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“Just a Ferry Ride to Freedom” – Black History Film Series

June 13, 2021 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

EDINBURG, Texas – A little known chapter of Civil War history makes for a dramatic story told in “Just a Ferry Ride to Freedom,” a documentary produced by the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.  The film is based on the choice made by enslaved runaways prior to the Civil War, to head south instead of north, to Mexico using another Underground Railroad.  The route to freedom would be longer over treacherous terrain between the Nueces and Rio Grande Rivers.

 

But similar to the one started by Harriet Tubman for those fleeing to the north, heroic mixed race families in South Texas were part of a secret network, helping enslaved men, women and children escape on boats that could easily cross the Rio Grande.

 

“It was just amazing to hear that piece of history happened right here,” said Nick Maddox, the film’s host.

 

A local pastor and an African-American who moved to the Valley over a decade ago from Washington, D.C., Maddox was approached by Rosann Bacha-Garza, a historian and an anthropologist and lecturer at UT-RGV.

 

Food truck court will be available. The movie starts at dusk.  Discussion and Q&A immediately following the film.

 

Admission is free. Limited reserved seating is available at no charge.  Register below.

 

SAAACAM is providing this film series as a public service, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of SAAACAM policy. The airing of the film series does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SAAACAM. The views expressed by the films and guest panelists are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. The film series and subsequent discussions are designed to raise awareness and encourage dialogue around historic events. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact SAAACAM.

Venue

Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo Street
San Antonio, 78205
+ Google Map
Phone:
210.709.4750
Website:
Hemisfair.org