A Christmas Journey to Freedom

Image by Ron Cogswell via Flickr

Dandelion Salad

Originally posted Dec. 23, 2009

Day of Discovery

A Christmas journey unlike any you have ever taken before—the first in a series of special holiday presentations with soloist Wintley Phipps, author and professor Dr. Allen Callahan, and actress Gwendolyn Briley-Strand as Harriet Tubman in the dramatic presentation, A Christmas Journey to Freedom.

The year is 1854, a time when America struggled deeply with the issues of slavery. Harriet Tubman, known as “Moses”—a guide to freedom for slaves— learns of a dear friend in trouble.

In 1854, the Underground Railroad was, among other things, an extraordinary partnership across all of the lines that divided people in this country in the 19th century.

via A Christmas Journey to Freedom

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Wintley Phipps on Dec 18, 2021

It was a railroad like no other—a dangerous route from bondage to hope. Journeying along the famous Underground Railroad of the nineteenth century, countless African-American slaves escaped iron-fisted servitude in the South and found freedom in the North. Foremost among the Railroad’s “conductors” stood the figure of Harriet Tubman. Like Moses leading the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, the frail former slave woman guided hundreds to their own promised land, risking her life repeatedly so that others could be free.

The recipient of the 2010 Videographer Award of Excellence, “A Christmas Journey to Freedom” features acclaimed vocalist Wintley Phipps and actress Gwendolyn Briley-Strand as they reenact powerful, true stories of the Underground Railroad that will stir your soul. Journey with Joe (Phipps), a runaway slave, as he follows the courageous, faith-filled Harriet Tubman (Briley-Strand) to freedom in Canada. Including beloved songs such as “O Holy Night” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” sung by Wintley along with insights by historian Dr. Allen Callahan, this 71 minute video is perfect for the whole family at Christmas, and at any time of year.

©2009 RBC Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

From the archives:

Murder Incorporated by David Swanson + To Hell With Manifest Destiny

The Intimately Oppressed by Howard Zinn (repost)

Chris Hedges and Eric Foner: Not Just the History That Those in Power Want Us to Remember

Abby Martin: From 1776 to Trump: White Mobs, Racist Heroes and Hidden History

Chris Hedges and Ajamu Baraka: It’s Been A Bipartisan Effort To Control the Populations of People of Color

Chris Hedges: The History of Oppression of African Americans

Christmas Dawn: The Shepherds Glorified God For All They Had Seen

Scrooge (1935) and Scrooge (1970)

A People’s History of American Empire by Howard Zinn

Drawing the color line by Howard Zinn