The Film: Interview Transcripts: Karen James

Karen James, historian, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, on
role of black sailors
We’re only beginning to understand the significance of the black sailors in terms of giving aid and support to the Underground Railroad movement.  As we study more about individual sailors beginning with the War of 1812, what we find is that the sailors used that freedom they had on the water, not only to help transport people from one place to another, but also to spread the word of abolition and to teach other communities what was going on, not only throughout our region in Pennsylvania, but throughout America and the world.

They were involved in founding abolitionist organizations, they directed people from one safe community to another, and they assumed leadership positions within their communities.

ordinary people

the legacy of Hamilton Waters