate this experience.

[@tyroneprice6642]

This is a great documentary about Kansas. Yes people cannot comprehend the days of slavery that will never be told the true hardships people endure.

[@cristyluv1205]

Its so interesting how different human beings looked just 150 years ago

[@eprahs1]

People back then lived stressful Hard-working lives

[@lorig7077]

In what way?

[@s.son6s156]

You'll be shocked to see how much you look them they wore different clothes

[@radermachera8204]

I think you meant... how they dressed up.

[@denisejackson776]

Now ppl wanna look like robots

[@caprice6013]

I’m 31 years old and all of my family is gone. This is all I have left, to a piece of my history. I want to go back to Africa.

[@TheAureliac]

I'm sorry you're in this position. I know how lonely it is to have no family. Please remember, though, that unless you actually lived in an African country or have known relatives somewhere on that vast continent, it might not feel like home either. That's not to say that it won't be a rewarding and rich experience, or that you won't find cultural touchstones that carry great meaning for you. Good luck.

[@anitracottman7506]

Caprice, I felt this way for a time after losing my parents and other beloved family members. Losing multiple loved ones can make you feel like you don’t have roots anywhere. The ones who truly loved me died and I was left with extended relatives who only engage with me for my utility. Please forgive this unsolicited post. I’ve learned - Your memories and lessons are you roots. I had to understand and accept that they are all a precious part of my past, and I would best get started building my future. This new mindset liberated me from my grief and taught me that my past alone doesn’t define me. I could have a bright future if I decided to. I became excited to begin living a life I would design - to include people of my own choosing. I decided I would be happy about my new journey and enjoy it. Make your mind over. Set goals. Align your mind a heart and choose a direction. Your heart will settle. Your mind will have peace. Your future will be bright. The memories and lessons live on in my heart, but I had to create a new foundation for myself and live my life from that point forward. The simplest but most profound outcome for me is my deep appreciation for a new day. New opportunities abound and I will surely use each second wisely.

[@deepconnection1169]

What kind of a person would vote a thumbs down to such a remarkable story? Persons that I would have nothing to do with. Slavery is the worst, most cruel, and inhumane piece of American history. We are still paying the price for this disgusting practice to this day.

[@katarinasvensson9801]

Agree together with the treatment of the naitiv Americans.

[@seeleygirl6178]

It’s good to keep these stories alive, and not try to erase history. The good and bad, it’s our story. All Americans History.

[@teaedwards3804]

I wish I could say thank you to all who risked their lives to combat evil. May their legacy of righteousness live on .

[@empresscphillips4082]

I was so moved by this article. Ive learned so many NEW things from this Black history. So many of this information was left out or not brought to us it is such a pleasure that I took the time out to listen and feel the whole ambiance and effect that Richard Pitts brout us with this piece. May he rest in peace.

[@boliviatickey93]

I miss Ethel Morgan. She was like a grandmother to myself and my brother growing up. Oh the stories she would tell. I was heartbroken when she passed away. Thank you for this beautiful documentary of the community I was raised in. My dad still lives next to Mt. Mitchell

[@KStateCollegeofEducation]

What great memories! Thank you for sharing.

[@auraltrantra]

I've always been proud to say I was born and raised in Kansas.. A free state.

[@bradycreativeart]

Great documentary! I live in Hutchinson, KS. We are often considered a fly over state. It is great to learn about the important Kansas played in history. Racism is an issue we still face today. It's so crucial that we learn from history and pass on love and compassion to all. Thanks for making this!

[@C.Noble13]

He.Brews His.story We are all forced to know one people's slavery in Egypt and one chosen people's slavery and holocaust 🤔 They will never talk about the genocides of other people 💧💧💧

[@cindysheets1824]

Love and compassion...you said it! I’m tired of seeing today’s youth wanting to rebel against things that happened in the 60’s! I’m 59...lived through it.. They have NO idea how much better it’s gotten. Opportunities abound in this great economy. This guy was great, both men were great! Great video!

[@jackiecarter7815]

This is about my girl Harriot Tubman. This is a good movie of the past but it's still sugar coated. But a good real history class to take. What I learned I think should be taught to older children in highschool. Harriot we did it! God bless you Baby Girl, I know you're smiling in heaven. RIP Harriot! Thank you for sharing this with us. This always makes me cry. God bless you all and stay safe

[@prettycaramel9237]

I currently work in Osawatomie, such a rich history there as well. This doc proves racism is learned, a mindest a behaviors passed from one generation to the next and so on. On judgement day, I pray God grant mercy to all whole risked and gave their lives for their brothers and sisters who didn't look like them when it would've been easier to simply go with the flow of hate and genocide.

[@bigwatt2680]

What an amazing story of Americans working together so that freedom could be embraced and lived by all Americans.Thank you for such a well documented story and great story tellers.

[@kJack8420]

How this story starts & now were tieing up loose ends today...Fighting for the same fight our ancestors fought with beautiful heartfelt💕 people Standing strong 💪& up front with it now.🤝...Beautiful!! #BLM

[@ruthcokerburks]

This is an absolutely wonderful Documentary..I am so pleased to have found it and I have shared this timely Documentary.. My GGGGreat Grandfather and Grandmother were Conductors and Station Masters in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They came to Hot Springs in 1836 and he had four ferries that crossed the Ouachita River. They used carrier pigeons from ferry to ferry to the safe house. He owned the first General Store in Hot Springs and the only Store to stay open during the Civil War. He had supply wagons to Oklahoma and to Washington, Arkansas the temporary State Capital during the war. He was British and the joke in Hot Springs at the time was Since he was from England he didn't know how to keep a slave..The joke was on them because he was putting Enslaved Africans on his supply wagons to Oklahoma and delivering them to freedom

[@jodiutley7292]

That is sooo beautiful

[@sammiercomcastnet]

Just a really great documentary to me "history is a current event whatever came before us acts upon our lives today".

[@cindysheets1824]

Sammie Rabb Jr. Good point!

[@ediegray5511]

This was beautifully done , heart warming and painful . The love from these people for other people is from great compassion for human life .

[@stevestelly3063]

We should have learned about dude in school. He was a great man.

[@defeatignorance8681]

One of the best I've seen of the Underground Railroad. No bias, no alterations, just the facts and legacies of American heroes, black and white. We have a truly great nation with great people. We've had some bad people who did evil things, but guess what? The good always prevailed. That is what makes our country so great. The good always prevails over the bad. I'm proud to be an American because of these stories, our history. If more people bothered to learn the truth instead of all the lies and negativity we could unite and defeat all evils. We are brothers and sisters. We all have fought for one another. We all have defeated the evils of this world together. Only one race, the human race. Only one people, the American people.

[@aamazintribe]

Richard Pitts ,brotha Rest In Peace/Rest In Power/Rest In Paradise.

[@dawnhewitt1]

Beautifully done and so very touching. Kudos to all the heroes of the struggle.

[@mikequirk6879]

Well said! X

[@sarahgeorge7786]

Yes amen God set my people free. All of my people One love.

[@joanbowden3448]

I absolutely love history & have studied black history a great deal. So why on earth is this my first time hearing of this part of the Underground Railroad? It was beyond fascinating! Mr. Pitts, I'm wishing you a peaceful journey, good sir.

[@mpgarr]

This was a great video. I am from the southwestern part of Ohio and in the area I lived, I am in Florida now, there were a number of old farmsteads that were said to have been Underground Railroad "stations." I wrote for several newspapers and did a number of articles about this subject. I have learned about the history of the Underground Railroad in both my area and other parts of the state. I didn't know much about the history of abolition and the Underground Railroad that far west in Kansas. I appreciate Richard Pitts devotion to learning this history in Kansas and surrounding areas, which played such an important part of the larger story. Sorry to hear that he had passed last year.

[@KStateCollegeofEducation]

Thank you Michael!

[@monkeyzillah81]

Mr. Richard Pitts. You were an amazing man. I am thankful to have gotten to see this documentary, you leave behind a great legacy. RIP Sir

[@tongiepittman737]

Thank you Richard Pitts, Rest in peace My brother

[@speerrituall1]

Thank you👏🏾, at the age of 14 I heard myself saying “And liberty and justice for all.” I’m now in my early 60’s and haven’t said the flag salute since that day. I said to myself not true! We have been taught to be sheep.

[@atbragdots8852]

Yes, indeed. Nobody is actually 'Free', right now. Liberty is a privilege granted, removed or prohibited by slave owners ... Freedom is every man & woman's Right, under our Creator... removed from citizens, in 1933, thru the Cert. of Live Birth. We can't change it, but at least we can Know.

[@LC-pr5or]

"And liberty and justice for all" is not a statement of fact, it's a promise, it's a threat A chant, to help us remember that we must realize that dream for it to become truth one day.

[@lorriemayfield911]

Wow! I hope some educators will use this to teach our students about Kansas.

[@empresscphillips4082]

Lorrie Mayfield thats not a bad idea at all. This was so moving you can tell it was real.

[@pac2840]

That's what I'm here for. Not teaching about Kansas specifically. Creating an online lesson for teachers at our school to use now during the pandemic but in hybrid classes when we can be together again. So glad I watched it.

[@eleanorsmith9706]

Thanks to all of the people of Kansas who helped the slaves escape slavery. I’ve been to Overland Kansas for a visit and those that I met were very hospitable people. We don’t see these type of stories often. Sometimes we forget about the white people who put their life on the line for our freedom. Thanks

[@yahyahsfavs4109]

I agree

[@politicalporn3771]

I got the opportunity to see some of the Underground Railroad this summer and Black Wall Street. Amazing but sad history. Black Wall Street was NEVER taught in my school on the west coast.

[@maryellenshock]

Nor was it taught in SW New York. I have never heard of them before.

[@deb9784]

"Do into others as you would have them do into you!" (48.35) So many choices were inspired by their Christian faith to treat others with love, respect, and honor. We could use more of this courage today!

[@cathycopeland3276]

What a beautiful video that highlights such an inspiring part of our history. We can do the right thing... To treat all people with respect, kindness, and love... To stand for what is right, even when it is not popular. God bless this precious man. He was a dear soul, and I trust we will see him again in Glory. He left a great legacy behind him, telling stories that must be told and leading us to a higher way of life. As Americans, we are called to this... One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.

[@ceebee8042]

I drove the Underground Railroad route with a map of it from Chicago’s DuSable Museum, along Lake Michigan towards Canada. I saw the churches along the way, heard the church bell chimes. That meant help was near then. Low and behold North Chicago was a hidden town with such a black southern flavor. The US Navy said when they build their boot camp there, there were blacks hiding who weren’t really sure they were free. They had to be reassured.

[@moriver3857]

What a powerful video. Very well done. When I lived in Ohio in the early 90s, I visited several homes that were still standing, which were used as part of the underground railroad, and they had all sorts of secret doors, and spaces for people to hide. Our history still has many things to be shared and learned. My hat is off to those conductors and station managers and their families. God bless.

[@bekind6196]

This was so beautiful. I wish this was a long series. Rest In Peace Mr Pitts.

[@phillwainaina7252]

HI, I am from africa.. and i have travelled alot . i wish we establish. resources in honour of this man. richard pitt. am also prod of this story and the our own fathers taken fro africa.. and their bravery to establish this undergrounds. help. came when they sow the love nad determination

[@TheEvalineA]

I grew up near Barrett and went to Barrett school. Mr. Barrett had established that community as an abolitionist one. My great-grandfather Owen Robert Jones came out after the Civil War, in which he served, having come from Wales. He was possibly the largest land-holder in the area and established the Barrett school on his property. My two siblings and four cousins attended Barrett, Marshall County School district #1. The Barrett cemetery, in which many of my ancestors are buried is also on that property. Only much later did I learn that the founder of the County and the County seat, Marysville, was a slavery sympathizer. Even into the '50's, Marysville had those signs "We reserve the right to refuse service..." And a restaurant there did refuse service to a group of women who had gone there for a "Home Demonstration Unit" meeting. Our neighbors, the Coffees were, in every sense, equal to any of us farm families, attended school and the Methodist church at Frankfort . But in Marysville, Mrs. Coffee was refused service, so the whole club walked out and went hungry that day. At subsequent meetings, the women took their lunch and "refused to be serviced" by any restaurant there. That explained why we NEVER went out to eat at Marysville until 20 or so years later. Oh, and some of the Coffees are also buried at the Barrett Cemetery. When we were children, my siblings and cousins and I went exploring on family property near the Barrett settlement to see if we could figure out where the escaping slaves had hidden. So we had been taught about the Underground Railroad. Later, hearing about the railroad being in Ohio, etc., I thought we must have been mistaken and it was only when I heard about this project that I realized we had known the truth. Mr. Barrett actually hired freed or escaping slaves to work at his mill on the Vermillion River and helped other get to Nebraska, which was only a few miles away.

[@KStateCollegeofEducation]

+Evaline Auerbach Awesome history! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

[@tiedupsmurf]

Evaline Auerbach What Wales United Kingdom?

[@lindseygaskingaskin8946]

Evaline Auerbach uuu 769

[@mnellesenerhard]

What a beautiful historical story, one that needs to be told. I live in Missouri and in my 60"s, I was never aware that the whole state was a slave state. I was lead to believe that the northern part was a free part of the state. This just makes me sick that I might have had slave owners in my family. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@metajzoo1355]

Richard Pitts, Thank you, As our strong Provider carries us over the rough places in our lives, he speaks words of ☮️ peace & blessing to our wounded hearts. Your teaching and inspiring to youth to make a difference in the world around them.

[@realskepticalstoic9704]

Thanks so much for this incredible narration of these incredible people who sacrificed so much to make our world a better place today.

[@Jukeboxxxz]

As a African American... from my ancestors to yours... WE THANK YOU

[@christinekeehner5300]

My gosh, this really needs to be taught everyday in America, spreading this powerful meaningful message. So grateful for real people researching the story of (US,A). Thank you.

[@ResoRonnie]

I did not know that. I have a new very large amount of respect and gratitude for the state of Kansas.

[@patriciarouse2801]

As a contribution to the American History this work is exemplary. Juxtaposed between the earth and heaven all the human elements from Indigenous word and concept are displayed along side the perilous and determined Liberty of all those who forged hurling as we all do into the unknown. Radical Kansas! Dwight Eisenhower too, got to love him. Let no one forget how much a human being can contribute to the good of our world. We have only this one that we know of. And everything that lives here is our relation. Thank you for this sweet kind remembrance of loves embrace.

[@ashburnconnecttv7860]

At 23:18 the gentleman used the term: "Free Africans that were enslaved", was very enlighten of him and knowledgible!

[@RobinHerzig]

This work really seems like a passion project. Had a lotta heart.

[@chnalvr]

My Fourth Grade students were recently discussing putting Harriet Tubman on the twenty-dollar bill and replacing President Andrew Jackson. I merely urged them to research both people. They were horrified at the legacy of Andrew Jackson and drawn to Harriet Tubman. There still is hope for the U.S. to rectify the horrific injustices against African-American and Native-American people and take a new path forward.

[@maryellenshock]

Awesome! Loved it !.

[@wykeishacraft6820]

A great movie for the teachers can teach the students for history.

[@missshannon9790]

A regular, non-descript Brotha kickin KNOWLEDGE. Dangerous. Wite people's worst nightmare. He ain't tryna be bougie, he aint tryna sound and act wite. He's just Black. BLACK WITH FACTS. Love it.

[@alexandermarquis6197]

Thank you, I have a better understanding of the underground railroads now, and how they worked in different regions of the country.

[@2383521e]

Thank you to everyone involved, historically and modern day.

[@pty8s]

I’m proud to be ancestors of So. Ontario and the freedoms at the end of the railroad.

[@willardtaylor6249]

I very much enjoyed seeing this wonderful documentary. It so important that this history is preserved. I live in Southeast Pennsylvania which on another major underground railroad route which started in Havre de Grace, Maryland. I am fortunate that my mother did thorough research and wrote 2 books on the Underground Railroad in our area. I also have ancestor who ran a slave-free store during the era. Thank God for the people who had the courage to challenge the system of slavery.

[@frankkeys2719]

Coming from the UK i am amazed to know just how little i have been taught about the UK's part in this we know all about the south of AMERICA .Please don't take this the wrong way but we are taught its nearly always an american problem and historical fact i find how open about History The US is a ray of hope in the WORLD please don't ever change we only learn from our past and without the truth we have no future or opertunity to improve

[@melaniecocker5399]

There's so much more history to slavery that is not taught and I just watch British history on slavery and how it all started ..there's so much we should be taught in school but they don't teach us this and that's sad.

[@n.j.rihari813]

I agree with Mr Pitts that 'whatever came before us, acts upon our lives today'. When one begins the journey to learn of ones own history and people, and how closely that is tied in with identity and everything that means, it's worth the roller coaster ride come what may..

[@johnnysmith534]

The best way you can fight ignorance is to educate and also repay your wrongs

[@kevineubanks859]

It must be said that many white Americans put the lives of themselves and their families in grave danger by helping my ancestors find freedom. Kudos to them for siding with their humanity and not with their so called race. Not all white people were evil back then and the same can be said now. God bless the peacemakers!

[@lydiaajohnson]

Thank you. 🙂

[@ra_8072]

We need to teach more about the abolitionist who helped to end slavery. Slavery needs to be addressed by the American society.

[@dontcopymystyle4469]

My grandfather would tell us the stories abt how instrumental White ppl were in the UGRR.. Black ppl know how certain white ppl were a blessing. But in these times, and I mean from the 1950’s until now certain ppl just normalized unjust murders and brutal beating.. but with video now young white generations can see for there self what’s going on instead of just seeing what the news show you and what your parents tell you. The younger generation is seeing things for what they really are and there tired of it.

[@ovigada]

Thanks for helping us get free from chattel slavery.

[@antonybrown432]

I was born in 1963 in St Louis went to school there in the early 1970s and never one time that we talked about black history in those schools

[@jaidubya2898]

Antony Brown I had a similar education experience. I grew up in a small town in Illinois and all we were taught was Dr. King and even that was limited. I didn’t learn about black history until college.

[@sharroncummings3064]

I was an educator years ago and I hated when we did get to teach this history was during black history month. This is not just black history. This is American history white people brought the (enslaved ) here love ❤ that word. We need 2 teach real history. Real American history. We have to start at the state level to make these changes. White people don't want to have these discussions even these best. Those who want to forget history is doomed.

[@charlesutley4539]

Rest in peace Richard.Thank you sir

[@judystine2783]

To the narrator of this piece - you my man have a very wise mother!

[@gwendolynsmith6210]

Two of my grammar school teachers got me interested in reading about her and the reconstruction. The branches of the "underground railroad.

[@Crayon3aterGaming]

William Still is his name, i believe.

[@reginathomas5857]

Thank you this story is so important for young people to hear and know..... Americans are bonded by these people and freedoms so fought for....let us never forget or let anyone remove memories so needed to hold dear too.....this is our history our brothers and sisters in our hearts.

[@deborahlivingston6989]

Thank you for sharing your journey...There is still hope for our nation.

[@lillieholmes4521]

I am so connect to the Underground Railroad in my SPIRIT, I wish I could meet some of these people,, These people had to very committed in their HEART to do the RIGHT thing,,, this story is so so so FASCINATED,,, I admire these people as WELL as I admired Harriett Tubman and MALCOLM X, MEGER, Martin L. king and all the other people who fight for humanity and what is Right,, BEAUTIFUL story,,,I have listened and watched this video 4 times, I feel a sense of PEACE to be able to hear this story,, INSPIRATION that GOOD People are in the WORLD

[@justice4youandme]

Thank you for this documentary. This is quite a treasure.

[@laurieuebbing3500]

My community had an event called “Escape on the Underground Railroad,” and boy, what an eye opener! I was one of the escaped slaves, it was frightening! We had to walk in the dark of woods for what seemed forever, run to escape the men chasing us, we’d hear dogs howling, gun shots going off, people screaming! After all was said and done, I lost 2 lbs just from that experience! It was something else! I’ll never do it again, but it gave me a window into what it must have been like to be them! Those poor folks!

[@maryellenshock]

Awesome! What an experience!

[@lornaadams2450]

Thanks very much power to the people