The Footsteps to Freedom celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

DORCHESTER COUNTY, Md – The Footsteps to Freedom event, celebrated, at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, put freedom to the forefront of Dorchester County.

Deanna Mitchell, the NPS Superintendent said, that an event like this, inspires people to be true to themselves, “You know whatever our situation is, we are free people, and this event helps us refocus on individuals on that concept, you know Harriet Tubman sought her freedom, we need to do the same.”

The event was about the enslavement of African Americans in the United States. However, it served as a reminder that anyone can make a change even if they don’t live to see the day.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, ushered in a new chapter in the country, written in legislation was the desegregation of schools, and public property, as well as the right to vote for African Americans.

Mitchell said people need to know about their history. “Along the way, we have seen pioneers like Thurgood Marshall, and Frederick Douglass, that have blazed a trail, based on the fact it was all about civil rights.”

Many vendors were at the event, like vendor Anne Jonas who owns the arts and crafts business, Botanique and she said this event signifies creation. “It represents not only the strength of character but a determination that people not only have the rights to live freely but to express themselves the same as well.”

Harriet Tubman, a Dorchester County native, is one of those heroes who showed the strength of character. Although she died, 51 years before the Civil Rights Act, she serves as a beacon of hope for people today. Mitchell wants people to be inspired.

“Harriet Tubman’s legacy is not only cultural but it’s natural because she had to learn these landscapes and navigate them in pursuit of freedom.”

The event will go on tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad.

You can register for Day 2 on the website here.