Historian retraces Underground Railroad route for America's 250th anniversary

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, historian Anthony Cohen is undertaking a 750-mile journey to retrace the path of the Underground Railroad. This historic network of secret routes was used by thousands of enslaved people escaping to freedom in Canada. Cohen, who first made this trek in 1996, established the Menare Foundation to create immersive historical experiences about the Underground Railroad.

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Any freedom movement is about putting one foot in front of the other and going for it.

For this commemorative journey, dubbed the "Freedom Walk," Cohen chose a route from Sandy Spring, Maryland, to Toronto, Canada. He meticulously mapped the path using historic documents and accounts, traversing states like Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. While much of the journey is on foot, Cohen utilizes trains that follow historic routes when necessary. "Any freedom movement is about putting one foot in front of the other and going for it," Cohen remarked.

Cohen is not making the journey alone. He has invited Tom DeWolf, a descendant of one of the largest slave-trading families in the U.S., to join him. DeWolf initially hesitated, questioning his place on the walk. Cohen's response, "White people helped," encouraged DeWolf to participate, offering a chance to "write a new legacy for your family." Together, they are using the walk as a platform to discuss the history of the slave trade and the Underground Railroad.

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But I'm a White guy.

The Harriet Tubman Journey to Freedom statue accompanies them on their walk. Cohen plans to cross into Canada on July 1 and reach Toronto on July 4, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary. The Menare Foundation has shared Cohen's itinerary, allowing people to join him at various stops to learn about the history and his journey.

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White people, White people helped. And then he said 'You can write a new legacy for your family.'