Andre Gardner's Journey to Freedom project led seven students through a deep exploration of historical events connecting Indiana Hoosiers with the Underground Railroad. Over the course of the semester, students were immersed in research materials (narratives, songs, articles, historical passages, etc.), guest lectures, and discussions centered around contemporary efforts to combat modern versions of slavery.
There were also site visits to the Cincinnati Freedom Center, Levi Coffin House, the Eleutherian College and a field trip to Marion, Indiana. The students then applied the insights gained from these experiences into the creation of an 80-minute, live showcase performance at the Friends Memorial Church in Muncie, IN. The stories for this performance were either adapted from the assigned research material or written as an original piece of artistic work. This project gave the participating students and the Muncie community a greater appreciation for the role Hoosiers played in creating a more equitable country for all.
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