When, in 1879, a bust in his likeness was placed at the University of Rochester, Frederick Douglass wrote: "Incidents of this character do much amaze me. It is not, however, the height to which I have risen, but the depth from which I have come that amazes me." This biography tells the story of his ascent from slavery.

Presents the life of Sojourner Truth, discussing her childhood as a slave, the purchase of her freedom by a Quaker couple, and her subsequent work as an advocate and lecturer for the abolitionist movement.

Describes Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her north to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of slavery.

Provides in-depth analysis of the life, works, career, and critical importance of African-American social reformer, orator, writer and statesman, Frederick Douglass.

Presents the remarkable true story of Ellen and William Craft, who escaped slavery through daring, determination, and disguise, with Ellen passing as a wealthy, disabled white man and William posing as "his" slave.

Born into slavery, Thomas Smallwood was free, self-educated, and working as a shoemaker by the 1840s. He recruited a young white activist, Charles Torrey, and together they began to organize mass escapes from Washington, Baltimore, and surrounding counties to freedom in the north. Men, women, and children in imminent danger of being sold south turned to Smallwood, who risked his own freedom to battle what he called "the most inhuman system that ever...

Readers take a colorful trip into the past to meet three African Americans who left indelible marks on U.S. history. Crispus Attucks was considered a martyr after his death at the Boston Massacre. Formerly enslaved Frederick Douglass became one of the most outspoken proponents of abolition and equal rights for African Americans. Harriet Tubman, also formerly enslaved, became perhaps the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. Together,...