Press Release

For Immediate Release	Contact: Michael Kinney
Tuesday, October 8, 2002	Phone: 609-777-2533

Secretary of State Regena Thomas and Paul Robeson, Jr. Celebrate New Jersey's History and Heroes on the Underground Railroad Walk

Princeton, NJ - Secretary of State Regena Thomas, today, joined with Paul Robeson, Jr., the son of one of New Jersey's most distinguished and revered citizens, on the Harriet Tubman-William Still Underground Railroad Walk Across New Jersey. Entering its 10th day, the walk made its way through Princeton, stopping at the Arts Council of Princeton for a special ceremony in honor of New Jersey's rich past and all those, like Paul Robeson, who contributed so much to it.

Thomas said, "With each step I take along this walk, the more honored and the more humbled I am to follow in this sacred footsteps. Harriet Tubman walked underground so I could walk above ground. If not for her, and all those who followed in her footsteps, I would not be here today. The more I learn through this walk, the more inspired I become."

"Along this walk, the story of New Jersey's history and heroes have come to life," stated Thomas. "From Harriet Tubman to William Still to Paul Robeson and beyond, the imprints of New Jersey's past are the foundation for our future."

A Princeton native, Paul Robeson was the son of a runaway slave who went on to become one of the most influential and respected African Americans of the twentieth century. Robeson excelled in academics as well as athletics and went on to receive a full scholarship from Rutgers University, where he was valedictorian and was named the school's first All-American in football. He went on to distinguish himself as a celebrated singer, law school graduate, actor, athlete, civil rights activist, author and scholar. Throughout his life, Robeson turned his talents toward the fight against segregation, racism and fascism. He remains a symbol of righteousness and strength to this day.

After the program, Secretary Thomas led the walk north to the Durga Mandir Temple in South Brunswick.

"The cornerstone of our success is cooperation," Thomas said at the Temple. "That is as evident today as it was on the Underground Railroad. Great things happen when people come together. People can be empowered. Spirits can be lifted. Change can happen. Together, united in purpose, there is nothing that we cannot do."

After visiting the Temple, the walk proceeded to the New Brunswick Public Library, where Secretary Thomas spoke to a group of young people about her journey.

"Harriet Tubman never learned how to read or write, but the imprints she left for us tell a story that will never be forgotten," she said. "As we build bridges to the future, let us never forget the footpaths of the past."

Situated above Delaware and Maryland and between two of the most active Underground Railroad metropolitan cities - Philadelphia and New York - New Jersey was a major crossroads of the legendary network and played a pivotal role in carrying fugitive slaves northward to freedom. In addition the assistance of Quakers and free blacks, along with the establishment of black communities, helped to underscore the importance of cooperation on the Underground Railroad

The Harriet Tubman-William Still Underground Railroad Walk Across New Jersey is named in honor of two of the Underground Railroad's most famous figures, both of whom had strong connections to New Jersey. Tubman, known as the "Black Moses," helped to guide more than 300 fugitives to freedom. A native of New Jersey, William Still was one of the most important operatives in Philadelphia.

The Harriet Tubman-William Still Underground Railroad Walk Across New Jersey is a 180-mile journey from Greenwich (Cumberland County) to Jersey City (Hudson County). From September 29th, through October 13th, this historic walk will retrace the legendary network across New Jersey and highlight the state's history and heroes every step of the way.

The walk will resume at 9:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 9, 2002, at the Mt. Zion AME Church, located at 39 Morris Street, in New Brunswick and travel 7 miles to the Metuchen Public Library, where Secretary Thomas will speak to a group of young people about her journey at 11:30 a.m. At noon, the walk will continue to for another 8.5 miles to the Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway, where it will conclude for the day at 3:00 p.m.