Interning at the Freedom Center this summer has been an honor,” says Exhibitions Intern Ian Sander,

who is an undergraduate at the Uni-versity of Virginia. “I originally applied to the Freedom Center because of my academic passion for history and my personal interest in social justice; and, I knew that the Freedom Center encompassed both.”

An avid history student and museum attendee, Ian believes that, “museums are vital parts of our society.” Accord-ing to him, “history is also identity; it explains who a group of people is and why they are the way they are.” Especially in the melting pot that is America, he says, our public history is the only way we are all connected,

albeit in an important way. “The fact that the Freedom Center recognizes this and embraces our shared history makes me proud to have contributed to its mission.”

With work and volunteer experience around Cincinnati, Ian states that the Freedom Center is an unsung trea-sure. “The exhibitions and mission of the Freedom Center are things that everyone can relate to, and this is, in my opinion, the museum’s greatest attribute.”

“I am proud to have been given the op-portunity to intern at the Center this summer. It has been a rewarding expe-rience on multiple levels and I am glad I was able to contribute to the public history canon.” Ian Sander worked on the preliminary research that will be invaluable to the exhibitions depart-ment as the Freedom Center creates its next original exhibition, Music of Re-sistance, slated to open in the summer of 2012 – just in time for the World Choir Games!

This summer, the Freedom Center Advance-ment Team has been inviting local Ohio and Kentucky businesses to become part of

the newly formed Freedom Center Business Col-laborative. Corporate sponsors are an invaluable part of the philanthropic landscape in our com-munity, and the Freedom Center Business Col-laborative gives business leaders the opportunity to make a real change by collectively supporting the Freedom Center’s mission. Members of the Collaborative will attend a one day More inside

In collaboration with BRIDGES for a Just Community and the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, the Freedom Center pre-

sented Prince Among Slaves. This unique docu-mentary film tells the story of Abdul Rahman Sori, a young African prince who fell from a life of power and privilege into enslavement in the American South.

Prior to the film, African American scholar, Dr. Nikki Taylor, University of Cincinnati More inside

The Newsletter of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center September 2011

Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Exhibit Opens September 10

Prior to and during the Civil War, Ohio was a free state while Kentucky was a slave state. Divided only by a few hundred yards of water, these two states were vastly different in a few respects. Kentucky repre-

sented a hurdle to fugitive slaves escaping from bondage. Ohio was the gateway to freedom. As economic partners, the relationship between the states was at times contentious. Regional families had members on both sides of the border and both sides of the slavery/Civil War argument. There were Confederate-sympathizing Ohioans and die hard Union-supporting Kentuckians. All this angst, this disagreement and this conflict would erupt during the war that divided America.

This autumn and winter, join us at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to see how the Civil War was fought in your own backyard. An engaging exhibition, Liberty on the Border is sure to please everyone, from the Civil War enthusiast, to the fervent Cincinnatian, all the way to the curious student. Come see what pitted neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, and altered our city’s physical and psychological landscape in dramatic terms. Continued inside

Lyttle and Staff

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

∙ Liberty on the Border∙ Erin Gruwell & The Freedom Writers∙ LULAC Visits the Freedom Center∙ Volunteer Spotlight: Ian Sander∙ Calendar of Events∙ Gift Shop Corner

Ilyasah Shabazz Addresses Guests at Prince Among Slaves Film Screening

It is with great honor and humility that I now serve as the President and CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. As I

look out over the Ohio River, I am constantly re-minded of the many courageous African Americans who took their first steps of freedom on these river banks. No wonder the Ohio felt like “the River Jor-dan” to them. This area along the Ohio River was a hotbed of abolition where safe houses and the efforts of brave men and women, willing to risk everything, helped others find freedom.

The exhibitions and programs of the Freedom Center celebrate freedom’s heroes, all of those determined souls who came together to create the Underground Railroad, a secret network through which the enslaved could escape to freedom. While we will always tell the story of the Underground Railroad, we understand that the struggle for freedom didn’t end with the conclusion of the Civil War; with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Con-stitution; or the advancements made during the Civil Rights Movement.

The struggle for freedom continues today and we are striving to tell the stories of freedoms heroes in fresh, dramatic and ever more relevant ways. Through our distance learning content and world class apps or mobile website, we desire to challenge others to take courageous steps toward freedom today. Whether we’re fighting Racism, Illiteracy, Genocide, Hunger, Tyranny or Slavery (RIGHTS) or proactively leading a program to deliver economic freedom to the un-derserved by promoting affordable housing for those who need it, we are always fighting for freedom. This new thrust toward freedom’s relevancy today represents our “New Day, New Way” at the Freedom Center Our exhibitions and programming, both historic and contemporary, focus on at least one of the RIGHTS mentioned above. So whether you are attending one of our Civil War 150 events; touring our Invisible: Slavery Today exhibition; or, listening to a presenta-tion by such moving speakers as the 1961 Freedom Riders, we know you’ll be inspired.

There’s a spark within each of us,Fan the Flame!

Volunteer Spotlight: Ian Sander“Museums Are Vital Parts of Our Society”

The Freedom Center Gift Shop has a Liberty on the Border display as we commemorate the

150th Anniversary of the Civil War.

A few items featured are Civil War replica military hats $6.95 - 11.95; 500 pcs. Lincoln puzzel $15.95; Which Way to Freedom $5.95; miniature replica Civil War souvenir pencil sharpen-ers $$4.25; and miniature Civil War figurines $5.95-$12.50. Your purchase supports the Freedom Center.

To learn more about volunteering at the Freedom Center, visit

www.freedomcenter.org/make-a-difference/volunteer

Gift Shop Corner

To purchase merchandise from our online store, visit

www.freedomcenter.org/shop Kim A. Robinson President & CEO

www.facebook.com/FreedomCenter

www.twitter.com/FreedomCenter

CONNECTWITH US

50 East Freedom WayCincinnati, Ohio 45202www.freedomcenter.org

50 East Freedom Way ◆ Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 ◆ www.freedomcenter.org

Ian Sander

Learn About the Freedom Center Business Collaborative

Freedom Center Business Collaborative continuedsymposium on diversity and inclusion in October as well as have networking and strategic marketing opportunities for their corporations. We are focused on combining our expertise with the strengths of the private, public and nonprofit sectors to build institutional capacity, expand the reach of our edu-cational initiatives and to increase pub-lic awareness and engagement. Procter & Gamble, Limited Brands, Smuckers and several other corporations have al-ready signed on as founding members of the Collaborative.

To find out how your business can become a part of the Freedom Center

Business Collaborative contactLeslie Mooney at 513.333.7529

In late June, Cincinnati was host to an estimated 20,000 visitors for the 82nd League of United Latin

American Citizens (LULAC) Conven-tion. This organization is our nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy group.

The Freedom Center was privileged to host LULAC representatives for two very special events. The first was a welcome reception featuring live music and dancing, followed by ArtsWave’s production of “City of Immigrants.” Based on the publication by Cincinna-tian Mary Ann Olding, “City of Immi-grants” tells of the arrival of six distinct groups of newcomers to Cincinnati and the struggles each faced. The play also reveals the manner in which each group was helped into and accepted

by the Greater Cincinnati community. The play illustrates the significant role so many of this region have played in ensuring the rights of all.

Freedom Center CEO Kim Robinson and Board Member Alfonso Cornejo, President of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA had the privilege of hosting Vicente Fox, the former Presi-dent of Mexico, and his wife Marta Sahagun de Fox , along with some 60 other guests, including fifteen relatives and family friends of President Fox, whose grandfather was a Cincinnatian. Also in attendance were representa-tives of the Hispanic Chamber Cincin-nati USA, Cincinnati Reds CEO Bob Castellini and Cincinnati Museum Center CEO Douglas McDonald.

President Fox was moved by the Free-dom Center’s new exhibition Invisible: Slavery Today. Because of the human trafficking issues shared by the United States and Mexico, President Fox was quick to suggest a partnership between his new presidential library and the Freedom Center’s Invisible. Discus-sions are ongoing regarding a digital link between the Freedom Center and the library, as well as a smaller contem-porary slavery permanent exhibition within the library.

Calendar of Events“Follow the North Star” Family Activity: Wool Carding - September 17 at 12:00 p.m.The “Follow the North Star” Family Activity Series fea-tures one activity per month to engage children and their families. In this activity, children will have the opportunity to explore and participate in work that slaves often did such as wool carding and spinning. The Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati will host this activity.

Dramatic Readings with Deondra Means - October 1 & 15 at 12:00 p.m. Come listen to Cincinnati Children’s Theater member De-ondra Means as he enlivens some of our favorite children’s stories.

Frank J. Williams: “Abraham Lincoln & Ulysses S. Grant: Forging a Partnership in Battle” - October 15 at 1:00 p.m Frank Williams is the former Chief Justice of the State of Rhode Island and is a Lincoln scholar. His lecture will focus on the fact that neither President Lincoln nor General Grant was prepared to lead as commander-in-chief or general-in-chief at the beginning of the Civil War, but that both had the character and ability to learn and evolve in their respective roles. He will discuss how their political courage saved their careers and their country; and, how each learned from the other, as well as from the bitter combat – political and military – that subsumed each leader.

Teacher Thursday Workshop: Cultural Heroes - October 20 at 4:30 p.m. Participants will learn creative ways to teach about cultural heroes of the Civil War, highlighting the Black Brigade of Cincinnati and its role in the Civil War. Participants will visit Liberty on the Border and begin to develop lessons and activities.

Bad Blood: The Border War that Triggered the Civil War Film Screening - October 29 at 1:00 p.m.In the years leading up to the Civil War, a bloody conflict between slaveholders and abolitionists focused the nation’s eyes on the state of Missouri and the territory of Kansas. Told through the actual words of slave owners, free-staters, border ruffians, and politicians, Bad Blood presents the complex morality, differing values, and life-and-death decisions faced by those who lived on the Missouri-Kansas border in the turbulent years from 1854 through 1860. Shot in stunning high-definition video, Bad Blood is the recipient of two 2007 Emmys.

The “Bleeding Kansas” conflict is a critical part of all Free-dom Center tours and is featured in the From Slavery to Freedom gallery of the museum.

For more information about these and future programs visit www.freedomcenter.org.

Erin Gruwell & the Freedom Writers

The Freedom Writers story, which became a bestselling book and a blockbuster film,

began with a classroom of “at-risk” high school students in Long Beach, CA in the 1990s. From their successes, Erin Gruwell and her students went on to form the non-profit Freedom Writers Foundation, which supports the current conditions and futures of students, teachers and their learning.

In May, a group of educators and au-thors joined Erin Gruwell in speaking with hundreds of students and educa-tors throughout Cincinnati, including a group gathered at the Freedom Cen-ter. The day was centered around the launch of the “Teaching Hope” social

justice project, a new Cincinnati Pub-lic Schools initiative among educators and community partners. The day’s

events at area schools and universities then ended with an evening celebra-tion at the Freedom Center. Guests of honor included Erin Gruwell and two of the original “Freedom Writers,” as well as Freedom Rider Betty Daniels Rosemond.

This program was the result of col-laborative efforts with the University of Cincinnati, the Center for Holo-caust & Humanity Education, Xavier University, Miami University, the Public Library of Cincinnati & Ham-ilton County and Women Writing for Change.

Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Exhibit continued

Opening September 10, and running through January 6, 2012, this exhibi-tion will approach the Civil War with a regional focus, exploring Cincin-nati’s curious place as a physical and ideological border. With only the Ohio River separating free and slave territo-ries, the river valley was diverse in at-titudes and sentiment with Cincinnati as the epicenter. Investigate differing perceptions of freedom, local military actions and how our city was central in this struggle.

Recognizing that Cincinnati served as a microcosm of the entire nation, this exhibition touches on the count-less ways the Civil War affected the region. Hosted in partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center, come see numerous artifacts, archival docu-ments, images, and more. Discover local views on slavery (there were many), see stories of area individuals revealed and find out things about our region you would never imagine.

Learn about the arguments between not only pro-slavery and anti-slavery

adherers, but also between the smaller anti-slavery factions, the Emanci-pationists and the Abolitionists. Be fascinated by the story of Morgan’s Raid, a Confederate military venture that created terror throughout the city and surrounding areas and resulted in the only Civil War battle waged north of the Ohio River. Admire the heroism of the Cincinnati Black Brigade, one of the first organized African Ameri-can military efforts, who fortified the city against the approaching southern forces. Be surprised at the cunning of young college ladies in Oxford, who led double lives as Confederate spies. Be amazed by General William Haines Lytle. Known as a hero in Cincinnati and often referred to as “The Poet General,” Lytle led one of Ohio’s famed regiments and died a soldier’s death on the battlefield of Chickamauga.

Liberty on the Border takes a multi-dimensional approach to presenting the Civil War from the Cincinnati perspective. While the fascinating military exploits are covered, so too are personal stories of civilian contri-

butions, local debates and honorary actions. Approach the struggle that split our nation from the views of our predecessors. Become acquainted with the more intimate opinions on the causes, effects and meaning of the Civil War. Hear, see and read about individual accounts of what the war, both on and off the battlefield, was re-ally like for the Cincinnatian. Experi-ence the Civil War as it occurred in your own backyard. Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Cen-ter to explore Cincinnati and the Civil War like you never have before!

Liberty on the Border: A Civil War Ex-hibit is a travelling exhibit that will be hosted at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, in partner-ship with the Cincinnati Museum Center, between September 10, 2011, and January 6, 2012.

To learn more about the Civil War Sesquicentennial, visit:

www.freedomcenter.org/freedom-forum/index.php/civil-war-150/

LULAC Convention Visits the Freedom Center

Freedom Center & WCET Welcome Freedom Riders

In partnership with local PBS sta-tion WCET, the Freedom Center had the privilege of hosting an au-

dience of 300 for a preview of the Stan-ley Nelson documentary film, Freedom Riders. This is the first feature-length documentary to tell the story of the courageous band of civil rights activ-ists – college students – who risked death by daring to defy the laws of Jim Crow in the Deep South.

Part of PBS’ acclaimed American Experience series in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, the film features testimony from a fascinating cast of central characters: the Riders themselves, state and federal government officials and journalists

who witnessed the Rides first-hand.

Following the film, guests then had the privilege of hearing from Freedom

Riders Betty Daniels Rosemond, who participated as a 22-year-old New Orleans college student; and, Dr. David Fankhauser, who was a 19-year-old Central State University student who spent 42 days in a Mississippi jail for refusing to leave a black-only Trailways waiting room in Jackson. Both told their stories and graciously answered questions about their experiences dur-ing the Freedom Rides. Our thanks to WCET and their partnership for mak-ing this evening possible.

Thank you for partnering with the Freedom Center to educate and inspire the next generation.

Ilyasah Shabazz continued

provided guests with historical per-spective. Following the film, Ilyasah Shabazz delivered a powerful ad-dress to the audience. The daughter of Malcom X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah Shabazz is an author, activist and lecturer dedicated to preserving the Shabazz family legacy of service to humanity. The genuine grace of Ms. Shabazz shone through not only during her presentation in our Har-riet Tubman Theater, but also in the Grand Hall when a bus of 173 students arrived at the Freedom Center.

Seeing the students’ disappointment after missing the program, Ms. Sha-bazz met with them and shared the message she had presented earlier, “Your African American heritage does not begin with slavery in America. It begins in Africa.” Joined by Dr. Nikki Taylor, the duo delivered the message that their African heritage is rooted in a complex civilization, rich in culture.

This powerful afternoon was co-chaired by Danya Karram and Free-dom Center Board Member Shakila Ahmad.

Erin Gruwell

Marta Sahagun de Fox, Vicente Fox, Board Member Alfonso Cornejo and guests