The story of the Underground Railroad is still taught in American history classes. The problem, however, is that the narrative - as most Black records are - has been whitewashed to focus on white abolitionists.
They may have played a part, but it was free Black men and women who funded and MADE the underground railroad function.
History books credit Quaker abolitionist Isaac Hopper as the Underground Railroad’s creator. FALSE. The railroad began by word of mouth from self-emancipated people.
In fact, most of the railroad functioned through these individuals - not white abolitionist groups!
William Still was the most notable African American to help fund creation of the Underground Railroad. He was a free-born Black man and one of the most successful businessmen in Philadelphia. His financial contributions, as well as his bravery, helped an estimated 649 escaped enslaved people find their freedom.
Still, like others, was a station master. These individuals were stopping points for refugees to eat and rest. Station masters provided most of the money - frequently their personal funds - to help ensure escape and freedom for the formerly enslaved.
The American school system teaches a whitewashed, pretty picture of our history. Yet as much as they try to delete our true history and the names of those involved in financing the underground railroad, our true history will never be erased.