Thanks to God we made the travels of our ancestors safe and sound, the journey that we made together showed unity for all of us. That is what made the passage of our ancestors so wonderful. Today we are still striving for the best for our culture. Thanks to everyone, we made it possible. Blessed we are.
Sincerely
Coach Whip
The motorcycle pilgrimage to the Underground Railroad Freedom Center Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio in June 2017 was, above all, an emotional and liberating experience. It was emotional because I was able to envision myself as one of those souls who dared to flee for freedom regardless of the risk “WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN SLAVERY?”, they must have thought; liberating because I could feel a sense of freedom as we crossed many rivers on our way. I could not help but wonder “how could they cross all of these rivers and swamps?”. Finally, with a sigh, I concluded, “FREEDOM OR DIE, WE MUST TRY!” must have been their driving force. GOD BLESS THEIR SOULS. We must remember their bravery against all odds.
Big Red
Big Red,
The Underground Railroad Re-run was a great success. We accomplished what we had set out to do and that was to ride our motorcycles in remembrance of the runaway slaves. We began our ride in Jackson Mississippi and completed the trip in Cincinnati OH were the Underground museum was built. I met a great group of people all riding for a common cause and enjoyed the entire trip to the museum. I plan to ride again next year to support the memory of the Underground Railroad which helped the slaves escape into Free states. We must
remembers our history to understand the pain that our forefather’s endured for us to be free.
Big Lou
AL
Unity, sacrifice and history. Those words best describe the Underground Railroad Re-Run ride to Cincinnati. Unity because we did everything together (stops, lunch, dinner, early morning briefings), like our people did back in the day as they escaped slavery in the South to freedom in the Midwest, North and Canada. Sacrifice because not once did we think about ourselves during this trip, but what we’d have to give up in order to make this trip a safe and successful one for everyone. Even as the rain pounded us on U.S. 72 between Huntsville and Chattanooga, we knew God had this because our people endured far worse and survived. History because we made it to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati to learn more about our ancestors and freedom-makers. There were some touching moments during the museum visit, as we reflected on the struggles, where we came from and the heroes who got us there. This was a one-of-kind trip, a humbling team experience. Kudos to the organizers, who had a fantastic game plan and executed it well.
Don “Newsman” Hudson
Decatur, AL
UGRRR
Wow! What a ride! Initially, I had concerns, especially being the only female driver in the group, but when I mounted my trike and had the wind blowing in my face all fears ceased to exist. It was not the challenge that I had envisioned. It was just the opposite. Observing and learning so much kept me alert and excited about our mission, which was to complete a commemorative motorcycle ride for a people that endured so much as slaves.
Every stop on the run was truly worth all of the planning given to this pilgrimage. I am so thankful that I was a part of the first Underground Railroad Re-Run in memory of slaves.
Porter
Walt,
We, at the Oakwood University Church, want to thank you for the opportunity to serve by providing lunch and meeting such a dedicated and committed group of riders doing something for a worthy cause. You provided a new view of “motorcycle riders” for those who have never been afforded the opportunity to interface one on one. The experience for us was awesome. Looking forward to the next ride through Huntsville, AL.
Joe