In April 2002, Joan Southgate, a retired Social Worker and Cleveland-area activist, stepped off from the small town of Ripley, Ohio, with a simple goal: She wanted to highlight the courage and resourcefulness of the American slave and conductor families who risked so much for freedom on the Underground Railroad. and set out to increase awareness of a moment in history when people came together across color, creed and class to do freedom's work. Her journey has taken her on a 519 mile walk across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Canada. From schoolchildren to community groups, bank president to truck driver, her inspiring story and message of unity has resonated over the miles. Her walk has ended, but her mission-continues. IN THEIR PATH: A Grandmother's 519-Mile Underground Railroad Walk is now available, celebrating Joan's great journey and highlighting the anti-slavery history of Ohio communities she traveled through. Joan and Cleveland-area writer Fran Stewart have collaborated on this unique book that honors the brave acts of individuals and families who participated in what has been described as the nation's earliest integrated civil rights movement. IN THEIR PATH also praises the work of modern-day conductors intent on keeping alive the spirit of the Underground Railroad in their communities and provides travel information for people interested in exploring this incredible legacy for themselves.
