The Midwest Underground Railroad Network, originally established as The Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project, has expanded significantly and now holds national status. Recently, officials announced that the South Holland-based nonprofit has been acknowledged as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom by the National Park Service. This announcement coincided with International Underground Railroad Month, which celebrates historical communities pivotal in the fight for freedom.
Rodney Harrington, the president of the nonprofit, emphasized the importance of this recognition. He expressed that it not only serves as a milestone for the organization but also reinforces its commitment to preserving history, educating the community, and honoring those who sought freedom and bravely assisted in this pursuit.
Several freedom seekers traveled through Chicago’s Southland and along the Illinois Central Railroad. Tom Shepherd, secretary of the Midwest Underground Railroad Network, highlighted the significance of the South Holland area as it served as a route for escaping slavery, guiding individuals towards Chicago and other northern states where slavery was prohibited.
Shepherd noted that the national recognition enhances visibility, placing the local organization among historically significant sites in 40 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. Notable sites include the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington D.C., Harriet Tubman House in Auburn, New York, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia.
This national distinction links MURN’s regional efforts in Chicago, South Holland, northwest Indiana, and neighboring areas to a broader initiative committed to the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of Underground Railroad history.
In collaboration with South Suburban College’s Service Learning Club, the Midwest Underground Railroad Network plans an October 21 festival. This event aims to highlight the Underground Railroad’s history and honor the freedom seekers who forged these trails.
Jennifer Medlen, service learning coordinator and professor at South Suburban College, conveyed the significance of engaging the community in local history. She expressed the importance of revealing unknown connections to the Underground Railroad, emphasizing the value of awareness and personal connection to historical narratives.
The college and the network have partnered before, including engaging historian Larry McClellan in discussions with students on Underground Railroad topics. By involving students in such activities, Medlen believes they gain a deeper understanding of the region’s historical context, allowing them to actively participate in its ongoing legacy.
Medlen encouraged students to express their engagement creatively, noting opportunities for art contributions and poetry readings. Several time slots are available to accommodate extensive student participation.
The free event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the atrium and MB Financial Room at South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland. The schedule includes a meet and greet, poetry readings, an art exhibit, introductions, and spiritual renditions by Lana Lewis. There will be lectures, Q&A sessions, readings about the Underground Railroad, and performances led by Stephen Marc and various historians. Within the event, attendees will also find opportunities to engage with the drum circle led by MURN Vice President Obari Cartman, enjoy music from retired professor Art Burton, and student musical performances.
For more information, contact Jennifer Medlen at [email protected].