Many of us believe in the Underground Railroad as a
secretive network that only a few knew about. Indeed, the network was
referred to in a hushed tone, but everyone who needed to know about it knew
about it. After attending the Southwest Michigan Underground Railroad
Tour, led by FIRE Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative (Kalamazoo, MI)
this past Sunday, I learned that these abolitionists and conductors were
hardcore networkers. They joined forces, providing room and board, food,
clothes, and safe locations for people in need, and they rallied Michiganders
all throughout the state to attend anti-slavery
meetings and to strengthen the abolitionist
movement.
I also learned that conductors solicited their
houses as safe place for enslaved African Americans to seek refuge. This seemed peculiar, because I had
assumed that the Underground Railroad was kept “quiet”, for fear of being
caught and penalized under the law, but this was not the case. Although conductors were smart about
where they posted their signs and whom they talked with, they were not afraid
to be vocal and express their beliefs.
Their comfort came from solidarity; they joined arms with neighbors,
friends and colleagues to fight against slavery and the law. If at times the location was
compromised, the townspeople came together and physically did not permit the
slave catchers or law authorities to enter their village. During many occasions, they organized
and won by demonstrating the power of numbers.
Solidarity is an organizing technique that has yet
to founder. Many social movements,
like that of the Underground Railroad, have used the power of
human-connectedness and community to see their interests achieved and carried
on. It may be difficult at first
to establish the idea of solidarity or to install trust and faith in strangers,
but this is all part of the process.
If we are to be strong and united, we need to begin thinking about the
best interest for not just ourselves, but for the rest of our brothers and sisters.
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